Pineapple smoothies... anti inflammatory, detoxifying and nourishing..


Pineapples are a pain for many to include in the daily servings of fruit. Peeling the tough skin which might prick a few splinters in your palms is no fun.

But once you peel the fruit with a sharp knife or using  a smart instrument , the fruit is a delight to have around. The peeled and cubed or sliced fruit freezes well for a couple of days and makes sense to include in salsa, salad or a smoothie.

It's not a fruit to have everyday for me, just because of the chaos it brings with it. I must admit I love this fruit so much I have indulged in buying it from vendors who sell cut fruits in the market places. Otherwise the cut fruits are a strict no for me. I remember once I bought a packet of cut slices of pineapple in a local train in Chennai and gobbled them up quickly, imagine someone doing that while struggling for a foothold in a crowded train.

My logic for pineapple , to be enjoyed even as a cut fruit is the enzyme Bromelaine, which would kill any contamination. Yes the enzyme is an Anthelmintic , bacteria and fungal spores would not survive on such a meat tenderiser. It is a great meat tenderiser too did I mention?

The Bromelain helps in digesting proteins in the digestive system and is touted as a slimming agent too.

I don't believe in the slimming agent theory, but it surely mobilises the nutrients to the right places and acts as a great anti inflammatory food. 

So if you feel muscle fatigue, any kind of muscular pain after heavy sessions of strength training, Pineapple might be the answer for you. Being packed with antioxidants like Vitamins A and C is another added benefit. Soluble and insoluble fiber, Magnesium and Copper make this fruit even more valuable.
Read more about the health benefits here.

The smoothie is a great way to include one or even two serving of daily fruit in one go. And you can include a few of those ingredients which you wouldn't eat otherwise. Think Aloe vera and Celery being eaten raw. I love raw celery too in salads but liquidising is easier than chopping and assembling sometimes.

Aloe vera is rarely eaten by anyone on their own, though it's a neutral flavor when consumed fresh. Exposed to air, the pulp or gel becomes slightly bitter but is still safe to eat or drink..
It has many heath benefits, discussed in detail here.

All three ingredients of this smoothie are anti inflammatory and act as good toners and conditioners of the digestive tract. Very refreshing at the same time.

A cup of small pineapple cubes or 2 slices, one large rib of celery (I used 2 as my garden celery is thin) with all the leaves and a one foot long leaf of Aloe (about 1/2 cup of freshly peeled gel)...all liquidised in a blender and consumed fresh.


The smoothie is so refreshing I felt like clicking another picture when I emptied half the mug. There is no trace of Aloe vera, taste wise . It definitely adds to the texture , the Celery gives the smoothie a really refreshing kick.

I replaced Celery with another anti inflammatory herb, ginger root. Added about an inch piece of peeled Ginger root to the same proportions of Pineapple and Aloe vera as above ( 1 C Pineapple and 1/2 C Aloe vera) And this smoothie is great too. Aiding digestion and easing out muscular pain.

Taste wise you would like this Ginger version if you love Ginger otherwise too. If you like the refreshing taste of Celery more, you can always add Celery. Or may be some Mint or even some fresh Coriander leaves and stems. Anyways a refreshing drink it will be.

Pineapple smoothies are a part of every kind of detox regimes and I rely on it a lot too. Many people think of it just as a flushing tool to undo overeating the whole week. It is a lot more than that believe me. If taken twice a week it would keep the digestive tract right on track. 


It would mobilise all the good nutrients you eat and would also ease the pain in your muscles after heavy workouts.

Isn't that worth? Would you still mind peeling a pineapple?

Comments

  1. I have been craving pineapple; this would be such a delicious and healthful way to satisfy it. I will be trying this soon. Thank you!!

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    1. So glad you liked it Katy, It's really yummy.

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  2. Replies
    1. Yes Rebecca. I love this fruit and am peeling and cutting one more today :-)

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  3. interesting.....i drink lots of pineapple juice....so would love to make this....but dont know if ill get aloe vera ...

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

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    1. Pineapple Juice is sacrilegious Sush. Do not strain it, drink it whole.. the juice, the fiber and everything that it comes packed with.

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  4. Looking at the pics and going through the post, I guess would start buying and having pineapple :-P

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  5. refreshhing and summers are coming so looking forward to such refreshing drinks :) thank you

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  6. I have loads of pineapple on me right now. But I do not have celery!!! :-( will rectify that right away.

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    1. The thought of loads of pineapple makes me instantly happy :-)

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  7. Honey, how are you? I haven't been around in ages.

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    1. Hey..I am good Cynthia , Thank you. How have you been?

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  8. The digestion part took whatever mind wasn't occupied with the lovely, lush, cool looking pictures of the juice. Buying some pineapple right away.

    What's the funda on digestive tract on track? I should be able to give this to the kids without worrying, right?

    Thanks, Sangeeta.

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    1. This is something you would love after a festive season, after a party or when you have binged all day on bread and butter only. This smoothie cleanses unwanted burden that way ;-)
      For the kids, smaller mugs, smaller portions. first thing in the morning , it is Anthelmintic(kills stomach worms) so all the more beneficial for kids too.

      Thanks Sangi. Glad to have you here.

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  9. This looks so tasty. And I wasn't aware of all the benefits of pineapple, thanks for sharing. I'll have to try this soon.

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  10. Though the pics are quite inviting but the thought of aloevera...:)
    Any other combination that goes for pineapple smoothie to be the first thing in morning, specially for kids?
    Regards,
    Harshika

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