I've already seen that people are coming in with coughs and sniffles, sinus congestion and ear infections. It's time to help our bodies by creating an environment, as much as possible, where health can dominate those pesky symptom causing bugs.
Did you know that Pineapple is 500% more effective in relieving a cough than traditional cough syrup? It's true. One can eat pineapple raw, use it in juicing roast it and serve it with vegetables, use it in smoothies or sip warm tonics made with it.
Warm Pineapple Tonic
This is a great way to use up the inner hard core when you are slicing fresh pineapple for eating. Simple put any inner cores you removed from the pineapple, along with 1 cup of fresh pineapple, covered by 2 c of water in a pan, and allow to bring to a slow boil, and remove just before a full boil. The slow boil will be a good amount of time for the properties of the pineapple to be pulled out into the water, and stopping just before boiling allows the temperature to be hot, but not enough to kill the living enzymes in the pineapple. Cinnamon can be sprinkled in for another boost of flavor and cardiovascular health, as well as slices of lemon or lime to change the taste and receive powerful antioxidants and detoxifiers. Add a Tbsp of local honey to soothe a sore throat or raspy cough.
Pineapple also has Bromelain, which is a powerful natural enzyme for better digestion and anti-inflammatory action. According to WebMD, it has traditionally been used to reduce swelling, particularly of nose and sinuses. Bromelain reduces pain and known to have anti-cancer properties. As a culinary ingredient, the bromelain in pineapple makes a great meat (or meat substitute) tenderizer.
Pineapple can be frozen and taken out cube by cube to thicken smoothies, to add to cakes and muffins, or toss with vegetables and roasted.
Pineapple also makes a powerful stand against macular degeneration, probably because of the high Vitamin C content and antioxidants.
Because of the enzyme content, high Vitamin C and antioxidants, pineapple is also extremely effective for skin health. Skin tone can look more even, skin turgor can smooth out, make skin soft, smooth and flexible, and tone down acne. And yes, it is used both topically and internally! Here's another skin specific juicing recipe you might want to try.
There certainly are many reasons to start including pineapple into your meal plans. And just for fun, here's a recipe for your next birthday, celebration, coffee time, or just because you want to eat cake.
Pineapple (So Good, You Won't Know it's Healthier)Sponge Cake
In a 12" round or 9 by 12 baking pan, melt/brown:
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup butter
4 Tablespoons honey
Add 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks and 1/4 dates, crumbled or chopped small
(walnuts or pecans may be sprinkled on the bottom of the pan, optional)
Make the batter:
4 eggs
1 cup gluten-free sourdough starter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
dash salt
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup agave
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup coconut oil/ butter melted
1 1/3 cups gluten-free flour blend
up to 1 cup of a milk alternative (coconut, hemp, soy, almond, etc) The amount is going to vary, depending on your sourdough starter.
Mix all together until smooth. Add in the milk until the batter is like a smooth thick cake batter, as usual.
Bake 350° for 40 minutes.
