Maribojoc, Bohol - Ananas Comosus, commonly called pineapple, is a large juicy tropical fruit with aromatic edible yellow flesh wrapped in a tough segmented skin and topped with a tuft of stiff leaves. It is low in fat and cholesterol, high in vitamins A, B, C, potassium, manganese, copper, and a variety of other minerals and nutrients that our body needs regularly.

Here are some health benefits of pineapples that you are probably unaware of:

• Fight cell damage and prevent joint pains and heart diseases
• Great treatment for sinusitis, allergy swellings, asthma, colds, and coughs – Drink pineapple juice immediately when you feel sick because it contains a high level of anti-inflammatory bromelain and Vitamin C
• Reduce excessive coagulation of the blood (the power of bromelain – one of the nutrient contents of pineapple)
• Protect the health of your eyes – due to the contents of pineapple that is high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and a lot of beta carotene
• Boost your ability to deal with stress efficiently
• Loads of antioxidants – pineapples can prevent some types of cancer
• Keep your teeth strong and healthy – thanks to the astringent agents in pineapples that can help to fix loosening of teeth and even prevent oral cancer
• Prevent you from strokes and atherosclerosis
• Promote better digestion

This sweet and a little bit citrus-taste fruit can be added in recipes as a delicious and healthy ingredient like chicken adobo with pineapple chunks, roasted chicken with pineapple, pineapple grilled pork, ham with pineapple, and more. You can also use pineapple juice as a refreshing beverage instead of unhealthy soft drinks.

How to store your fresh pineapple? A ripe, whole pineapple will last for about 2-3 days on the counter. Once cut, it can be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 6 months or longer. It can be kept on its own or in juice form.// ND II, Annie Claire B. Añasco