Pineapple Core – Healthy & Resourceful

Did you know that the core of a pineapple is full of healthy nutrients?

Did you also know that the EPA estimates that Americans throw away $1,600 worth of food each year?

[blockquote size=”full|half|third|fourth|two-thirds|three-fourths” align=”left|center|right”]In honor of Earth Day, The Recipe Redux members were challenged to show how we reduce food waste.[/blockquote]

An easy way to reduce food waste is to figure out how you can use part of a food you would normally toss out. For example, the pineapple core.

Pineapple – Healthy Fruit & Core

At just 82 calories per 1 cup, this fruit is packed with beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin C, Manganese, Dietary Fiber and Bromelian that can aid in –

• Immune System Health
  • High in antioxidants and can help fight cellular damage
  • 1 serving contains 50% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin C
  • Components in the core of a pineapple may help decrease mucus in the throat and nose, assisting in sinus inflammation, allergies and cough suppression
• Improved Digestion
  • A good source of dietary fiber, which helps with regularity and intestinal health
  • Contains significant levels of the enzyme Bromelian, which breaks down protein and may assist in digestion
• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits & Improved Energy
  • Substances in the core are believed to help reduce severe inflammation in certain people
  • Pineapple contains Thiamin, which is a B-Vitamin that plays a role in energy production
• Blood Clot Reduction
  • The high levels of Bromelian found in the core of pineapple can help reduce excessive clotting of the blood because it acts as a blood thinner and anticoagulant
  • It’s possible that this may also increase blood flow to the uterus, making it an ingredient of interest to women suffering from infertility or undergoing IVF treatment

Use the Core – Don’t Trash It

I find the pineapple core very fibrous and a bit tough to eat. However, adding it to smoothies is a great way to get all the great nutrients and flavor.

Whenever I have a pineapple, I slice up the core and place it in a sealable bag. The bag then goes in the freezer. Next time I make a smoothie, I just grab 2-3 slices of the frozen core and pop it in the blender with the other ingredients. It gives the smoothie the same great pineapple flavor, added health benefits and I don’t need to add ice since the core is frozen.

Pineapple Core Spinach Smoothie

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Pineapple Core & Spinach Smoothie

A simple and delicious smoothie that is full of healthy nutrients! Perfect for a post-workout drink or an easy breakfast you can take on the go.

Course smoothie

Cuisine American

Keyword pineapple, pineapple core, smoothie

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Author Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian

Ingredients

• 3-4 slices of frozen pineapple core
• 1 handful of spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 scoop protein powder or 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 2 tsp freshly grated ginger

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

This smoothie recipe is easy to make, tastes great and is full of healthy nutrients! Adding a little protein powder (or greek yogurt) makes it a great post-workout drink or easy breakfast you can take on the go.

Check out what other great tips my fellow Recipe Redux Members are sharing to help reduce food waste…