This sticky and sweet tropical fruit is a favorite with children of all ages. The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today. It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual flowerets that grow together to form the entire fruit.
Pineapple is the second most popular tropical fruit, next to bananas. Some people find pineapples as a very luxurious and even exotic fruit. Eating this fruit on regular basis provides immense health benefits.

Nutrient Content
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It’s a very good source of vitamin Bl. It’s a good source of vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and dietary fiber.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

• Vitamin C in pineapples can boost the immune system and prevent flu and common cold.
• Pineapples are rich in mineral manganese, which is important for energy production. It is also known to contain traces of minerals which along with the manganese makes it superior for the development of bones and connective tissue.
• Eating pineapple helps to maintain an ideal body weight. There is no need of worry if you are fond of pineapple and eat more quantity. This is because it has very less fat content in it and has low cholesterol.
• Pineapple is a good fruit for the digestive system.
• A very good source of vitamin C, pineapple offers your body an excellent protection against free-radicals, substances that attack healthy cells.Vitamin C, your body's most important water-soluble anti-oxidant has proven itself invaluable in fighting against and aiding treatment for these conditions.
• Good for Gums- Your gums are very important to keep healthy. By eating pineapple, you are strengthening your gums to make it through the hard years later.
• Pineapples contain a lot of beta-carotene that is good for the eyes and for your vision. Studies show that eating three or more helpings of pineapple a day may lower your chance of getting age-related macular degeneration, the main cause of vision loss in old age.
• Pineapples can help reduce the risk of blood clots due to the bromelain present in the fruit and thereby preventsing heart problems.
• Those who have arthritis pain, eating pineapples can reduce the pain of arthritis and for those who do not have arthritis, pineapple prevents the disease by strengthening your bones and giving extra iron to your bones.

Pineapple Recipes

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients

·          1 frozen banana

·          1 cup fresh pineapple

·          3/4 cup soymilk

·          1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

Method

·          Blend all of the above ingredients in a food processor or blender for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy.

·          Makes about 2-3/4 cups (2 servings)

Piña Colada

Ingredients

·          2 ounces light rum

·          2 ounces cream of coconut

·          1 ounce heavy cream

·          4 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice

·          Slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry

Method

·          Place the rum, cream of coconut, heavy cream, and pineapple juice in a blender, and blend for a few seconds.

·          Add 1/2 cup crushed ice, and blend for another 15 seconds, or until smooth.

·          Pour into an exotic glass of your choice. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.