Pineapple is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Probably because it contains quite a lot of sugar! But this hydrating tropical fruit is packed with nutrients and contains fiber, which helps to offset spikes in blood glucose. So although there are better choices for reducing overall sugar intake, such as berries, kiwis and cantaloupe, when eaten in moderation, pineapple is a healthy choice – and SO much better than opting for something processed to curb your craving.
So what’s the deal with fructose? Unlike glucose, which is absorbed directly into the blood stream, fructose has to be processed by the liver before it can be used for energy. Too much of a very sweet thing can turn sour and result in a fatty liver, which causes insulin resistance and in turn, type 2 diabetes. High quantities of fructose without the addition of fiber can be damaging to both your weight and heart health. This is why eating the whole fruit is always better than juicing. You’ll consume fewer calories and net carbs, and prevent a build up of fat around your tummy. Aim to eat 2 to 3 (1 cup) servings of fruit per day and avoid high-fructose corn syrup at all costs! If you have weight around your middle to lose, stick to one or two and choose fruits on the lower end of the sugar scale and pair with complex carbs, protein and healthy fats for slower absorption. For example, top your morning oats with blueberries, add strawberries to your plain yogurt for dessert and dip your apple slices (with skins on!) in almond butter as a healthy snack.
Blended with unsweetened coconut and almond milk means you wont be consuming any lactose – which, by the way, also gets converted to glucose – so you will be lowering your carb intake dramatically compared with drinking cows milk. And may I point out that the toasted coconut milk I pair with the pineapple is quite simply divine! If you haven’t yet made the switch to nut milk, you will!
The highlights – apart from pineapples incredible refreshing taste – is that there are just 40 calories and over 50% of your daily intake of vitamin C per half cup. Pineapple is also rich in manganese, an important mineral for regulating blood sugar and contains a digestive enzyme – bromelain – that assists with the breakdown of proteins, helping to soothe the gut and improve absorption. Brilliant bromelain also works as a potent anti-inflammatory, making pineapple a great choice for targeting joint pain & arthritic symptoms.
It’s January and for many a dry month. Relieve your holiday blues by serving in a flute!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pineapple
1 small banana
1/2 cup toasted coconut & almond milk (I use Califia Farms)
Blend and top with chia seeds & nutmeg (and another hunk of pineapple – if like me, you cant get enough!).
enjoy!
