Welcome Spring!
By- Ellen Levine, MS, RDN, EP
We all know that Spring officially begins in March, but it does not feel like Spring until April. Now the days of sunlight are getting longer, the weather is a little warmer and different foods that we associate with this time of year are on our store shelves. My recommendation for the next few weeks is to try a beautiful and delicious golden pineapple. Pineapple has numerous health benefits and has an interesting symbolic meaning. The symbolism behind the pineapple can add to the times shared with loved ones during our holiday celebrations.
As far as the health benefits, the showstopper in this spikey fruit is bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme which helps break down protein and therefore helps aid in digestion. Have a serving of pineapple at the end of a meal or take a bromelain supplement after eating. This helps in the digestive process and wards off any gastrointestinal discomfort. Bromelain is a potent anti-inflammatory. As we know, inflammation within the body causes various problems for anyone, but especially if you struggle with a chronic inflammatory state, like arthritis. Since it decreases inflammation, it also decreases swelling.
Pineapple is a wonderful gift to give or receive as you visit loved ones during Easter, Passover, or Ramadan. If you receive it as a guest in someone’s home the host is showing that you are loved and welcome. If you are a guest and you bring a pineapple to your host you are wishing them good fortune, prosperity, and luxury. This a historical significance since this fruit was available in so few places in the world and the difficulty it would be to deliver it to the receiver.
Pick up a nice green, heavy pineapple and let it sit on the counter for 5-7 days. It will become lighter in color and give off a sweet smell. Then put it in the refrigerator for one day before you cut into it. Any leftovers that you do not use right away, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This is a nutritious replacement for holiday desserts and a tasty “Welcome to Spring” from Mother Nature!