Eating the heart of the pineapple can be a smart way to improve not only nutrition and the digestive system, but also a way to combat food waste. Thanks to being a source of bromelain, the pineapple heart is a perfect ingredient for fighting inflammation, as well as a rich source of nutrients. Professional chef Wen (@wen_comidasaludable) has shared on his Instagram profile a recipe that features the pineapple heart as the main ingredient, which helps with digestion and stomach discomfort. Want to know what it is? Then keep reading!
Pineapple core
After the Christmas holidays and the heavy meals typical of this season, the body needs to return to a routine of healthy eating and physical activity. Some foods are better at fulfilling this function than others, and this is the case with the pineapple core. The center of this fruit is packed with nutrients, specifically bromelain, a unique enzyme with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It not only offers this benefit, but it is also a rich source of fiber, making it a perfect ingredient for improving digestive health.
Wen (@wen_comidasaludable), a professional chef who shares content related to the preparation of real and ancestral food on social media, advocates for the consumption of vegetables and lean proteins through clean cooking techniques. On his profile, he has shared the recipe for the so-called “functional digestive shot,” with the pineapple core as the main ingredient.
Functional digestive shot
Here is the recipe for these shots, perfect for supporting your digestive health and naturally fighting inflammation.
You will need the following ingredients:
- The core of a ripe pineapple (the fibrous central part).
- 1 slice of peeled fresh ginger.
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
- 5 fresh mint leaves.
- Optional: A few drops of lemon juice.
Preparation Method
- First, cut the pineapple core into small cubes to make blending easier, as its texture is more rigid and fibrous than the flesh. It is essential to use this central part because it contains the highest amount of bromelain, the proteolytic enzyme that acts as a powerful ally in breaking down the proteins in heavy foods.
- Place the pieces in a high-powered blender along with fresh ginger, which helps stimulate the production of gastric juices that promote efficient digestion.
- Add a pinch of black pepper, a key ingredient that contains piperine, a compound that significantly enhances the bioavailability and absorption of enzymes in our body.
- Incorporate fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing note and take advantage of their carminative properties, which help relax the muscles of the digestive tract.
- Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and liquid texture, avoiding mixing it with dairy products like yogurt or milk, as the bromelain would pre-digest the dairy proteins before reaching the stomach, altering the taste and reducing effectiveness.
- Serve this functional mini dessert in a small glass immediately after a hearty meal to maximize its benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the core of the pineapple better for digestion than the flesh?
Because the fibrous center contains the highest amount of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins from heavy meals. Additionally, it is a rich source of fiber, which helps reduce inflammation and stomach discomfort.
What benefits do ginger and black pepper bring to the recipe?
Ginger stimulates gastric juices to speed up digestion, while black pepper contains piperine, an essential compound that helps the body absorb and make better use of the pineapple enzymes.
Why should the “digestive shot” be avoided with dairy?
Because bromelain pre-digests the proteins in milk or yogurt before they reach the stomach. This alters the flavor of the mixture and reduces the effectiveness of the shot in processing other foods.
