The scientific name of pineapple is Ananas comosus. It is an incredibly delicious and healthy tropical fruit which originated in South America. Due to its resemblance to a pinecone, early European explorers named it Pineapple.
Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Pineapples are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are especially rich in vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is essential for growth and development, a healthy immune system and aiding the absorption of iron from the diet. Manganese is a mineral that aids growth and maintains a healthy metabolism. Pineapples are a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Pineapples contain bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes that breaks down proteins. This may aid digestion, especially in those with pancreatic insufficiency.
Pineapples are delicious, accessible and easy to add to the diet. Having a Pineapple smoothie for breakfast is great to start a day. Here are some healthy and delicious recipes for pineapple smoothies. you can add low fat ice cream instead of yogurt, any type of milk instead of cow milk and use a high power blender when making pineapple smoothies.
01. Pineapple banana and yogurt smoothie
Ingredients :
- A ripe pineapple
- One banana cut in half
- ¾ cup of yogurt
Instructions: Peel the pineapple and cut it into halves and make 1 ½ cups of pineapple juice from one half and make 1 ½ cups of pineapple chunks from the other half. Freeze the pineapple chunks. Place pineapple juice, frozen pineapple chunks, banana and yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into two glasses and serve.
02. Pineapple banana and coconut milk smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of lite coconut milk
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp of honey
- ½ tsp of vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions : Place the ingredients into the blender ( high-powered blender). Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the ingredients are blended and the mixture is smooth but thick. Serve immediately!
03. Pineapple green smoothie
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (coconut milk is also ok)
- ⅓ cup yogurt (nonfat plain yogurt is ideal to make the smoothie more healthier)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen banana slices (about 1 medium banana)
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons of honey (optional)
Instructions: Add almond milk and yogurt to a blender, then add spinach, banana, pineapple, chia seeds and honey (if using); blend until smooth.
04. Pineapple Passion smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks
- One orange
- One passion fruit puree
Instructions : Peel orange and separate into sections. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend, 3-4 minutes. Add 2 cups of ice and blend until smooth, 3-4 minutes. Strain if you like. Pour into two glasses and enjoy!
05. Pineapple mango smoothie
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup of frozen mango slices
- 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple slices
- 1/2 cup of yogurt or low fat vanilla ice cream
- 1/3 cup of Milk
- 4 Ice cubes
- 1 tsp Honey (optional)
Instructions : Add all the ingredients in a blender and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
06. Pineapple ginger smoothie
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of frozen pineapple slices
- 1/2 cup of yogurt or low fat vanilla ice cream
- 1/3 cup of Milk
- 1 tsp freshly ground ginger
- 4 Ice cubes
- 1 tsp Honey (optional)
Instructions : Add all the ingredients in a blender and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. Pour into a glass and enjoy!