Lemon Water And Health Benefits

TEN GREAT REASONS TO DRINK LEMON WATER!

We all know or have been told that drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is especially good for cleansing the liver and to kick start our digestive system, and it is completely true, but lemon water does much more than that. 

Here is the top 10, out of many, benefits of drinking lemon water.

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C and potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH: Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized, so, you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity.

3. Helps with weight loss: To fight hunger cravings maintain a more alkaline diet, this is because lemons are high in pectin fiber.

4. Aids in digestion: It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion, which reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it from toxins, therefore, helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin: Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well, this is thanks to the vitamin C component, which helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes.

7. Freshens breath: The citric acid can kill the bacteria, so it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when your mind and body are subjected to stress, and in the lives we lead, who is not?

10. Helps kick the coffee habit: Normally after a glass of hot lemon water, you don’t crave coffee in the morning. Try it yourself!

The recipe is really simple - a cup of warm water (not hot) and the juice from half of a lemon. Or just put one or two slices of lemon in a glass of water.




A short video on health benefits of drinking lemon water

Joke - Meal Rituals

What people do before a meal:

A: Muslims
B: Buddhists
C: Christians
D: Food Bloggers

Recipe - French Beans Stir Fry With Sichuan Vegetable.

Tender, flexible green beans or snap beans or French beans are a delight of vegetable lovers for their wholesome nutritional values. When cooked, they have a sweet taste.

The lean green vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients. They have a good amount of vitamins A, B and C. In addition beans contain healthy amounts of iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium which are essential for body metabolism.

In this recipe the french beans are stir fried with shredded Sichuan vegetables which can be bought off the shelf. It is already seasoned with a bit of sugar and spice. (see picture). A small packet weighs 80 grams whereas a big packet comes in 200 grams.

This small packet of shredded Sichuan vegetables really add lots of flavour to the dish.

Mince pork and chopped dried shrimps are added for extra flavour. For the extra kick, I added a teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorn.

Ingredients
250 grams of French beans

shredded preserved Sichuan vegetable

50 grams of mince pork (marinate with light soy and pepper)
1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
1 teaspoon of chopped dried shrimps
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn
1 small packet shredded Sichuan vegetables (80 grams).
1 tablespoon of cooking oil.


Method
Wash and cut the beans into bite size.

Marinate the minced pork with light soy and pepper.

Heat the oil on medium heat in a wok or pan till hot.
Toss in the beans and stir fry till cooked, about 2 minutes.

French beans

Set aside.

Toss in the garlic, peppercorn and dried shrimps.
Toss in the mince pork and shredded Sichuan vegetables.
Stir fry till cooked, about 5 minutes

Finally toss in the cooked French beans and stir fry for about 1 minute.
Plate and serve.

Enjoy

 

Get some tips from some videos below.

This 3 minute video on Sichuan green beans do not have the shredded Sichuan vegetables, but you get some ideas on how to cook this dish.



Another great way to cook this dish in this 5 minute video.





This video shows how to cook french beans with shrimp paste or belacan.

No Joke ! Fucking Hell Is A Beer

In Mar 2010, the EU's trademarks authority has permitted a German firm to brew beer and produce clothing under the name "Fucking Hell". It may be an expletive in English, but in German it could refer to a light ale -- Hell -- from the Austrian town of Fucking. 

Source: link

The European Union trademarks authority has permitted a German firm to register the brand name "Fucking Hell" for a new beer, much to the irritation of the Austrian village of Fucking.

In English, the term "Fucking Hell" is just an expletive used to express irritation or surprise. In German, it could refer to a light ale from Fucking in Upper Austria, because "Hell" is a term for light ale in southern Germany and Austria.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fucking,_Austria)

From Google translate: link

In case you are thinking of visiting Fucking, Austria, there are no hotels.

Enjoy this 3 minute video joke




About the town of Fucking, Austria (2 minute video)

Kale And Health Benefits

A short video on how to cook young kale with oyster sauce.

Nice but would have been more flavourful with crispy garlic added.
It is in Taiwanese, a mixture of hokkien and mandarin.

Anti - Depression Food

Food provides nutritional support for the body as it contains essential nutrients, like proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, or minerals. It can aid to manage and prevent many health conditions; both physical and mental that is prevailing among the people. 

At present, society’s most extensive and a life-damaging ill is ‘Depression’ which affects person’s mind and body. There are different causes of depression that impacts all aspects of everyday life including sleeping, working, eating, career, sense of self-worth and relationships. Depression not only affects those who are depressed but also creates problems for their family and friends. You might think of the listing of food which can beat depression.


Eating food or some drinks can help to come out from this situation; blues. A recent study found in the Archive of Internal Medicine suggested that women who drink more coffee have less depression risk. About 19 million Americans are suffering from the disorders of depression each year. Foods are treatment options which can beat depression without taking help of pills because many of the symptoms of depression can directly related to mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

Salmon

Salmon contains more Omega-3 fatty acids, known as EPA that depressed people often lack. Omega-3 fatty acids aid our brain cells to augment and communicate the concentration of two neurotransmitters; serotonin and dopamine which help to regulate mood. The researchers have suggested that people who have lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may have reasonable symptoms of depression. Omega-3 can also improve cardiovascular health and lower the cholesterol level in the body.

Saffron

Saffron, expensive red threads is a powerful for treating mild to moderate depression and is a culinary spice which used in many Middle Eastern dishes. Shahin Akhondzadeh, Ph.D., researcher of Tehran University of Medical Sciences has found that saffron has antidepressant effects comparable to the antidepressants imipramine (Tofranil) and fluoxetine (Prozac). As well, it significantly boosts your mood via raising neurotransmitter - serotonin levels which is required by the brain. The EatingWell Magazine showed that saffron has been used as a mood lifter in traditional Persian medicine; usually steeped into a medicinal tea or used to prepare rice.

Chocolate

Consuming 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate with a high cacao content helps to minimize the level of stress hormones, including cortisol. It is also found in the recent study at the Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland that chocolate helps to stay away people from the stress or depression. Chocolate’s antioxidants may help to lift your moods. You might aware that serotonin is main neurotransmitter in the brain whose levels affect moods. As well, dark chocolates can increase the production of serotonin and endorphins in the human brain.

Carbs

Reducing carbs in diet or totally removing it can have an unintentional outcome: a foul mood. The production of serotonin, a mood altering hormone, is promoted by the carbs and so removing carbs from the diet is the only reason for foul mood, according to the researchers. There is a connection between mood and carbohydrates as the carbs create mood-boosting brain chemical. So, people should opt for smart carbs like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes that all contribute healthy carbs as well as fiber.

Whole grain oats

Whole grain oats help to lower cholesterol and maintain the level of blood sugar which helps to prevent mood swings. The other whole grain like spelt, kamut, and quinoa are good as it delivers brain boosting nutrients and reduces the depression. Whole grain oats contain high amount of vitamin B6 and B1, pantothenic acid, and folic acid which help to stabilize your mood.

Vegetables

It is good to eat range of nutrient foods which kill depression. Dark vegetables such as Peas, Swiss chard, Spinach, Kale etc. are high in folate which produces the large amount of serotonin. As well, it is a good source of vitamin C and Fiber. Nuts, Legumes, and citrus fruits are also good sources of folate which reduce the risk of depression.

Brown Rice

Brown Rice is a low-glycemic food that slowly releases glucose into the bloodstream, and that's why it helps to prevent sugar lows and mood swings. Brown rice contains essential minerals, vitamins B1 and B3, and folic acid which needed to balance your mood.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C and folic acid as well as fiber that stabilize your blood sugar. The use of cabbage protects against the infection, heart disease, many types of cancers, and the most importantly reduces stress. Eat as much possible as fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy to feel better and boost your body vitamins and ultimately you remain healthy; physically and emotionally.

Along with your diet foods, many things can reduce depression such as Positive thoughts, Physical activity, and Have a realistic outlook on life. Beating depression is a long process but nothing is impossible; the thing requires to come out from the depression is passion about problem, meditation and the way you handle it. So, take such type of foods which create mood-boosting brain chemical and follow the instructions of your health care provider to beat depression.

5 Foods That Reduce Inflammation

1. Broccoli
Broccoli is considered one of the most effective anti-inflammatory foods in the world. It contains an abundance of great nutrients that help inhibit inflammation, for example sulforaphane, salicylic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and selenium. They are all excellent healing properties.

2. Wild Salmon
Wild salmon is also one of the greatest anti-inflammatory foods. Salmon is full of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Both are Omega-3 fatty acids; good for eliminating inflammation. The Omega-3 health benefits have been confirmed by numerous scientific studies to be protective against certain cancers, heart disease and even psychological disorders.

3. Turmeric
Turmeric contains a very unique compound known as curcumin. Curcumin has been a popular anti-inflammatory for Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines since thousands of years ago. Studies have proven that curcumin has a positive effect on arthritis symptoms.

4. Blueberries
According to the Journal of Food Science, blueberries contain phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation in tissues. In general, there are significant amounts of refined sugar, carbohydrates, calories and fats in the ordinary western diet. They are all factors for inflammation.

5. Olive Oil
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has published a report, indicating that people who consumed more extra-virgin olive oil has a lower risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis, when compared to people who consumed less. Olive oil has been found to be capable of inhibiting the chemicals in the body that induce inflammation.

Archbishop William Goh Is New Catholic Archbishop of Singapore

Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye (born 25 Jun 1957) took over as the new Catholic Archbishop of Singapore on 18 May 2013 at 6 pm Singapore time.



At the same time, Archbishop Nicholas Chia Yeck Joo (born 8 April 1938) retires and becomes Archbishop Emeritus.

Joke - The Efficiency Expert

An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. "You don't want to try these techniques at home."

"Why not?" asked somebody from the audience.

"I watched my wife's routine at breakfast for years," the expert explained.

"She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. 

One day I told her, 'Honey, why don't you try carrying several things at once?'"

"Did it save time?" the person in the audience asked.

"Actually, yes," replied the expert. "It used to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in seven.

(This little joke reminds me of myself.  LOL)

   

  

Carry Me Out In Your Arms - A Touching Love Story

“When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I have something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but needed a month’s notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month’s duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door every morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife’s divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn’t had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn’t tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me… she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it’s time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I had not noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office…. jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind…I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won’t divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn’t value the details of our lives, not because we didn’t love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce. — At least, in the eyes of our son —- I’m a loving husband….

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves.

So find time to be your spouse’s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

Noah's Ark In Hong Kong

The tourists go in two-by-two: The Noah's Ark Theme Park , complete with life-like animals, sits in front of the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong.

Biblical scale: The Ark in Hong Kong measures 450 ft long and 75 ft wide

Water sight: The Ark also boasts less authentic Biblical touches such as double-glazed windows and a fine dining restaurant

The billionaire brothers who built the Ark in Hong Kong claim it is the only full-scale version in the world

And the imaginative trio even attempted to give the giant boat an air of authenticity by placing 67 pairs of animals at the entrance, as mentioned in the Bible and  saved from the Great Flood.

The creationist-inspired vessel forms part of a theme park near Hong Kong which was inspired by a young girl's scrawled drawing of the mammoth boat.

Architects appear to have used some artistic license in parts of the Ark - for instance including double-glazed windows, a fine dining restaurant and luxurious bedrooms.

Inside, real-life exotic animals can be found - including a nautilus, a toucan and reams of fish.

All lit up: The Ark shines under Hong Kong 's lights as a model giraffe stands guard near the entrance

Authentic: Various fiberglass animals stand outside the Ark to re-create when Noah took the animals on board the vessel

The Noah's Ark Theme Park is now run by Christian organizations, who use it to promote peace and unity. Matthew Pine, manager of Noah's Ark Theme Park, said: 'They had a vision to do something remarkable, something outstanding.'

'They came up with many ideas. Some of them were really  outrageous.'

'But then they came across this girl's drawing, and knew it would be something do-able that captured imaginations. 'So they hired architects and engineers to create the replica Noah's Ark. '

Food for thought: The Ark also includes a sophisticated-looking restaurant as one of its on-board attractions

Bed for the night: Guests on board Noah's Ark can also stay on the Biblical vessel in one of its luxurious hotel-style rooms

Land-bound: The Hong Kong-based Noah's Ark theme park was built in 2009 and is popular among tourists

Matthew added: 'The reason we chose that moment in the Bible's story is because this is the message we want to bring to Hong Kong, to China , to the world.

'In our lives we always face floods, we will face trials, we will face difficulties.
Hopefully Noah's Ark will inspire people to pass through those troubles as Noah did in his day.'

And we need to remember that God told Noah to save the animals of the Earth.  Shouldn't we do the same?

Recipe - Prawn Paste Chicken Thigh (Har Cheong Kai)

This prawn paste (or shrimp paste) chicken is a popular dish in Singapore. The star of this recipe is the shrimp paste which is used to flavour the chicken parts. Typically, the shrimp paste chicken is served deep fried.

The shrimp paste is made from silver shrimps. When raw, it is very pungent (smelly). It is also known commonly as belachan. If you like Singapore Rojak, you will definitely like this dish because the rojak uses the same prawn paste.
The shrimp paste does give a unique flavour when fried.

In this recipe, I use chicken thighs, bone in, skin on. It is convenient; there is no need to chop the chicken into parts. The thighs also make it easy to pan fry. Pan frying saves oil but it does take a little more time.

silver shrimp

Pan frying in low heat also allows the chicken thighs to be cooked on the inside, juicy and tender while the skin is crispy. When properly cooked, the meat will just fall off the bones.

I have tried both the Penang belachan and the Lee Kum kee shrimp paste. Lee Kum Kee shrimp paste has a stronger flavour.

Now we are ready to go.

Ingredients (serves 5)
5 chicken thighs (skin on, bone in)

Marinade
1 tsp shredded ginger

LKK shrimp paste

1 tsp shredded garlic
2 tsp prawn paste
A dash of salt (less than a tsp)
A dash of pepper

Before Frying
1 egg beaten
3 tbs of corn flour (if you like crispy, use rice flour)

Method:

Step 1.
Prepare the chicken
Rinse the chicken thighs
Use a knife and prick or pierce some holes for better absorption of the marinade.

Step 2.
Mix the marinade well.

Penang prawn paste

Add the chicken thighs and mix well
Let the chicken sit for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge

Step 3.
Ready for frying.

Coat the chicken thighs with the beaten egg.
Then coat them with the flour

This is a shallow fry.
So you need about 3 tbs of oil.
Heat the oil till hot, then lower the heat.
Place the thighs one by one in the hot oil, skin side down.
Let them cook slowly over low heat.

It takes about 8 minutes for each side to turn brown.
Turn them over once the skin side turns brown.

Serve and enjoy

 

Watch this 3 minute video from Kitchen Tigress on how she cooks prawn paste chicken.
Not quite the same, but she is good.



Another nice video on cooking har cheong kai




This 5 minute shows how to cook the crispy boneless chicken thigh without the prawn paste.
I think this is just as delicious.

Probiotics And Health Benefits

Probiotics are organisms such as bacteria or yeast that are believed to improve health. They are available in supplements and foods. The idea of taking live bacteria or yeast may seem strange at first. After all, we take antibiotics to fight bacteria. But our bodies naturally teem with such organisms.

The digestive system is home to more than 500 different types of bacteria. They help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food. They are also believed to help the immune system

Besides helping digestion, probiotics also helps to improve mental health, lower cholesterol and improve immune system.

Read more ...(link)

Unusual Job - Cleaning The Cobra Pit

This fellow here has nerves of steel..!!!

Notice the Cobras standing up watching him work . . . 
Whatever this dude's salary is, he definitely isn't paid enough for THIS JOB.
Next time you want to complain about your job, think of this poor fella. This guy is bonkers.

Life And A Glass Of Water

The Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see & asked the students “How much do you think this glass weighs?"

'50gms!'..... '100gms!' .....'125gms' ...the students answered.
"I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor, "but, my question is:
What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?"
'Nothing' …..the students said.
'Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked.
'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the student
"You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?"
"Your arm could go numb; you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!" ….. Ventured another student & all the students laughed
"Very good.
But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?" Asked the professor.
'No'…. Was the answer.
"Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?"
The students were puzzled.
"What should I do now to come out of pain?" asked professor again.
"Put the glass down!" said one of the students
"Exactly!" said the professor.
Life's problems are something like this.
Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK.
Think of them for a long time & they begin to ache.
Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. 
You will not be able to do anything.

It's important to think of the challenges or problems in your life, But EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is to 'PUT THEM DOWN' at the end of every day before you go to sleep...
That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh & strong & can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!

So, when you start your day today, Remember to ‘PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY! '

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Live Well - Take Pineapple For Its Bromelain Enzyme

Although only four feet high, the pineapple plant grows a powerful fruit. This tropical plant blooms with red or purple flowers. The many small flowers meld together as they produce the fruit. Fresh pineapple is storehouse of many health-promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. The fruit is low in calories (provides only 50 cal per 100 g); contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; and is a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre like pectin.

Bromelain is an enzyme that distinguishes pineapples from all other fruits. This enzyme, which our body can absorb intact, has unique and powerful effects to support our health. To reap the advantages of bromelain, be sure to eat pineapple raw. Cooking or canning destroys this enzyme. The tougher circle of cells at the center of the fruit, which is the central stalk or stem, has more concentrated bromelain than the surrounding tender fruit has. Instead of throwing it away, you can cut the stalk into small pieces and put them into a blender to make smoothie where it will be ground up. If you prefer to only eat the soft part of the fruit, you will still be getting bromelain and other wonderful nutrients.

Here are 4 reasons to eat more fresh pineapple:

#1  Bromelain is well-known for its ability to prevent and speed the healing of bruises. These blue-black marks occur when small blood vessels (called capillaries) in our skin are ruptured and blood pools in the tissue under the skin's surface. Some cosmetic surgeons recommend this enzyme to reduce bruising after cosmetic procedures. Bromelain inhibits the formation of the blood clots that can block blood-circulation.

#2  Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that counter a range of chronic diseases and infections. Bromelain has been used to reduce inflammation in arthritis, sinusitis, inflammatory bowel disease, sports injuries, trauma, burns, prostatitis, and swelling after surgery. This enzyme may aid in reducing the effects of toxic organisms in our intestines as well as help antibiotics to work more effectively when we need to take them.

#3  Bromelain works to destroy cancer cells. In fact, bromelain is already used by some clinicians as part of the chemotherapy process. A 2011 study in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Carcinogenesis found that bromelain was effective in suppressing the growth of two kinds of human cancer cells, including melanoma cells. A 2010 study in the journal BioFactors showed that bromelain delayed growth and eventually induced the death of human breast-cancer cells.

#4  Pineapple is full of nutrients in addition to bromelain. Some highlights:

Manganese

Manganese is a vitamin that our body can't produce on its own. We need to find daily sources of manganese from food we eat. Pineapple is a great source of manganese. Manganese is responsible for bone-formation, healing wounds, and keeping our skin healthy. It regulates blood-sugar levels, and helps with the immune system to fight off disease. Regularly eating pineapple will ensure you're consuming enough manganese in your diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a 'water soluble vitamin', which means it doesn't store in the body. We need to take Vitamin C every day in order to replenish its levels. Pineapple is a great source to find a daily dose of Vitamin C. It helps in the formation of collagen which is a protein that grows new skin and blood vessels. Taking vitamin C is also believed to keep away the common cold.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is partly responsible for the development of energy in the body, turning carbohydrates into the daily energy we need. Vitamin B1 is important for the nervous system and muscle functions.