There are 74 calories in pineapple per cup (155 grams). Pineapples are a great alternative to a sugary dessert due to their sweet taste. You can eat pineapples many different ways: fresh, frozen, in heavy or light syrup, crushed, chunked, wedged, speared, or sliced. Pineapple calories vary depending on how it is served. They can be served on their own or to make a dish look appealing and complement the flavor. There are hundreds of types of pineapples but there are four main groups: Smooth Cayenne, Abacaxi, Red Spanish and Queen.

Smooth Cayenne is the most popular of all varieties. Like a pineapple fresh from the tree, the Smooth Cayenne pineapple grows to be the largest at four to ten pounds. It has a very low fiber content, rich sweet flavor and is very juicy. For those who suffer from high acidity stomach issues but still love pineapples, Smooth Cayenne pineapple has a very low acid content, so it would be tolerable on the stomach. It is mostly used for canned pineapple.

Abacaxi pineapple, also known as pernambuco, is very tender compared to the varieties. This fruit weighs from two to eleven pounds. The abacaxi pineapple is known for its delicious flavor. This pineapple plant is highly resistant to disease.

The Red Spanish is slightly smaller than other pineapples, as this pineapple only reaches about three to six pounds. It is resistant to fruit rot, but is more susceptible to plant diseases. The Red Spanish is a very tasty pineapple.

The Queen pineapple is the smallest of the pineapples, weighing between one and two and a half pounds. This variety is very aromatic and juicy. Along with the Abacaxi, the Queen is also resistant to disease and cold. Queen also has some fiber content which is good for a high fiber diet.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Pineapples are an excellent source of multiple vitamins, manganese, bromelain, copper, and dietary fiber. Pineapples help with protein digestion and may help prevent blood clots. The bromelain content in pineapples has been found to be helpful in reducing swelling, helping sinusitis, sore throats, arthritis, and gout. Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C, which helps protect your body against free radicals that attack healthy cells. In addition to protecting the cells in your body, vitamin C is an excellent source to help fight colds and flu. The manganese and vitamin B1 found in pineapples provide enzymes in the body for energy production. Research has found that some of the molecules in the pineapple stem are beneficial in protecting against types of cancer such as ovarian, breast, lung, colon, and skin cancers. Incorporating pineapples into your daily diet helps fight bronchitis, dyspepsia, constipation, arthritis, and prevents nausea caused by morning sickness and motion sickness. Fresh pineapple juice has been used to kill roundworms.

How to store pineapples

Once you’ve cut your pineapple to your liking, store your fresh pineapple in an airtight plastic container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for a day or two. If you want to freeze the pineapple, cut it into small pieces and freeze them in airtight freezer bags until ready to serve.

healthy pineapple recipe

Pineapple Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vanilla Haagen-Dazs low-fat frozen yogurt

• 1 cup fresh pineapples, cut into small pieces

• 1/2 cup bananas, cut into small slices

• 1/2 cup skim milk

Blend banana and milk in blender until smooth. Slowly add the vanilla frozen yogurt, along with the pineapple chunks. Mix on low heat briefly. For in your favorite cold cup and enjoy your healthy drink.