Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS

Superfoods: Pineapple, Almonds, Pomegranate and Parmesan Cheese

Pineapple is good for your joints, immune system, endocrine system, digestive system, and more. It is one of the easiest to digest fruits around, and its natural enzymes can help soothe an upset stomach, or finish off a large meal. It contains bromelain, a chemical which is one of the building blocks of joints.

It is high in vitamin C, fiber, and low in calorie, and has little or no fat on it. Depending on where you live, you can maybe get a lot of it fairly cheaply. In addition, it reportedly aids in the smoothing of complexion. It is reported, also, to, when eaten regularly, lend you a nice (or, at least, nicer) body odor.
Pineapple, like all fruit, is high in phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Pineapple contains flavinoids that remain in the body even after being consumed, effectively making you taste better. So, if you are planning on going to a cannibal-party anytime soon and are the guest-of-honor, you may want to do your friends a courtesy and eat a lot of pineapple beforehand.

Pardon my lame attempt at humor.

Almonds may be one of the best foods mankind has had the privilege of having bestowed upon us. It is a source of various nutrients, including calcium and vitamin E. It is an excellent source of the good kinds of fats. Raw almonds are crunchy and nutty and contain a chemical compound that stimulates the feeling of being full. Eating almonds with your meals may help you lose weight by making you feel fuller, sooner.

Almonds are also one of the few nuts that are an excellent source of both protein as well as fiber. Raw almonds are quite good, as are roasted almonds. Raw almonds also contain negligible amounts of naturally-occurring cyanides, which, some research suggests, may help kill off potentially cancerous cells. Almonds are light-weight, highly nutritious, and can have a place in any good trail mix. They also taste great in salads, with green beans, in ice cream, or in various other dishes. They are also good by themselves.

Pomegranate. Pomegranate has long been considered a symbol of life, fertility, and health. And for good reason: pomegranate is one of the, if not the, most potently antioxidant-loaded edibles nature provides. With 3 times the antioxidants as green tea in its juice, a nutrient composition similar to most fruits of the same family (which, unto itself, is also a good thing.), and a taste like strawberry-cherry Kool-Aid, this treat should be widely sought after for a variety of reasons.

Unfortunately, I have had a hard time finding any where I live.
When buying pomegranate, make sure you get it fresh. If you buy the juice, make sure it is pure, and not loaded down with high fructose corn syrup, water, ascorbic acid, and other undesirables. You want the real, pure, thing.
One good vendor of pomegranate juice is PomWonderful. Their site also has some good information regarding pomegranate and its health benefits.

Parmesan cheese is one of my favorite cheeses for a variety of reasons. It is one of the most protein dense and calcium dense cheeses there are, and also one of the most universally available. A 20-calorie serving of Parmesan cheese can contain as much as 7 percent of your DV calcium and 2 grams of protein. It is quite low in fat.
This is about as good as most protein powders, and is all natural.
While most protein powders contain only protein, and oftentimes contain undesirables, such as aspartame, acesulfame-K, sugar, maltodextrin (controversial, but, still.), or other additives, Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein. It doesn’t have a particularly intrusive flavor, so you could sneak it into health shakes and all sorts of things.

Pineapple or pomegranate make an excellent light breakfast or dessert. Almonds make a great mid-day snake or lunch-substitute, if you are on a diet. Parmesan goes great on just about anything. Try it on pancakes, even.

You might just be surprised.