Pinapple Stems

A while back I discovered that there are some great healing qualities in the stem of the pinnapple....yes it's true. If you pull the green leaves  off the pinnapple you will find this yellow stem under all the leaves. You have to be a little determined to get to it because some pinnapples have a lot of the green leaves. But after you have done a few it's a piece of cake!

Back in 2005, Australia's Queensland Institute of Medical Research discovered anti-cancer molecules in the "Pinapple Stems". Two specific phytochemicals CCS and CCZ appear to stimulate the immune system to target and eleminate cancer cells.  While studying bromelain, a rich source of enzymes that is derived from crushed pineapple, they discovered these anti-cancer molecules, CCS and CCZ proteins, and found that they block the growth of a broad range of tumor cells, including breast, lung, colon, ovarian, and melanoma.
Not only is the stem great for you but the friut of the pinapple is as well. As I just mentioned pinapple is rich in bromeian, a group of sulfur containing protein-digesting enzymes that not only aid in digestion, but can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling.  But the truth is, that the majority of the bromeian is in the stem. In clinical human trials, bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflamatory effects, reducing swelling in inflamatory conditions such as acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis, gout, and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery. The best way to eat pinapple is by itself between meals, or its enzymes will be used up digesting food. Enzymes reduce inflammation and dissolve poisons we don't want in our body.

Here is a picture of my pinapple this morning. I pulled the leaves off and what is left is the yellow stem. I cut off the yellow stem before I cut up the pinapple, then I throw it into my protein drinks in the morning. It really has no taste. But you can throw it into any type of drink that you are blending up. I think that if you struggle with allergies and inflamation, this would be a great thing to add to your diet. Never mind the cancer fighting qualities!!

Ohhh, and a couple more things....my daughter Hannah is now going to be a writer for Real Raw Women. So stay tuned for some great blogs!!

Also, my daughter Melissa has an amazing website www.spunirtha.com  Make sure you check it out!!!

Until next time,
Jan