The pineapple is a naturally sweet refreshing fruit. I came across some very interesting information according to Cleveland Clinic regarding pineapples.

Provides Plenty of Nutrients

Pineapple is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. One cup of pineapple chucks will deliver;

Vitamin C: You will get about 1/3 of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C, which aids growth and repair. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system and may also help fight cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

Fiber: Nearly 10% of your daily fiber needs are in one cup of pineapple.” Fiber is necessary for a healthy gut and can help stave off hunger.”

B Vitamins: Pineapple gives you a healthy dose of several B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate. These nutrients help your body process energy from the food you eat. They’re also critical to forming new red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.

Various minerals: Pineapple contains various minerals your body needs for proper function, including copper, potassium and magnesium.

Promotes Tissue Healing    

Pineapple is the only food known to contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps your skin and tissues heal. Consuming bromelain from pineapple might also help your skin heal after surgery or injury.

Fights Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in our body to help fight off illness, but too much inflammation, especially over long periods of time can lead to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer according to Zumpano with the Cleveland Clinic. The anti-inflammatory power in bromelain can help fight inflammation. Of course, eating pineapple isn’t a cancer-free guarantee. Eating lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, including pineapple, is a good way to help prevent cancer and other health conditions according to Zumpano.

Aids Digestion  

Pineapple contains a significant amount of fiber, which is associated with better digestion. Bromelain is also thought to aid in digestion, though there’s not enough scientific evidence to say for certain.

Pineapple is a sweet and refreshing fruit. If you can spare the calories this is a very good recipe which calls for only 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.

Ingredients:

8 whole Nilla wafer cookies

8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened

20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained and squeezed of liquid

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Nilla wafers for serving

**Keep your liquid from the pineapples to add to a smoothie.

Blend the Nilla wafers in a food processor until finely ground. In a medium bowl, with a handheld mixer beat together the cream cheese, pineapple, powdered sugar, Nilla wafer crumbs, and vanilla until well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, then let it soften a bit at room temperature. Serve with Nilla wafers and enjoy!

This deliciously juicy, flavorful Grilled Turkey Burger recipe will quickly become your go-to-grilling recipe. It is quick, easy, and dependable. --- Beth Pierce

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs. ground turkey (not turkey breast)                        Condiments:

1/3 cup of breadcrumbs                                                      cheese, pickles, mustard, lettuce,  

1 egg                                                                                   tomatoes, and whatever you desire

1 tbs. mayonnaise

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp. onion powder

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Vegetable oil

Preheat the grill to 400 degrees.

Mix the ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Shape the mixture onto four patties and spritz with a little oil on both sides of each burger.

Grill for 5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3 – 4 minutes or until the burger reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees or higher. Turkey burgers should always be cooked to well done. Top with your favorite cheese and add as many condiments as you desire.  Our family enjoy poultry and this is one of my favorite recipes. Thanks Beth Pierce.

--- Beth Pierce, Author

Ingredients:
8 large ears of corn 1 chipotle chile in adobo
1/2 cup fresh cilantro 2 tsp minced garlic
1/3 cup low fat mayonnaise 1/2 tsp ground cumin
3 tbsp lime juice 1/2 cup crumbled feta
1 tbsp olive oil

Set grill to medium-high. Shuck the corn. Grill 10-12 minutes, turning frequently until charred in spots. Transfer to a large platter or cutting board and cover with foil. Let stand.
In a food processor, pulse the cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, oil, chipotle, garlic and cumin until smooth. Season with salt. Transfer dressing to a large serving bowl.
Cut corn kernels from each cob and add to bowl with dressing along with feta. Toss to combine.
The corn can be grilled up to a day ahead before using in the salad.