Delicious Pineapple Enzymes

After a steady diet of celebration foods, you might feel like your body needs a boost. I do. And if you can add enzymes that heal, all the better.

Bromelain is the enzyme found in Pineapple, it helps digest proteins. This particular enzyme is used to reduce pain and swelling, help clear sinus infections and aid in the healing of colitis. All very helpful during this winter, holiday month.

Lactase is the enzyme found in any fermented milk product. The fermentation process turns lactose into lactase. It helps people with a lactose intolerance and is good for digestion.

So here's a recipe using yogurt and pineapple that will pick you up the morning after a big holiday meal. You could add a scoop of dairy-free Coconut Ice Cream instead of the yogurt for a light and delicious dessert.

Pineapple Smoothie

(check out www.recipes.prevention.com for this and other healthy recipes)

FROM:  EAT UP SLIM DOWN ANNUAL RECIPES 2005 

This decadently thick drink satisfies my desire for ice cream. Sometimes I vary it by adding coconut flavoring or chunks of strawberries.

Photo: Mitch Mandel

INGREDIENTS

Serves:   Prep: 5min Cook: 0min Total: 5min

• 1 cup low-fat or light vanilla yogurt
• 6 ice cubes
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender, combine the yogurt and ice cubes. Blend, pulsing as needed, until the ice is in large chunks. Add the pineapple and blend at "whip" speed until smooth.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS PER SERVING

CALORIES	282.7 CAL
FAT	3.3 G
SATURATED FAT	2 G
SODIUM	167.1 MG
CARBOHYDRATES	53.4 G
TOTAL SUGARS	48.2 G
DIETARY FIBER	2.2 G
PROTEIN	12.9 G

Pumpkin Parfait

Pumpkin and other orange winter squash contain plenty of Vitamin A--great for vision. They're full of antioxidants, which increase immune function, lower heart disease and increase brain function. Pumpkin is good for the skin since it adds hydration and elasticity.

Today I thought I'd repost an old blog with this simple pumpkin dessert. Enjoy!

November 2, 2011.
Here's a great pumpkin recipe I found at Simply Organic. If you've read my blog for a long time, you know I rave about the benefits of yogurt and other fermented foods. That combined with the health benefits of pumpkin and we have a delicious, health-inspiring dessert.

Pumpkin Parfait

 This creamy concoction is a proven winner. No need to spend hours in the kitchen to impress a crowd — this dessert is a cinch to make and yummy to boot.
 Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces each) pumpkin puree (or use the flesh of a pumpkin you roasted in the oven yourself)
1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
3 tablespoons Milk
1/4 cup Sugar
38 ounces (one 32-ounce container plus one 6-ounce container) Vanilla Yogurt
1 1/2 cups granola with raisin.

Directions

In a bowl, stir together pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, milk, and sugar. In 12 small bowls or ramekins, layer the pumpkin mixture and yogurt. Sprinkle with granola.

Chef Suggestions

Instead of making individual portions, layer in a trifle dish.