Head to the tropics this summer and enjoy fruits which have health benefits. Live on the land and dine like an Islander on pineapple, mango and papaya.
Let’s start with sweet and popular pineapple. According to Best Health Mag, “Fresh pineapple has a protein-digesting enzyme called bromelain that helps reduce inflammation in your body.”
The marvelous mango contains nutrient-rich carotenoids. A published study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported, “Women with higher carotenoid levels have reduced risk of breast cancer. Carotenoids, which are micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables, have been found to have anti-carcinogenic properties.”
Finally the power-packed papaya which Weight-Loss-Center.net says can help with digestion and weight loss. “[P]apayas are the single source of the enzymes papain and chymonpapain. No other plant in the world contains these natural digestive enzymes that work to break down proteins that have been consumed, and to clean out the digestive tract.”
Below are some of my original recipes containing these Tropical Treats:
PINEAPPLE PANCAKES
• 1 1/2 Scoops of whey protein
• 1 Packet of Splenda or ½ teaspoon Stevia Powder
• 2 Beaten eggs
• 1/2 Cup of regular instant oatmeal
• 1/4 Cup of fresh chopped pineapple
Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix to a batter consistency.
Spoon onto hot, lightly greased griddle or skillet.
Serve with sugar free syrups.
Makes 3-4 small pancakes/1 serving
PINA-COLADA PROTEIN
• 1/2 Cup of chopped pineapple
• 1/2 Cup of water
• 2 Scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
• 2 Tablespoons of natural coconut
• 1 Packet Stevia Powder
Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth.
CHILEAN SEA BASS WITH PECAN PAPAYA SALSA
2 Eight-ounce sea bass filets
1/8 Pound pecans
1/2 Cup sliced papaya
1/2 Yellow pepper
1/4 Yellow Spanish onion
1 Bunch of chopped cilantro
Preheat broiler and broil filets until flaky.
Mix pecans, papaya, pepper, onion and cilantro in bowl.
Top cooked sea bass with fresh salsa mixture.
MANGO TANGO SORBET
* 1 Mango, peeled and chopped
* 1 Cup of water
* 1 Tablespoon of lime juice
* 1 Kiwi, peeled and chopped
* 2 Scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
* 1 Packet of Stevia Powder
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor.
Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Makes 2 Servings.
Sources:
“5 Reasons To Eat More Tropical Fruit – BestHealthMag.ca.” Best Health Mag. Web 30 July 2013.
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/nutrition/5-reasons-to-eat-more-tropical-fruit?slide=2
“Women With Higher Carotenoid Levels Have Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer –JNCI.OxfordJournals.org.”
“Journal of The National Cancer Institute.” “Web 30 July 2013.
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/12/05/jnci.djs627.full
“Digestive Benefits of Papaya – Weight-Loss-Center.net.” Weight Loss Center. Web 30 July 2013.
http://www.weight-loss-center.net/weight-loss-blog/2009/09/digestive-benefits-papaya
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed July 31, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith