Pineapple Smoothies, Core Included

Daniel and I love pineapple smoothies. Sometimes we have them as easy breakfasts or lunches when we've got a busy day. They taste good and give us energy. But they do a bit more than that.

The secret to our smoothies is that we include the core, which contains a high concentration of bromelain. Bromelain is known to reduce inflammation, and in our experience, it really works. We find that it works as well as a regular dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Your results may vary.)

A powerful blender may be required for the hard pineapple cores. We use a Vitamix, which is one of the toughest home blenders available. Be warned, if you use a regular blender, it may break. Using a strong blender will also give your smoothie an airy, whipped texture. Pineapple tends to froth up a lot, especially when the fibrous core is included.

A frothy glass of whipped pineapple smoothie for pain relief.

Variation 1: Sweet Pineapple Protein

1 cross-section slice of a pineapple, 1 inch thick, including core
1 scoop protein powder
1 1/2 cups water

This smoothie is for those days when we're sore after a long hike, intense workout, or even just from sleeping funny. In addition to the bromelain, the protein helps rebuild muscle.

Variation 2: Pineapple Spinach Whip

1 cross-section slice of a pineapple, 1 inch thick, including core
1/4 cup spinach, tightly packed

1 cup whole milk

This smoothie works as a meal replacement. It's important to use whole milk as opposed to skim, as it will keep you full and make the vitamins in the spinach and pineapple more easily absorbable by the body. A meal replacement is no good if you end up eating afterward. The fiber in the pineapple core and the spinach is also very filling.

If you really don't like the taste of spinach in smoothies, you can omit it and this will still be a great power smoothie. It will be more like the Dole Whips at Disneyland.