• 1 Oz (about 28 grams): 14 Calories
  • 1 Cup of Pineapple Chunks: 82 Calories

A pineapple is a large, golden skinned fruit with sharp green leaves coming out from the top, resembling a small leaf tower. Pineapples are known for their sweet, tangy taste and are used as a refreshing snack. It should come as no surprise that pineapples are also high in vitamins and minerals. You can find pineapple prepared in numerous ways – as a juice, fresh, sliced, in a can, or as part of a fruit salad.

Fun Fact: Not all pineapples are yellow. Some pineapples can be red and have white flesh on the inside.

The pineapple’s interesting flavor combination makes it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes. Make a fruit salad with it; include apples, blueberries, peaches, grapes, and kiwis for a tasty and low-calorie combination. For another dish with few calories, add pineapple slices to low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. Expect about 45-80 calories from the cottage cheese or yogurt. Additionally, don’t forget you can add pineapple to cakes, pastries, and juice mixes. Pineapple is great for juicing and smoothies as it adds a naturally sweet flavor to balance out the other flavors. Some cuisines add pineapple to their meat for its aromatic properties and sweet flavor.

Pineapple can also be found in cans. This isn’t the best option simply because canned pineapple often comes with syrup, which adds unnecessary sugar and calories. Moreover, many cans contain harmful chemicals that may trigger health issues. So if possible, try to get fresh pineapple as a whole or sliced from the store.

Once a pineapple is picked, it will not ripe any further. Once a pineapple is fully ripened, it’s prone to rotting and bruising. It is for this reason that pineapples are picked before they are fully ripe.

If you don’t already know, the pineapple is a healthy fruit that won’t add pounds to your waistline. It’s low in calories and high in flavor – a winning combination. With only 82 calories in an entire cup, the pineapple is a favorite of those looking to lose weight. Pineapples also pack a lot of soluble fiber, making them perfect for weight loss and the feeling of being full.

This delicious golden fruit contains a high amount of manganese and significant vitamin C (although kiwis and oranges contain much more). Otherwise, it contains small amount of other essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

Fun Fact: The top “plant” part of the pineapple can actually be planted. Once planted, a new pineapple will grow!