Sometimes we hear about trends that leave us confused. One that recently struck us as off was that pineapple is the fruit of the summer. It’s not a fruit that’s new to the country; there haven’t been any new discoveries about it. And yet, we keep hearing that it’s the “it” fruit.
While it’s being pushed as a great way to stay hydrated and lose weight, people with blood sugar concerns need to be cautious. It’s true that it contains the enzyme bromelain that can boost the metabolism, but it contains other things as well.
Pineapple has a GI score of 66. A score of 56 to 69 is considered medium, so it’s on the higher end of the medium scale. And pineapples’ GI score can rise to 66 or above as they become riper! Most fruits have a low GI, making them a great snack for people with blood sugar concerns. While pineapple is delicious and certainly isn’t off-limits, it’s not something a person should eat mindlessly. It’s a snack that should be paired with proteins or healthy fats to limit its impact on blood sugar. Dried pineapples and juice are more likely to spike blood sugar. Canned pineapple often contains added sugar, so pick fresh or frozen as your lowest-carb option. And portion size matters!
Everyone’s body reacts differently to different foods. Pineapple contains fiber; some people may not see as much of a spike as others. Pineapple contains healthy antioxidants, manganese, vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, potassium, folate, iron and copper. In addition to boosting metabolism, bromelain can fight inflammation and aid recovery after injuries or exercise.
We’re not sold on pineapple being the fruit of the summer. There are so many wonderful fruits in season! While pineapple isn’t off limits, people with blood sugar concerns do have to be careful while eating. Portion sizes and pairings matter. There are few common fruits higher in carbs than pineapple. While watermelon immediately springs to mind, almost every other easily available fruit has a lower GI score.
Pineapple is a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals. And it’s so tasty while it’s in season! You should absolutely enjoy it this summer! But keep its high carb count in mind and enjoy it as part of a healthy diet. It’s a delicious fruit that’s in season, but it’s not the perfect go-to for people with blood sugar concerns.
