Thanks to Dole Sunshine for partnering with me on this Chinese stir fry rice & pineapple recipe! I am the creator of this recipe and for the description and information that follows. For a full disclosure, click here! Who doesn't love Asian, but you don't want a ton of work and time in the kitchen! Well, this Chinese stir fry rice & pineapple is your ticket to Asia!
Pineapple seems like such a 'desserteee' type fruit, but it's perfect for preparing in savory dishes. And, because it's just so versatile going with many different flavors and textures, you've got a lot of options for using it in your cooking. In the dead of winter, when you don't have availability of fresh fruit, Dole Sunshine canned, jarred and frozen fruits are truly a godsend!
Don't Feel Guilty
Eating pineapple has so many benefits. So, don't feel guilty when you're using this delicious sweet fruit in your recipes. What you're doing is basically boosting the nutrition and health value of whatever you're making. The website Life Science explains it beautifully when it comes to pineapple, and I quote in full:
"Pineapple contains a significant amount of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. This makes vitamin C a helpful fighter against problems such as heart disease and joint pain.
Pineapple may help you keep standing tall and strong. One cup of raw pineapple chunks contains 2.6 mg of manganese, a mineral that's important for developing strong bones and connective tissue, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A 1994 study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
The variety of vitamins and minerals in pineapples have many other health benefits, too. For example, "pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age, due in part to its high amount of vitamin C and the antioxidants it contains," Flores said.
Like many other fruits and vegetables, pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping you regular and in keeping your intestines healthy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
But unlike many other fruits and veggies, pineapple contains significant amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein, which may help with digestion, according to the American Cancer Society. Multiple studies have suggested that bromelain could also be helpful in treating osteoarthritis.
Excessive inflammation is often associated with cancer, and according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase the survival rates of animals with various tumors.
Flores noted that because of their bromelain levels, pineapples can help reduce excessive coagulation of the blood. This makes pineapple a good snack for frequent fliers and others at risk for blood clots.
In addition to having lots of vitamin C, pineapple's bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. So if your cold has you coughing, try some pineapple chunks. Those with allergies may want to consider incorporating pineapple into their diets more regularly to reduce sinus mucus long term."
So, don't feel one iota of guilt when you're creating dishes with pineapple or simply having a few bites of pineapple for a snack. Like most things in life, moderation is the key to good health! And, here's one of my fave chicken wing recipes using Dole's Mandarin Oranges! I promise yummy flavors! xoxo ~ally
- 1 can (20 oz.) DOLE® Pineapple Chunks
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 scrambled eggs
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame seed
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbl. vegetable oil
- 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen Asian vegetables, thawed, can substitute fresh veggies
- 2 cloves garlic clove(s), finely chopped
- 1 Tbl. fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cups MINUTE® Brown Rice, uncooked
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
