Fruitsandveggiesmonday Paw Paw and Pineapple

This is my contribution to @lenasveganliving #fruitsandveggiesmonday.

For many years I have loved a combination of paw paw and pineapple when having a plate of fruit.

Pineapples provide great sweetness but are low in calories. They are rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. They are high in vitamin C and manganese. They also are high in fiber and contain an enzyme called bromelain (from what I have researched this is only found in pineapples). Bromelain has potent anti-inflammatory effects so is an important adjunct in fighting many diseases including cancer and digestives disorders. Because of this anti-inflammatory effect it may also help in recovery from surgery and infection.

Paw paws are a sweet luscious fruit. While low calories, they are high in dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, C and E. and also contains small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and niacine. It is also very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes, very high in vitamin C plus A, and low in calories and sodium. The fruit also includes unique ingredients not found or found in limited concentrations in other fruits. Two of these, papain and chymopapain, are enzymes that help break down proteins and convert them into amino acids, making paw paw an excellent digestive aid, reducing bloating and indigestion.

On a side note on a recent trip to Australia I indulged in some of this ridiculously good yogurt. I had this on my fruit while I was visiting. I'm including it because it's the best yogurt I have ever tasted and is vegan made from coconut. I'm not sure where in the world this is available, besides Australia, but I have not been able to find it in the US.