You Can Eat This Food to Help Fight Seasonal Allergies

There’s so much to celebrate about spring, but having to conquer your allergy symptoms is not one of them. With all of the medications, neti pots and even essential oils out there promising to help, most of us don’t tend to think of foods as a potential solution. You may have tried hot tea with honey in the past, but now there’s a new—and delicious—remedy to try. Fresh, juicy pineapple could be just what you’ve been missing.

Pineapple’s tropical sweetness just screams summer, and tastes fabulous on its own, but you can also grill it for a healthy and sweet dessert, or even use it for a glaze in a hearty chicken dinner. While the recipes for pineapple are endless, so are its health benefits—especially when it comes to seasonal allergies.

Why Pineapple?

Pineapple is one of the foods that help with allergies. It’s full of healthy vitamin C, but the fruit’s true allergy powerhouse is an enzyme called bromelain. And guess what? This enzyme fights inflammation to help reduce the swelling and irritation brought on by pollen and other seasonal allergens. Bromelain can also be taken as a supplement, although eating pineapple is not only way tastier but in some cases more economical, and may even be more beneficial.

How Does It Work?

When we spend time outdoors and start to feel those symptoms come on, it is because we’re experiencing swelling in our noses. That’s what causes the feeling of not being able to breathe through your nose—and the constant need to keep a pack of tissues nearby.

In addition to allergies, bromelain can even help reduce symptoms of asthma such as coughing and chest tightness by preventing the irritation and inflammation throughout your entire respiratory tract.

To get the health benefits of bromelain, start incorporating pineapple into your meals and notice if your allergies seem to improve. Try dicing some to add to your morning yogurt parfait or smoothie. One of the tastiest ways to add pineapple to a savory snack or dinner is by whipping up a spicy salsa with pineapple, tomatoes, green chilies and jalapenos. And maybe the heat will help clear out your sinuses even more!

So go on and smell the roses, and whatever else a spring breeze blows your way. Just make sure to keep the pineapple handy.

These Tropical Fruit Recipes Taste Like Summer Sunshine

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Pork Roast Cubano

It takes me just minutes to prepare this recipe and the slow cooker does the rest of the work! It's a one-dish meal that's real comfort food for my family. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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Pineapple-Papaya Slaw

This is no ordinary, boring slaw! Bursting with flavor from fresh fruit, cilantro and red bell pepper, guests will rave over this summer slaw for days! For easier preparation, purchase packaged shredded cabbage. If you cannot find papaya, substitute mango. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie

My husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy, pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

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Halibut Steaks with Papaya Mint Salsa

An amazing mix of fresh, zesty salsa and good, smoky flavor—plus 161 mg of magnesium—makes this dish the catch of the day! —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles

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Mango Guacamole

I needed a change from the standard guacamole recipe, so I added mango for more sweetness. It really complements the heat from the chili pepper, and it looks beautiful, too! —Adam Landau, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

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Date Oatmeal Bars

In no time at all, you can treat your family to these bars. They'll never suspect how light the snacks are. —Helen Cluts of Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce

We try to eat salmon often because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. It's easy, but this dazzler with jerk seasoning is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

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Cashew Mango Grilled Chicken

This sweet and nutty chicken hits all the right spots for taste, speed and family appeal. On a rainy day, you can bake it, then finish it under the broiler. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons

I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico

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Island Mango Slaw

The cooling effect of mango and Greek yogurt meets jalapeno spice in this snappy take on a slaw. To ensure ripeness, you may want to buy your mango a day or two ahead. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple

I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Mango Rice Pudding

Mangoes are my son's favorite fruit, so I was ecstatic to incorporate them into a healthy dessert. You can also use ripe bananas instead of mango, almond extract instead of vanilla, or regular milk in place of soy. —Melissa McCabe, Victor, New York

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Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie

Use fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington

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Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey

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Tropical Tilapia

Take a walk on the wild side and venture into the tropics with this one-skillet dish. Cool mint balances the sweet heat from the jelly. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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Macadamia Sunshine Bars

Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

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Spicy Watermelon Salsa

I threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the first bite. You can serve it right away but the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas

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Date-Filled Sandwich Cookies

Of all the cookies I've baked over the years, these have remained one of my all-time favorite. The dough is very easy to work with, and the result is eye-catching. —Debbie Rode, Oxbow, Saskatchewan

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Mango and Jicama Salad

This pretty salad has become part of my regular summertime rotation because of its freshness and versatility—it's great with everything from grilled chicken to seafood! Try it with coconut-flavored vinegar for a fun tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

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Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

When guests bite into these juicy grilled kabobs, their eyes always widen with satisfaction. Our four kids are crazy about the spicy-sweet sauce. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

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Pineapple Oatmeal

Oatmeal for breakfast is a standard item, but I like to mix it up a bit. This version gets some natural sweetness from pinapple juice and tidbits. It is definitely worth trying! —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts

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Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake

My grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

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Shrimp in Mango Chili Sauce

On-hand ingredients make a tasty shrimp entree in a matter of minutes! Try the shrimp over waffles or rice for another yummy option. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi Pops

Kiwi, pineapple, sugar and water are all you need to make these easy, breezy freezer pops.—Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Lemon Date Couscous

Couscous is a great way to deliver bold flavors, and it cooks so quickly. This makes a wonderful accompaniment to all sorts of main dishes. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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Mango Lassi

The lassi, or yogurt drink, takes many forms in India. This is one of the most popular ways to enjoy it. It's like chilled liquid ice cream without all the calories. —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana

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Mango Chutney Chicken Curry

My father dreamed up this curry and chutney combination. Now my family cooks it on road trips—in rain and sun, in the mountains, even on the beach. Adjust the curry for taste and heat. —Dina Moreno, Seattle, Washington

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Panna Cotta with Papaya Coulis

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert that means “cooked cream.” My friend and I developed a tropical version that’s rich, creamy, tangy and so refreshing. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

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Pina Colada Grilled Pineapple

During a cookout with friends, I forgot about dessert. I had a fresh pineapple and coconut, so I improvised. Now I grill pineapple at every cookout. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida

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Colorful Papaya Panzanella

I like to combine fruits with vegetables with homemade croutons to create "pizzazzy" (my new favorite word) side dishes. This one is as pretty as it is delicious! —Kathleen Gill, Pahrump, Nevada

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Pina Colada Molded Salad

My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

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Mango Melba Shakes

When we go camping in our trailer, we like to serve this vitamin-packed, refreshing drink when company pops in. —John Slivon, Milton, Florida

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Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa

Cool, sweet mango salsa melds with the spicy rub on this pork tenderloin for a delicious, bold-flavored main dish. The colors and presentation are elegant. —Carolyn Cartelli, Parsippany, New Jersey

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Kiwi-Pistachio Trifles

Making a extra special and fancy dessert to serve to friends and family is not difficult. This recipe makes it easy and flavorful!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

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Melon-Mango Salsa

After tasting a similar salsa on top of fresh fish at a fishing tournament, I went home and tried to duplicate it. This is my surprising result! It’s terrific with cinnamon pita chips. —Sylvia Fincham, New Bern, North Carolina

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Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail

My beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York

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The post You Can Eat This Food to Help Fight Seasonal Allergies appeared first on Taste of Home.

Carrie Madormo