What Is Pineapple Juice?

Pineapple juice is the sweet and delicious juice squeezed from the tropical pineapple fruit, which bears the scientific name Ananas comosus. This sugar-rich fruit is originally native to South America, specifically Brazil and Paraguay, but it has since spread throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and other tropical regions where the plant can thrive.

Pineapple Juice Nutrition Facts

Pineapple juice is loved for its sweet and refreshing taste, but many people don’t realize how packed with healthy nutrients it is.  It is rich in bromelain, a key enzyme for protein digestion. As per the USDA, unsweetened and undiluted frozen pineapple juice consists of vitamin A, B family vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, carbohydrates, sugars, and dietary fiber. 

Many commercially available varieties of the juice also have additional vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to improve the color and flavor of the juice. All of these nutrients, as well as various antioxidants and phenolic compounds, provide the many benefits associated with this tropical drink.

15 Pineapple Juice Benefits

Regularly drinking pineapple juice is beneficial for people struggling with high blood pressure, low metabolism, depression, anxiety, mood swings, nutrient deficiencies, constipation, and indigestion, among others. The benefits of this juice are mentioned in detail below.

1. Lowers Blood Pressure

A study published in the Biotechnology Research International journal suggests that pineapple contains bromelain, which is helpful in regulating blood pressure levels.  Also, the high level of potassium found in pineapple juice makes it an excellent remedy for high blood pressure. By acting as a vasodilator, potassium can help reduce hypertension and protect overall cardiovascular health by reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

2. Boosts Immunity

Studies suggest that pineapple juice is rich in vitamin C, which is a very powerful antioxidant.  Moreover, canned varieties of pineapple juice are supplemented with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in addition to vitamin C already present in this fruit. This can kick-start your immune system and increase the production of white blood cells, which are the primary line of defense for the body.

3. Regulates Mood Swings

A comprehensive research study by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark has come with a conclusion that vitamin b6 is useful in reducing the symptoms of depression. 

Vitamin B6 is found in high quantities in pineapple juice, and this vitamin (known as pyridoxine) is known to help regulate hormones in the body and improve mood. This can help with anxiety issues, as well as people who are prone to depression or hormone fluctuation.

4. Relief From Cough

Pineapple juice is great for people suffering from cold and cough to ensure relief from the irritation in the throat.  To soothe cold and cough, drink pineapple juice after mixing salt, pepper, and honey to it.

5. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Dr. Hale from the Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA, in his research, has claimed that fresh pineapple juice is helpful in decreasing inflammation.  This is credited to the presence of bromelain, which is a proteolytic enzyme. These anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple juice also help treat the symptoms of arthritis, relieve pain and reduce swelling. Consuming fresh juice also helps minimize sinus congestion.

6. Improves Fertility

Pineapple juice has a rich blend of nutrients including potassium, vitamin C, and a range of B vitamins. These have all been linked with increased fertility in both men and women, and a positive boost in reproductive hormones.

7. Aids in Digestion

The high levels of dietary fiber found in (unstrained or high-pulp) pineapple juice, in addition to the presence of bromelain, a powerful digestive enzyme, can help optimize digestive processes and prevent symptoms of bloating and constipation.  This can stimulate peristaltic motion to regulate bowel movements and ensure proper nutrient uptake by the digestive system. Besides, these nutrients also aid in case of bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis.

8. Promotes Growth

With its impressive content of vitamin C, pineapple juice can boost collagen production, which is necessary for the creation of all tissues, muscles, bones, and blood vessels in the body.  Whether you are recovering from an illness or surgery, or have been nutrient-deficient in the past, this juice can get your body back on track in terms of repair, development, and general growth.

9. Anticancer Potential

According to research by the Institute of Biomedical Education and Research, Mangalayatan University, India, bromelain, in pineapple juice, has been associated with anticancer benefits, namely slowing the production and spread of cancerous cells and inducing apoptosis.  These antioxidant properties can lower oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases, while actively suppressing the mutation of healthy cells.

Many test-tube, as well as animal studies conducted on bromelain, have also linked it to the prevention of colon, bile duct, skin, and breast cancer.  So if you are having pineapple juice regularly, you may be protecting yourself from cancer already.

10. Boosts Metabolism

The B vitamins found in pineapple juice have a number of metabolic functions in the body, ranging from the creation of enzymes to neurotransmitter functions and red blood cell production. Without a steady supply of B vitamins, many of the critical processes in the body lose efficiency.

11. Improves Muscle Function

Research published in The American Journal of Medicine suggests that potassium, in pineapples, maintains fluid balance in the body, enables nerve impulses, and regulates muscle contraction. If you exercise or are an active person, high levels of potassium are needed for optimal muscle function, and pineapple juice can provide that!

12. Eye Care

Vitamin C, found in pineapple juice, is great in preventing cataract formation. Drinking the juice regularly can protect your overall vision as you age and also keep many vision-related problems at bay.

13. Prevents Asthma

Regular intake of beta-carotene-rich pineapple juice can show results in relieving symptoms of asthma. Beta-carotene gets converted into vitamin A during digestion and functions efficiently in helping lower the risk of asthma.

14. Skin Care

Pineapple juice is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, both of which are known for keeping the skin healthy and glowing. They function as antioxidants and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and damage caused by the harmful UV rays and pollution.

15. Weight Loss

Pineapple juice is helpful in weight management and is a part of many detox diets.  It is a natural diuretic that helps release toxins from the body. Bromelain, present in it, helps metabolize protein and burn excess fat in the abdominal area. This is why pineapple juice is used to reduce stomach bloating and fight belly fat.

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