13 Health Benefits Of Pineapple Juice
Did you know that pineapples and their juice were only served at royal banquets once upon a time due to their exoticism, scarcity, and novelty? Now, you will find pineapples in the aisles of every supermarket across the world. Pineapples have a sweet and sour taste and are quite a versatile fruit. They can be used raw or cooked in dishes. You can use them for making juices or tossed into smoothies. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice every day has numerous health benefits, such as better digestion, improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and even cancer protection. For centuries, certain cultures have used pineapples as an ancient home remedy for digestive issues and inflammation. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, copper, and vitamin B6. These nutrients play an immense role in wound healing and supporting a healthy immune system. Here are 13 health benefits of having pineapple juice every day:
Cardio-Protective
Pineapple juice is rich in bromelain and potassium, and these two components are precious. Including pineapple juice in your daily diet will prevent blood clotting, ease blood vessels’ tension, promote circulation, and improve cardiovascular health. According to research by Sciencedirect Journal, the fibrinolytic and antithrombic action of bromelain on heart patients have shown a practically complete elimination of thrombosis.
Regulates Blood Pressure
High sodium and low potassium diet increase the risk of hypertension. The potassium present in pineapple juice helps balance the water and electrolyte content in your body. One cup of pineapple juice has about 1 mg of sodium and 196 mg of potassium, which is why nutrition experts highly recommend pineapple juice for those with hypertension.
Immune Booster and Inflammation Fighter
Pineapple juice is bursting with the ‘immunity vitamin,’ vitamin C. Vitamin C helps increase granulocyte count in the blood. Granulocytes are a group of white blood cells called neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. These fighters are responsible for warding off viruses and bacteria. Pineapple juice also contains high essential and non-essential amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. However, bromelain consumption has its merits and demerits, so it must not exceed the recommended amount. The best time to drink one glass a day is for many miraculous benefits is after a meal.
Helps To Detoxify The Body and Mind
Pineapple juice is loaded with antioxidants and proteolytic enzymes. The soluble fiber in the pineapple fruit aids in eliminating heavy metals and food additives from your body. The bromelain also works like a digestive enzyme that will cleanse your colon and aid in better digestion. Pineapple juice is packed with nutrients that will help in boosting metabolism and even aid in weight loss. Start your day by sipping on a tall glass of pineapple juice or pineapple-infused water. This sweet drink will help kickstart your liver into synthesizing vitamins and proteins. Regular intake keeps the liver free of toxins in the long run. Additionally, pineapple juice contains tryptophan and B-complex vitamins. This amino acid is involved in serotonin (happy hormone) and production. At the same time, the B- complex vitamins stimulate brain functioning and reduce stress.
Incredibly Great For Vision
With consistent consumption of pineapple juice, there is a lower risk of macular degeneration and cataract development, thanks to the saturated vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients counteract the opacification of the ocular lens that eventually results in cloudiness and vision loss and fight off cell damage that leads to macular degeneration in the elderly. Pineapple juice is also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and potassium. The Life Science Journal conducted a two-month study, supplementing pineapple juice and investigating the effects of ocular vitreous. It was concluded that pineapple intake might help excise symptomatic vitreous opacity and eliminate intraocular hemorrhage. This process was done by cleaving the collagen fibrils and cellular debris that may induce any type of ocular floaters.
Cancer Protective
Pineapple acts as a bolster cushion for protecting the body from potential cancers. The vitamin C, bromelain, flavonoids, and many antioxidants present in pineapple juice repel free radicals. Nevertheless, the hero that makes pineapple juice anti-cancerous is manganese. This nutrient is the co-factor involved in producing superoxide dismutase enzyme that aids in the breakdown of free radicals. Animal studies have shown bromelain to have cytotoxicity effects against cancer cells, and the high fiber content is also said to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.
Strengthens Gums
Dentists advise consuming fresh pineapple juice a few days before and after a dental procedure as preventive measures. Vitamins C, K, manganese, and bromelain help reduce inflammation, improve wound healing, and prevent swelling or bruising. The astringents in pineapple juice tighten up gum tissues, fix teeth loosening, retract gums, remove stains, and break up plaque.
Strengthens Bones
There is a greater risk for osteoporosis when there is a deficiency of magnesium and manganese. Since pineapple is an excellent source of minerals, it can improve bone health, prevent osteoporosis, revamp tissue synthesis, and boost energy production in muscular activities. The combination of manganese, magnesium, copper, and zinc reduces spinal loss in post-menopausal women and helps in developing stronger cartilages in growing children.
Arthritic patients
A study by the PMC in 2004 researched the effects of bromelain as a treatment for arthritis. The subjects reported a significant reduction in soft tissue swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. Again the valuable bromelain and vitamin C in pineapple juice reduce inflammation, edema, and pain by lowering bradykinin and cytokines, which are the inflammatory agents. It also helps immensely with inflammation caused due to rheumatoid arthritis. A delicious way to enjoy pineapple juice on a hot summer day is by freezing it into small portions and enjoyed as popsicles.
Reduces Menstrual Cramps
In females, dysmenorrhoea is caused when uterine contractions are triggered by a group of lipids called prostaglandins. PGE2 causes contractions, while PGE1 relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. Bromelain helps in decreasing PGE2 levels and increasing PGE1 levels. Some medical practitioners prescribe bromelain capsules for pain relief. Although they indeed work faster, drinking pineapple juice also helps reduce cramps.
Supports Healthy Skin
Vitamin C and manganese are the main minerals required for collagen synthesis. Collagen is essential for healthy skin because it is a structural component of skin that prevents sagging and wrinkles, strengthens joints, and increases skin hydration. Vitamin C and manganese also function as antioxidants to protect skin cells from UV damage. Here you have another reason to make pineapple juice your staple drink in summer.
Cures Asthma, Cough, and Sinusitis
The International Journal of Science and Research Publications underwent a study on the nutritional efficacy of pineapple juice in treating bronchial asthma. After three months of daily pineapple juice consumption, there was a significant improvement in the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) value. This value represents the maximum speed of expiration in an individual. Bromelain also has mucolytic properties that help dilute the mucus and improve expectoration time. Furthermore, drinking a glass of pineapple juice during a sinus-related cold and cough helps decongest the nasal pathway.
Anti-aging
Vitamin C and beta carotene are very beneficial for the skin too. Apart from boosting immunity, these minerals also repair tissue, promote collagen synthesis, act as an antioxidant, and protect the skin against premature aging.
Pineapple juice is undoubtedly delicious, nutritious, and offers many health benefits. However, be wary of bromelain allergies if you cannot tolerate wheat, celery, or papaya. This delicious drink is full of diverse components to ward off many diseases. It is effortless to make pineapple juice at home without additives or processing. All you need is a blender, a strainer, and a pineapple for your own yummy fresh pineapple juice!