13 Amazing Nutritional and Health Benefits of Pineapple Juice
Pineapple Juice is the type of fruit juice extracted from pineapple fruits. Pineapple is a tropical fruit which is rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. They may help boost the immune system, build strong bones and aid indigestion. Despite their sweetness, pineapples are low in calories.
No wonder it is often referred to as the king of tropical fruits because it is full of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C, manganese, copper, potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid and dietary fibers.
Unlike other fruit juices, pineapple juice is so sweet on its own that often no sugar needs to be added. In fact, the only substance that is normally added to it is ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C and this is added to protect color and flavor.
Therefore If you prefer your juice without the extra vitamin boost, you can always juice the fruit yourself.
Meanwhile, people have long used pineapple as an ancient home remedy for digestive issues and inflammation. Researchers have also looked into its potential immune benefits and its ability to reduce healing time.
In this article, we examine some of the benefits that pineapple juice can provide, as well as some of the precautions that people should take but first let us take a good look at the nutritional facts and health benefits of pineapple juice:
Nutritional Facts and Benefits of Pineapple
Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese,” said San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores. These tropical fruits are also a good way to get important dietary fiber and bromelain (an enzyme).
“As well as having high amounts of manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples also contain high amounts of thiamine, a B Vitamin that is involved in energy production,” Flores said.
For all its sweetness, one cup of pineapple chunks contains only 74 calories, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Pineapples are also fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. Not surprisingly, they do contain sugar, with about 14 grams per cup.
Nutritional Facts about Pineapple
Here are the nutrition facts for raw pineapple, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
1) Serving Size: “1 cup chunks (165 g)”
Amount Per Serving:
Calories = 74
Total Fat = 0 g
Cholesterol = 0 mg
Sodium = 2 mg
Potassium = 206 mg
Total Carbohydrate = 19.5 g
Sugars = 13.7 g
Protein = 1g
Vitamin C 28 mg
Calcium 21 mg
Note: The nutritional profile for canned pineapple is different from raw pineapple because according to the USDA, canned pineapple is typically higher in calories and higher in sugar.
It also contains fewer vitamins and minerals. If you do opt for canned pineapple, try to get it with no added sugar or look for a variety that is canned in fruit juice instead of syrup.
2) According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one cup of canned, unsweetened pineapple juice weighing 250grams (g) contains:
- 132 calories
- 0.9 g of protein
- 0.3 g of fat
- 32.2 g of carbohydrate
- 0.5 g of fiber
- 25 g of sugar
Therefore, one (1) cup of pineapple juice is also an abundant source of several vital vitamins and minerals, including:
- Manganese
- Vitamin C
- Thiamine
- Vitamin B-6
- Folate
Pineapple also contains the following nutrients:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Beta-carotene
Classes:
- Antibiotics
- Blood thinners
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
Now let us discuss about the amazing health benefits of pineapple juice below:
The Top 13 Health Benefits of Pineapple Juice
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that is present in the pineapple stem and juice. Meanwhile according to research, Pineapple is the only major dietary source of bromelain. While it’s found in the greatest concentration within the core of the fruit, it is also found throughout the sweet parts and in the juice.
According to a recent study, pineapple can be useful in the treatment of sports injuries, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain and it is also particularly effective against arthritis. It contains small bits of fibre that can help to de-clog the digestive and intestinal tracts
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it’s a mixture of enzymes that digest protein and it’s anti-inflammatory properties includes the reduction of swelling and bruising as It contains chemicals that prevent the blood from clotting.
Bromelain also helps to clean up damaged cells and seems to work by triggering the body’s production of substances that fight pain and reduce swelling.
2. Pineapple Juice helps in Fighting Cancer
Studies show that bromelain has the potential to act as an effective cancer-fighting agent. Specifically, it may work in unison with chemotherapy to suppress the growth of cancer cells.
It also contains beta carotene, which can protect against prostate cancer and possibly colon cancer.
Pineapples also provide a good quantity of beta carotene. In a 2014 study with 893 participants, people who ate more foods containing beta carotene showed signs of a reduced risk of colon cancer
3. Pineapple Juices assists to Maintain Healthy Eyesight
Beta-carotene and vitamin A help in maintaining eyesight as they prevent macular degeneration which is the primary reason behind loss of vision at the old age.
Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in protecting vision as a recent study showed that higher intake of vitamin C reduces the risk of cataracts, which is cloudiness of the lens that can interfere with vision. The authors even suggest that it should be used as the primary preventive method.
4. Helps to Maintain a Healthy Heart and Kidney
The vitamin C, beta carotene and antioxidants in pineapple juice help your body to maintain cardiovascular health. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and is very effective to counter hypertension, which in turn contributes to reducing your risk for heart disease.
A number of studies including one from Finland and another from China show that higher vitamin C intake causes a decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. Also, like cancer, heart disease risk reduces with a high-fiber-diet.
Pineapple juice is also natural diuretic helps in maintaining the health of your kidney which is the organ responsible to get rid of the toxins in the body.
5. Pineapple Juice Promotes Healthy and Clear Skin
The Vitamin C and Beta carotene contained in pineapple are antioxidants that can help reduce wrinkles, improve overall skin texture, and minimize skin damage from sun and pollution exposure.
The vitamin C in pineapple juice is also a very effective acne treatment.
You can get rid of acne and acne marks by using this as a toner or applying and letting it dry and then washing it with cold water.
Thus, pineapple for skin is one of the perfect remedies to make skin clear.
Vitamin C also helps with the formation of collagen, which is a common protein in the body that gives the skin its strength and structure.
6. Boosting the Immune System
Pineapple juice may help boost the immune system.and as pineapple juice is full of Vitamin C and potassium, it is one of the best sources of anti-oxidants out there. The anti-oxidants not only boost your immunity but also help to keep your skin and body feel and look younger.
In a 2014 study that took place in the Philippines, researchers examined the effects of pineapple on 98 children of school age. The children who ate canned pineapple every day developed fewer viral and bacterial infections than those who did not eat any of this fruit.
The participants who did develop an infection in the group that ate pineapple had a shorter recovery time. While this is a limited study, the results suggest an association between pineapple intake and a more effective immune response to infection.
7. Remedy for Menstrual Disorders
Pineapple juice is a very effective remedy when it comes to menstrual disorders. Bromelain has analgesic properties that can help women who suffer from uncomfortable or painful periods.
8. Reduces Bloating or Constipation
Pineapple juice is thought to help aid in digestion, reducing bloating and constipation.
Bromelain which also comes into play here by breaking down protein faster, which in return helps to speed up digestion, reducing both bloating and constipation in the process.
In addition to the uses discussed above, bromelain has even been used in the past to help treat symptoms of bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis, potentially reducing swelling and even ulcers.
9. Promotes Bone Health
The manganese present in the pineapple is good as it helps in the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones.
A pineapple juice contains almost 73 per cent of the manganese that the body requires.
It is especially beneficial for growing kids as it helps in the growth and development of bones while for adults; it prevents bone related problems like osteoporosis by strengthening them.
10. Boosts Fertility in Men and Women
Pineapple juice contains several beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, beta carotene, copper, zinc, and folate. Many of these can help boost fertility in both men and women.
11. Exercise-induced Asthma Prevention
Pineapples are also a good source of beta carotene, which is converted into active Vitamin A during digestion.
While the research is still in the early stages, a number of studies indicate that beta carotene may reduce the risk of exercise-induced asthma.
12. Promotes Oral Health
If you want to ensure good health of your teeth and prevent the frequent trips to the dentist then add pineapple juice to your diet.
Pineapple juice contains high amount of Vitamin C which help in strengthening the gums and keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
Vitamin C also helps in preventing plaque formation and reduces the risk of periodontal diseases and gingivitis as they restrict bacterial activities.
13. Packed with Mighty Manganese
Another big benefit to drinking pineapple juice is the manganese content.
A large percentage of the population is deficient in manganese. It’s an essential nutrient that fights aging and disease by protecting your cells from free radicals, which cause cellular damage that can lead to both.
