Pineapples are typically known to come from Hawaii, but other countries like Brazil, the Philippines, and Costa Rica are all harvesting pineapples, so you can get them all year round. Pineapples are actually native to Paraguay and Brazil and were first introduced to Spain and the rest of Europe by Christopher Columbus.
If you already enjoy pineapples and pineapple juice – kudos! You are receiving the many health benefits this delicious fruit has to offer. If you aren’t, well, let us share with you the top 10 health benefits of pineapple juice to help you consider consuming more of it.
Health benefits of drinking pineapple juice
#1. Digestion and gut health: Firstly, pineapples in general are easily digested and don’t result in bloating or gas. In animal studies, a key component of pineapples has been found to help treat digestive disorders by reducing gut inflammation and preventing diarrhea. This component also helps break down proteins, aiding in digestion after a large meal like steak.
Pineapples are also rich in fiber, which is essential for proper digestion as well.
#2. Healthy bones: Everyone thinks of calcium when it comes to bone health, but manganese is also a vital nutrient for healthy bones, and pineapple juice has plenty of it to ensure your bones stay strong. A cup of pineapple juice provides you with 73 percent of your daily allowance of manganese.
#3. Oral health: Pineapple juice is high in antioxidants which keep teeth strong and prevent plaque buildup by restricting bacteria. This reduction in bacteria can also help prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis.
#4. Hypertension: Pineapple juice can help reduce blood pressure as it contains high amounts of potassium and helps lower sodium in the blood. Combating sodium with potassium is a good way to better manage hypertension.
One cup of pineapple juice contains nearly one milligram of sodium and 195 milligrams of potassium, so drinking pineapple juice regularly can help moderate your blood pressure. Furthermore, pineapples contain the lowest amount of sodium out of any fruit.
#5. Eye health: Pineapple juice contains the same powerful antioxidants found in carrots to promote healthy vision, and some studies have found that consuming pineapple juice daily can prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration.
#6. Reduced inflammation and boosted immune function: Pineapple juice is very high in vitamin C, which is a known immune system booster. Antioxidants in pineapple juice also work to prevent free radical damage that can harm cells and speed up aging or lead to illness.
Additionally, the components in pineapple juice are natural anti-inflammatory agents, which can work against sprains, strains, tendinitis, and other muscle injuries. These components have also been found to be useful in combating arthritis-related inflammation and gout inflammation.
#7. Heart health: Pineapple juice has been shown to improve blood circulation, thin the blood – which can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack – and help lower the risk of heart disease, thanks to pineapple antioxidants fighting off free radicals.
As mentioned, pineapple juice can also lower blood pressure, which is another important component of heart health. Furthermore, its fiber content can help manage cholesterol levels.
#8. Protection against cataracts: We already mentioned that pineapple juice can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, but it can work to protect your eyes in another way as well – against cataracts. Pineapple juice’s antioxidants can help lower the risk of developing a cataract, which is a condition that causes the lens to become foggy and interfere with vision.
#9. Fertility: Pineapple juice contains tons of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that have been shown to help boost fertility in both men and women. Others have found that pineapples can affect sexuality in alternative ways as well, but there is little evidence to support such claims.
Lastly, for pregnant women, pineapple juice can aid in morning sickness due to its high vitamin content, so nausea and vomiting is reduced.
#10. Weight loss: As with many other fruits, pineapples can aid in weight loss as they are packed with plenty of nutrients and do not contain artificial sugars and unhealthy fats. Pineapples and pineapple juice can be consumed throughout the day to keep you satisfied and full.
Pineapples are also low in calories, high in water, and can provide all-day energy.
Healthy pineapple juice recipes
- Pineapple juice and pear juice.
- Pineapple juice and juiced broccoli.
- Pineapple juice and juiced cabbage.
- Pineapple juice and juiced strawberries.
- Pineapple juice and grapefruit juice.
- Pineapple juice, apple juice, and juiced kale.
- Pineapple juice, orange juice, and juiced raspberry.
These are just some combinations that can be mixed with pineapple juice, but there’s really no limit to all the possible options. Pineapple sweetness pairs well with many other flavors, so it’s up to you to create your own perfect blend.
Lastly, if you want to consume more pineapples on a daily basis, stock on these super fruits at home, cut them up, and pack into containers that can be easily carried around when you’re on the go.
Also, pineapples taste delicious when cooked, especially grilled, so you can experiment with grilled pineapple during your next BBQ for added health benefits.