What You Didn't Know About Pineapple Juice Benefits
The pineapple is a fruit unlike any other. It has an unmistakable shape, distinctive yellow flesh, and a sweet taste that never gets old. Brighter than blood orange and sweeter than grapefruit, this fruit should be on your favorites list.
Apart from its funky look and satisfying flavor, the pineapple also gives us a delicious juice with numerous health benefits. It may seem like an unlikely source, but pineapple juice is a definite superfood if consumed in moderation and without added sugar.
Let’s talk about the top health benefits that pineapple juice provides, so we can convince you to add this natural ingredient to your shopping list.
The Powerful Nutrients of Pineapple
Our bodies are constantly craving vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that aren’t found in most foods we eat. Even if you have a healthy diet, you may still fall short on the essential elements that support your body’s systems.
In pineapple juice, we find an incredible array of vitamins and minerals that show up in your daily values (DV). Here are a few highlights:
- Vitamin C (recovery and repair, neurotransmitter health, immunity): 100% DV
- Manganese (connective tissue, sex hormones): 55% DV
- Copper (cell protection, strong metabolism, red blood cell synthesis): 19% DV
- Vitamin B6 (white blood cell synthesis, natural energy, brain health): 15% DV
- Potassium (protecting cell function, synthesizing protein): 7% DV
In addition to these heavy hitters, pineapple juice also contains zinc, calcium, folate, and choline in trace amounts. You’ll also find relatively high levels of vitamin A and vitamin K.
Just one cup of pineapple juice gives you all these nutrients at a cost of just 130 calories.
It Aids in Digestion
There’s no bad time to drink pineapple juice, but the best time may be right after you finish a meal. First of all, fresh pineapple juice is rich in fiber, which is shown to aid in keeping things regular.
Pineapple juice also contains a wide range of enzymes that boost the body’s ability to break down food and allow us to absorb nutrients more effectively.
These enzymes, called proteases, are especially useful in breaking down protein, so pineapple juice is ideal for washing down a steak or grilled chicken.
Immune System Boost
These days, everyone is in search of a reliable boost to the immune system. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or you just want some extra protection during cold season, pineapple juice is worth keeping in the fridge.
Vitamin C is just one part of the equation here. Studies show that the presence of bromelain enzymes in pineapple juice, along with a series of other compounds, work together to offer superior immune protection.
Immunity is a year-round thing that deserves more attention, so don’t wait until winter to start enjoying a daily glass of pineapple juice. Besides, natural immune boosters are often more effective (and delicious) than anything found in a capsule or powder.
It Helps Clear Sinuses So You Can Breathe Easy
Anyone who struggles with sinus problems knows how frustrating this condition can be.
Breathing deeply is vital for obvious reasons like comfort and relaxation, but clear sinuses also help with cognition, mental clarity, proper respiration, and other essential functions. You need that oxygen, and plenty of it.
That’s another reason you should add pineapple juice to your fridge—it contains compounds associated with reduced asthma symptoms, thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain and other nutrients like beta-carotene.
Maybe you haven’t been diagnosed with asthma, but you just want to breathe a bit easier throughout the day. Give pineapple juice a try and see what it can do for your sinus symptoms.
It Helps You Load Up On Antioxidants
You’ve probably heard of antioxidants and been told they are crucial to our health. Let’s dive a little deeper.
Antioxidants fight molecules in the body known as free radicals, which can be dangerous and cause cell damage if they become too high in number. There are hundreds—if not thousands—of antioxidants, and pineapple juice has a significant amount per serving. That’s why researchers have studied the link between disease prevention and pineapple juice.
You can also find antioxidant sources in blueberries, spinach, and even dark chocolate, but pineapple juice is a simple, delicious, and affordable place to start.
Mood and Relaxation Enhancer
When stress ramps up, you want a healthy way to deal with the pressure. Pineapple juice contains compounds like tryptophan which send calming signals to the brain, helping you chill out while staying alert and productive.
The natural enzymes in pineapple juice have also been shown to regulate serotonin levels in the gut, associated with a stable mood and positive outlook. These are the “happy hormones” that keep us in a good mental state throughout the day.
Besides, a bit of natural glucose from pineapple juice can give you a little burst of joy without the artificial flavors or processed sugars of candy or soda.
Get More Pineapple Juice in Your Life
If you like what you’ve heard so far about pineapple juice, it might be time to grab a bottle (or a can). You may have overlooked it in the grocery store in the past, but now it’s time to give it a go.
You can sip pineapple juice on ice to get the benefits, but remember to avoid products containing excess sugar.
Pineapple juice can also be added to your favorite healthy smoothie after a workout or included in a frozen beverage to sip poolside in the sun.
Of course, you don’t have to look further than Midnight Painkiller hard kombucha to experience the delicious flavors of genuine pineapple juice. Packed with coconut, orange, and, of course, pineapple, this twist on the classic painkiller cocktail will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Sources:
Good Mood Foods | Good Therapy