PINEAPPLE JUICE

Five possible health benefits of pineapple juice

Benefits

Here are a number of possible health benefits from drinking pineapple juice in moderation:

1. Boosting the immune system

[toddler drinking a glass of fruit juice]

Drinking pineapple juice may boost the immune system and shorten recovery time from illnesses.

In one study conducted in the Philippines, researchers examined the effects of pineapple in school-aged children.

Those who were given canned pineapple daily developed fewer viral and bacterial infections than those who did not eat canned pineapple. Their recovery time from these illnesses was also shortened.

2. Digestion

Bromelain is an enzyme contained in the pineapple stem and juice that helps to break down and digest proteins. Bromelain in capsule form has also been shown to reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery.

Consuming pineapple and pineapple juice will not provide enough bromelain to be used as medical treatment for healing, however. Common processing procedures used when making pineapple juice severely decrease the amount of bromelain contained in the juice.

3. Cancer

One laboratory study, in which fresh pineapple juice was used, found that the juice from the core, stem, and flesh all suppressed growth of ovarian and colon cancer cells.

Further studies in humans need to be conducted before any connections between pineapple juice and cancer are made.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition, beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer.

In another study, people who ate more beta-carotene-containing foods than others were found to have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer.

4. Skin

Pineapple juice contains vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture.

Vitamin C also helps with collagen formation, which is a common protein in the body that gives the skin its strength and structure.

[young woman having an eye exam]

The vitamin C found in pineapple may help keep eyes healthy and free from cataracts.

5. Eyes

One study found that diets rich in vitamin C can cut the risk of cataract formation by one third. The researchers examined the effects of such diets in 1,000 pairs of female twins in the United Kingdom.

The fluid inside the eye contains vitamin C, and a diet rich in vitamin C may help to maintain that fluid and prevent the breakdown that leads to cataracts.

Nutrition

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, one cup (250 grams) of canned, unsweetened pineapple juice contains:

132 calories

0.9 grams of protein

0.3 grams of fat

32 grams of carbohydrate

0.5 grams of fiber

25 grams of sugar

One cup of pineapple juice provides 63 percent of an adult's daily needs for manganese, 42 percent of their daily vitamin C, and 10 percent or more of thiamin, vitamin B-6, and folate.

Pineapple also contains the following nutrients:

potassium

magnesium

copper

beta-carotene

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Diet

[woman blending pineapple in a juicer at home]

Because processed store-bought juices often have a lower nutritional content, the best juice is made at home.

People should be sure to pay attention to serving size when it comes to all fruit juices. Although they do contain vitamins and minerals, they are also high in carbohydrates and sugars.

Pineapple juice has a naturally sweet but tart taste. It is most healthful to choose pineapple juice that does not contain added sugar.

People can try to make their own pineapple juice at home to get the most nutritional benefits. The processing and storing of juice often decreases nutrient content.

When someone is making their own juice, they can be sure there are no added preservatives or sweeteners. People can also be certain that they are getting the most nutrients from the ripe fruit.

Precautions

Some people may experience tenderness or discomfort in the mouth, lips, or tongue after consuming pineapple juice due to the enzyme bromelain. Extremely high exposure to bromelain can cause rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Bromelain can also interfere with some medications, including some types of the following drugs:

antibiotics

blood thinners

antidepressants

anticonvulsants

The acidity in pineapples and other citrus or tropical fruits can cause an increase in heartburn or reflux in people with a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If someone's kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.

Too much potassium can also interfere with beta-blockers, a medication prescribed for heart disease.

People with a latex allergy are more likely than others to be allergic to pineapple. Latex allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include the following:

rashes or hives

swelling

sore throat

stomach cramps

wheezing

itchy eyes

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after consuming pineapple juice should see a healthcare provider.