If you love pineapple juice, you may have been wondering about the health benefits of pineapples in general and what has made them so popular with healthy eaters lately. Pineapple has always been considered an excellent source of Vitamin C, but it’s also rich in antioxidants and bromelain, which help to support your immune system. As a tropical fruit, it contains plenty of Vitamin A, B1, B2 and B6, along with magnesium and phosphorus.
Read on to learn more about the 8 amazing health benefits of pineapple juice!
8 amazing health benefits of pineapple juice!
1) Promotes digestion
Pineapples are high in fiber. In fact, a cup of pineapple chunks contains about 1 gram of dietary fiber, which is almost 10 percent of your daily value for fiber.
Fiber plays an important role in digestion by helping you feel full and assisting with regularity—two things that can help prevent weight gain.
Studies have also shown that eating foods rich in soluble fiber (like pears) may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
To boost your daily intake, enjoy fresh pineapple or try adding some pineapple to a green smoothie.
2) Prevents heart disease
One study found that people who drank just one ounce (30 ml) of fresh pineapple juice every day for a month lowered their LDL cholesterol levels by 20%. Another study found that drinking four ounces (120 ml) daily for six weeks could reduce cholesterol levels even more—by an average of 11% and as much as 28%. What’s more, pineapples are a good source of vitamin C, which may help to prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The body also uses vitamin C to produce carnitine, which is required to convert fat into energy. Therefore, consuming foods high in vitamin C may help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism.
3) Improves memory
We all want a sharp mind as we age, and you may be surprised to learn that pineapple juice can actually help. The unique combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes found in pineapple juice has been proven to improve your cognitive function and improve memory. If you’re trying to sharpen your brain, consider adding a couple tablespoons of fresh-squeezed pineapple juice to your diet every day. You can mix it into smoothies or use it when cooking as well! A rich source of enzymes: Not only is pineapple rich in vitamin C and manganese, but it’s also an excellent source of various different types of digestive enzymes including bromelain.
4) Boosts immune system
The Vitamin C in pineapple juice can help boost your immune system. The easiest way to get Vitamin C is by eating fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. If you have a cold or have been feeling sick, try drinking a glass of pineapple juice to give your immune system a boost. It may not cure your illness, but it will make you feel better quickly. In fact, studies show that people who consume large amounts of vitamin C during their first 24 hours with symptoms had shorter colds with less severe symptoms than those who didn’t eat as much vitamin C. Pineapple juice is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that will fight off infections and boost your immunity against colds, flu and other illnesses.
5) Supports gut health
Research has shown that pineapple juice supports healthy gut flora. In particular, it contains bromelain, a group of enzymes that breaks down protein and stimulates digestion.
Bromelain is also known to reduce inflammation and swelling by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, pineapple juice may also help to improve digestion due to its fiber content and low sugar levels.
To top it off, pineapple juice is full of vitamins C and B1 (thiamine), both essential for metabolism and energy production in cells throughout your body—especially your brain! Add pineapple juice to your diet today![1]
6) Strengthens bones
Studies have shown that individuals who consume at least one serving of pineapple juice per day have a significantly reduced risk for developing osteoporosis and suffering from broken bones.
Due to its high concentration of citric acid, pineapple juice has been shown to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood and to remove excess iron, thereby reducing oxidative stress on cells. Reduced levels of oxidative stress also indicate a reduced risk for cancer as well as promoting overall good health.
More specifically, pineapple juice’s natural enzyme bromelain has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth when taken orally. Additionally, studies have indicated that pineapple can protect against stroke damage due to its ability to lower blood pressure as well as possibly lowering cholesterol levels.
7) Fights cancer
Research shows that a substance in pineapple juice can stop cancer cells from growing. In one study, animals were injected with colon cancer cells.
Some were also given two-percent pineapple juice for seven days prior to being injected with cancer cells; it was found that those who consumed pineapple juice had about 80 percent fewer and smaller tumors than those who did not consume pineapple. This research has yet to be duplicated in humans but is promising nonetheless!
8) Helps you lose weight
One glass of pineapple juice contains around 35 calories, which is less than one percent of what most people need in a day. As a result, people who regularly drink pineapple juice often find that they lose weight.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s a good idea to give up any food or drink that contains more than 100 calories per serving because your body processes all calories in excess. By replacing sugary foods and beverages with pineapple juice, you can easily cut out around 100 calories per day and significantly improve your chances of losing weight quickly.
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