Pineapple juice is a popular tropical drink. Made from pineapple fruit, originating from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, India, China and the Philippines. Many cultures use pineapple and its juice as a folk remedy to treat or prevent various diseases.
Pineapple is a nutritious food source
Pineapple juice provides concentrated amounts of various nutrients. A 240ml serving contains approximately:
Calories: 132
Protein: < 1 gram
Fat: < 1 gram
Carbs: 33 grams
Sugar: 25 grams
Fiber: < 1 gram
Manganese: 55% Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 19% DV
Vitamin B6: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 14% DV
Thiamine: 12% DV
Folate: 11% DV
Potassium: 7% DV
Magnesium: 7% DV
Pineapple juice is especially rich in manganese, copper, vitamins B6 and C. These nutrients play an important role in bone development, protecting the immune system, enhancing wound healing, producing energy and tissue synthesis. This food also contains trace amounts of iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, choline, vitamin K, and various B vitamins.
Pineapple contains many compounds that are beneficial for health
In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, pineapple juice is a good source of antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that help keep the body healthy. This antioxidant helps neutralize unstable compounds called free radicals, which accumulate in the body due to factors such as environmental pollution, stress or an unhealthy diet causing damage. in cells.
Pineapple juice also contains bromelain, a group of enzymes that have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving digestion and supporting the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties
Pineapple juice can help reduce inflammation, the root cause of many chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory effect of pineapple juice largely comes from Bromelain. Some studies show that this compound is as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects.
In Europe, Bromelain is licensed for use in reducing inflammation caused by trauma or surgery, as well as treating post-operative wounds or deep burns. Additionally, there is evidence that consuming Bromelain before surgery has the ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Some studies also show that Bromelain may help reduce pain and inflammation caused by sports injuries, rheumatoid arthritis or knee arthritis.
Although pineapple juice contains Bromelain, there is no research that specifically proves a direct connection between pineapple juice and these effects. Therefore, it is inconclusive whether Bromelain intake through drinking small amounts of pineapple juice provides the same anti-inflammatory benefits as those seen in research on Bromelain effects.
Improve immune system
Pineapple juice has the ability to strongly support the immune system. Test-tube studies show that Bromelain, the natural enzyme mixture found in pineapple juice, has the ability to activate the immune system.
Like its anti-inflammatory effects, Bromelain helps promote recovery from infections, such as pneumonia, sinusitis and bronchitis, especially when used in combination with antibiotics.
However, most of these studies are long-standing and there are no new studies on the immune-boosting effects of pineapple juice in humans. Therefore, Health needs more research to provide more accurate confirmation of these benefits.
Supports the digestive system
The enzymes in pineapple juice function as Protease. Proteases break down protein into smaller subunits, such as amino acids and peptides, which can be easily absorbed in the intestines. The Bromelain enzyme group in pineapple juice is especially likely to help improve digestion in some people with pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes.
Animal studies show that the enzyme bromelain may also help protect the intestines from harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea, such as E. coli and V. cholera.
Similar to the other effects listed above, most studies have demonstrated the effects of Bromelain, rather than pineapple juice. Therefore, new research is needed to supplement these evidences.
Improve cardiovascular health
Natural bromelain found in pineapple juice is also said to have the ability to support the heart. Test-tube and animal studies show that bromelain may help lower blood pressure, prevent the formation of blood clots, and minimize the severity of heart disease symptoms such as angina and heart attacks. ischemic.
Prevents some types of cancer
Pineapple juice is also said to have anti-cancer effects. Again, this effect largely comes from the bromelain content of this food. Some studies show that bromelain may help prevent the formation of tumors, reduce their size, or even kill cancer cells.
However, these were test-tube studies, using much more concentrated amounts of bromelain than what the body can absorb from drinking a glass of pineapple juice. This makes it difficult to compare results from research and actual results on the human body.
Some notes when using pineapple and pineapple juice
Pineapple juice is a drink that is considered benign for most groups of users. However, Bromelain Enzyme, may enhance the absorption of certain medications, especially antibiotics and blood thinners. Therefore, when taking any medication, it is necessary to consult a doctor or nutritionist to ensure that the body can consume pineapple juice.
Additionally, this highly acidic beverage may cause heartburn or gastric reflux in some people. Specifically in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, this group of people needs to consider using a reasonable amount of pineapple juice according to their body’s needs.
Despite its many potential benefits, it’s worth noting that pineapple juice is still quite low in fiber and quite high in sugar. This shows that pineapple juice does not have the ability to create a feeling of fullness as much as eating the same amount of unjuiced pineapple. Therefore, drinking pineapple juice may promote weight gain in some people.
To maximize the benefits from pineapple juice, pineapple should be processed completely pure and without any added sugar sources.
