Pineapple, from the plant botanically known as Ananas comosus, is actually a flower head that forms around the stem. The pineapple plant, native to South America, was widely cultivated in Hawaii in the 1800s. Most commercially grown pineapple now comes from Thailand, the Philippines and Brazil. The sweet yellow flesh of the pineapple is not only delicious but is packed with beneficial enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Pineapple juice is a healthy nutritional choice.
Calories, Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats
Pineapple juice, with a modest 132 calories per 8-oz. glass, contains virtually no fat and is cholesterol-free. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, an 8-oz. serving contains provides .90 g of protein, 32.17 g of carbohydrates and 24.95 g of total sugar.
Vitamins in Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is rich in vitamin C, providing 25 mg, or 75 percent of the daily recommended value, in one 8-oz. serving. Pineapplejuice.com notes that vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen. The Health Mad site adds that vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, scavenging destructive free radicals and helping to boost the immune system. According to Drugs.com, the vitamin C in pineapple juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties, meaning it helps reduce swelling. Pineapple juice is also a good source of thiamin, providing 20 percent of the RV in an 8-oz. serving. Pineapplejuice.com notes that this water-soluble B-complex vitamin is essential for converting carbohydrates to energy. An 8-oz. glass of pineapple juice also contains 12 percent of the RV of vitamin B6, which is vital for red blood cell metabolism.
Minerals
Pineapple juice also provides a generous helping of minerals, particularly potassium. Pineapplejuice.com states that an 8-oz. serving contains 325 mg of potassium, or 20 percent of the RV. This essential mineral helps maintain kidney function, supports healthy blood pressure, and is key in muscle contraction and digestion. An 8-oz. serving of pineapple juice also contains 30 mg of magnesium, roughly 10 percent of the RV. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that magnesium is vital for the development of teeth and bones, and helps to regulate important nutrients in the body.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural enzyme found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple. The American Cancer Society site says that bromelain may stimulate immune function, as well as possibly helping to prevent blood clots. ACS also credits bromelain with possible anti-inflammatory effects.
Safety Considerations
If you juice your own pineapples, make sure the the pineapple is ripe. Drugs.com cautions that unripe pineapple juice can cause diarrhea. The website also says that eating too much pineapple can cause angular stomatitis -- the medical term for painful cracking at the corners of the mouth. Commercial pineapple juice is high in sugars; juicing your own pineapple makes for a healthier beverage. Drugs.com says there are some recorded cases of adverse reactions from pineapple, including skin rashes and nausea.
Member Comments