When it comes to Juicing fruit and vegetables, Pineapple is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does it taste deliciously sweet, but it’s also low in calories and packed full of important vitamins and minerals, essential for growth, development and maintaining a healthy immune system. 

This tropical fruit is a real all-rounder and so much more than just a piña colada! Use it to sweeten your curries, marinade meat for barbecues and to create the most delicious healthy juices.

It’s versatility, and fantastic health benefits are what make it stand out amongst other fruit and vegetables for juicing, as a true super ingredient. If you haven’t tried juicing pineapple yet, well you’re missing a treat!

Below, I’ve shared 8 benefits of juicing pineapple, to help you realize its true potential. You’ll also find 3 easy (but super tasty) pineapple juice recipes to get you started. You can thank me later!

Health benefits of juicing pineapple

1. Boosts immunity

Looking for fruits that boost immunity? Pineapple is my go-to choice for juicing. Packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’ll support your body in fighting off viruses and bacterial infections.

Not only that but pineapple has also been linked with improving the recovery time from illnesses. A study conducted in the Philippines found that school-aged children who consumed canned pineapple daily developed fewer viral and bacterial infections than those who did not eat pineapple. It also found that their recovery time was quicker. So if you’re feeling unwell, grab a pineapple and get juicing!

2. Improves digestion

Pineapples contain an important enzyme called Bromelain, effective in breaking down and digesting proteins quickly. The enzyme is particularly prominent in the stem and juicy pineapple core.

The quicker proteins are broken down, the less chance there is of bloating and constipation. Bromelain has also been used to treat symptoms of bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis.

Unfortunately, when it comes to pineapple, the saying ‘too much of a good thing’ can apply. If you eat or drink too much pineapple, you could end up doing more harm than good to your digestive system. Excessive consumption of Bromelain can result in nausea or diarrhea so watch your serving sizes. As I like to say, ‘everything in moderation!’

3. May help prevent cancer

Studies have found links between drinking fresh pineapple juice and suppressing the growth of cancerous cells.

One laboratory study highlighted that the juice from the stem, flesh and juicy pineapple core suppressed the growth of ovarian and colon cancer cells in particular.

Findings from another study suggested that the beta-carotene found in pineapple could play a role in protecting men against prostate cancer.

Of course, further studies need to be conducted before any bold claims are made about pineapple’s cancer-preventing properties. However, the signs are there, so drinking pineapple juice can only be a good thing!

4. Protects and repairs skin

Pineapple juice contains the powerful antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which help to protect the skin from sun damage and air pollution.

Vitamin C also actively encourages collagen production, an important protein in supporting skin structure and density. By boosting collagen production, through drinking pineapple juice, you stand a good chance of reducing wrinkles and enjoying smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

5. Supports good eye health

The vitamin C you get from juicing pineapple isn’t just great for the skin but the eyes too. Studies have found that those who have a lot of vitamin C in their diets cut their risk of developing cataracts by a third.

It’s believed that consuming vitamin C in your diet helps to replenish the vitamin c found in the fluid inside the eyes, preventing it from breaking down and progressing to cataracts.

6. Anti-inflammatory properties

I’ve already mentioned that pineapple is a great source of Bromelain, essential for good bowel health, but that’s not it’s only benefit.

Bromelain consumed from juicing pineapple (especially the core) is an effective anti-inflammatory that can be used to treat injuries, by reducing swelling and bruising.

The anti-inflammatory is also thought to trigger the body into creating substances that fight pain.

7. Boosts fertility

Perhaps the most unusual health benefit of juicing pineapple is its positive effect on fertility. Pineapples contain several vitamins and minerals linked with improving fertility in both men and women, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, copper, zinc and folate.

Many people also believe that Bromelain in pineapple can help improve the chances of implantation following ovulation or embryo transfer (during IVF treatment.) Unfortunately, there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove this yet, but there’s no harm in giving it a go, is there?

8. Prevents Anemia

Do you suffer from iron deficiency (Anemia) or feel like you could do with a little more in your diet? You’re not alone. Anemia is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world.

So how can pineapple help? Well, the vitamin C found in pineapple assists the body in absorbing iron from food and iron supplements. Have a glass before eating or taking your supplements and let it work its magic!

Best way to cut a pineapple

Now you know all of the fantastic health benefits of juicing pineapple, I imagine you’re keen to get started on some delicious recipes? Just before we get cracking, do you know the best way to cut a pineapple? No? Luckily for you, I’ve got the only guide you’ll need!

Pineapples are one of those fruits that look a little daunting to tackle (perhaps it’s the spikes) but don’t let that put you off. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have it sliced and ready to juice in no time.

1. Cut off the stem

• Lay the pineapple down on a chopping board
• Place your knife (make sure it’s sharp) just under the leaves and make your first cut
• Turn the pineapple and cut again
• Repeat this until you have cut the top off the pineapple

As soon as you cut into the pineapple, the juice will start to leak out. Take care, as it can be a little slippery!

2. Peel the pineapple

• Stand the pineapple up
• Start at the top of the pineapple and slice through the peel
• Cut carefully to try and save as much of the flesh as possible
• Turn the pineapple clockwise and continue to slice
• Keep going until you have removed the peel
• Place the pineapple on its side and slice off the bottom

You can either put the pineapple skin in your compost bin, or you can try juicing it. Juicing pineapple skin is easy and has lots of nutritional benefits.

 3. Remove the eyes

• Stand your pineapple vertically
• Carefully remove the brown spots (known as the eyes)
• You will see they are arranged in diagonal lines
• Place your knife to the left of the first diagonal line
• Cut in at a 45-degree angle underneath the eyes
• Now place your knife to the right of the same diagonal line
• Cut in at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction
• Slice into the groove and the line of eyes will detach
• Work your way down the pineapple, following the process above
• The pineapple should now be bright yellow with a spiral pattern running down it

 4. Cut the pineapple up

• Slice off the core and put to one side
• Cut the pineapple into quarters vertically
• Cut the slices into chunks for easy juicing

Pineapple cutting tutorials will often tell you to remove and throw out the core. I say, waste not want not! The core contains plenty of juice and can also help the softer pulp of your pineapple go through the juicer. 

Simply separate it from your pineapple and cut it into smaller pieces for juicing. For best results, alternate it with the softer pulp of your fruit.

3 Pineapple juice recipes

1. Green pineapple juice

Interested in the health benefits of green juice but not ready to dive in headfirst? This sweet green juice, containing pineapple, will ease you in gently.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• ¼ pineapple
• 1 bunch of spinach
• 1 lemon

Method:

• Wash ingredients well
• Peel the lemon
• Remove the rind from the pineapple
• Chop up ingredients and push them through your juicer
• Serve and enjoy!

 2. Pineapple detox juice

Boost your immune system, while flushing out nasties from the body by juicing pineapple with ginger for the ultimate detox recipe.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 3 cups of fresh pineapple
• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger root
• 3 pieces of turmeric
• 1 lime
• Coconut water

Method:

• Peel and chop ingredients
• Push through a juicer (apart from the coconut water)
• Pour into a glass with crushed ice
• Top up with coconut water and garnish with fresh lime

3. Pineapple morning wake up juice

Start your mornings the right way with this tasty, tangy juice that’s sure to wake you up and get you ready to face the day ahead.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1 cup of fresh pineapple
• 1 beet (peeled)
• 1 carrot (roughly peeled)
• 1 lemon

Method:

• Cut fruit and vegetables into juicer-friendly sized pieces
• Remove visible seeds from lemon (keep peel if you like it extra zingy)
• Add produce to a juicer
• Serve chilled

Experience the health benefits of juicing pineapple

Sweet, tasty and full of goodness – it’s no wonder that pineapple is one of the most popular juicing ingredients! Use it as a main ingredient in a delicious morning juice or to sweeten a veggie-based detox juice. Pineapple can be paired with all sorts of fruit and veg, so you’ll never get bored.

Now you know the benefits, you’ve got some easy (and ultra-tasty) recipes, all that’s left to do is grab your juicer and experience all the wonders of juicing pineapple for yourself! So what are you waiting for?

What are your favorite ingredients for juicing pineapple with?

Share in the comments below!

The post Super Ingredients: 8 Benefits Of Juicing Pineapple appeared first on Juicing Lane.