Pineapple (Ananas) Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Introduction:

Pineapple is known to be the queen of fruits because of the excellent taste and refreshing flavour it bears. After banana and citrus, pineapple is considered the third most important fruit in the world. Pineapple is botanically called Ananus comosus. The taste and quality of pineapple juice depend upon the season, geographical areas, process and time of harvest. Pineapple fruit’s refreshing flavour and taste are contributed by the perfect balance between sugar and acid.^1,2 

The pineapple is a herbaceous annual plant that grows in tropical regions. The leading producer of pineapples are Brazil, Thailand, China, the Philippines, and others include India, Kenya and Nigeria. There are different varieties of pineapples, namely Honey King, Pernambuco, Giant Kew, Red Spanish, and Smooth Cayenne. Pineapples may be beneficial and used in the diet of people suffering from diseases. Pineapple juice is a fresh, concentrated liquid prepared from pineapple fruit pulp. It is a natural cocktail of beneficial enzymes, vitamins and minerals, which may make it a beneficial morning drink.^1–3 

So, read along to know more about the potential benefits, medicinal uses and side effects of pineapple juice on human health. 

Nutritional Value of Pineapple Juice:

Pineapple’s nutritional value may make it healthier food. A single glass of pineapple juice offers 53 calories of energy and other essential nutrients which might help you to kick start your day.⁴ 

The nutrients in pineapple juice are as follows: 

• Carbohydrates: 12.9 g
• Proteins: 0.36 g
• Fats: 0.12 g 
• Sugar: 9.98 g 
• Fibre: 0.2 g  
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Potassium: 130 mg 
• Magnesium: 12 mg   
• Iron: 0.31 mg
• Selenium: 0.1  µg 
• Phosphorus: 8 mg
• Zinc: 0.11 mg 
• Copper: 0.069 mg
• Riboflavin: 0.021 mg 
• Vitamin C: 43.8 mg  
• Thiamin: 0.058 mg 
• Niacin: 0.199 mg
• Folate: 18  µg 
• Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg 
• B-carotene: 3  µg
• Choline: 3.3 mg 
• Energy: 53 kcal 

Daily consumption of pineapples may be beneficial to lower the cholesterol levels in the body, without any significant effect on the kidneys. Thus, pineapples may be useful to prevent heart diseases caused by high cholesterol level in the body.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Beetroot Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Properties of Pineapple Juice:

Pineapple juice may have the following properties: 

• It may act as an antioxidant.¹  
• It may have an analgesic effect (may relieve pain).²  
• It may have anti-inflammatory action.  
• It may have anti-cancer activity.  
• It may have anti-tumour activity (might stop tumour cell growth).  
• It may have anti-proliferative potential (may stop tumour cell spread).    
• It may have a blood glucose-lowering effect.  
• It may have anti-diarrhoeal activity.  
• It may act as an anticoagulant agent (may stop blood clots).    
• It may have wound-healing action.⁶  

Pineapples offer protection against age-related eye degeneration and loss of vision. about three servings of pineapple daily can prove to be fruitful for your eyesight.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Carrot Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice:

Pineapples are used in various foods. In many cultures, pineapple has been used for different potential purposes. The nutritional value and beneficial components of pineapple make them even more popular among people.² 

1. Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice for the Digestive System:    

Pineapple juice may be a digestive aid. It may have nutrients like carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, potassium, vitamin C and certain minerals that might help digestion. The main digestive enzyme, bromelain, may be responsible for breaking down the large protein molecules. It might stimulate digestion and enhance the functioning of the intestines. The detoxification activity of pineapple might help in clearing the microflora of the stomach and help in constipation.^1,3 

However, this information is insufficient. We require more studies to understand the potential benefit of pineapple juice in overcoming digestion problems in humans. 

Pineapple residues left after the processing of pineapples may be of use as a preservative for food, cosmetics, and other therapeutical purposes. The pineapple waste is full of bioactive compounds like ferulic acid, vitamins A and C, saponins, flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, and steroids.

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS, M.S.

2. Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice for Bones:  

The benefit of drinking pineapple (Ananas) juice is that it might help maintain bone health. Pineapple contains trace minerals like manganese, which may be responsible for forming bones and connective cells. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C may help in the formation of bone collagen, muscle, cartilage and blood vessels. Hence, pineapple juice may be helpful in building healthier, stronger bones and a muscular body. Drinking pineapple juice by older adults might help to strengthen their bones. It might also promote bone growth in young people.¹ 

Pineapple wastes are richly composed of lignin and cellulose, which are considered raw materials for paper production. Hence, pineapple waste which is otherwise cumbersome to dispose of could be a potential source of pulp and paper production, thus sparing the woods.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

3. Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice for Diarrhoea:  

Diarrhoea might significantly cause illness and death in children. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which may be useful in diarrhoea. The primary pathogens responsible for diarrhoea produce toxins in the digestive tract, particularly in the intestines. The enzyme bromelain may have the ability to counteract these toxins. Pineapple juice might also stop the attachment of pathogenic bacteria to the surface of the intestine and might result in anti-diarrheal activity.^2,6 

These studies are insufficient and need more research to provide the effectiveness of pineapple juice in managing diarrhoea in people. 

4. Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice for Osteoarthritis:  

Some people experience severe joint pain, which might be related to osteoarthritis. Various research suggests that pineapple may have a pain-killing effect which might help relieve achy joint pain, similar to certain drugs used in pain. According to the research conducted by Akhtar et al., pineapple juice contains vital components that might enhance pain relief and decrease inflammation in the joints.^2,3 

However, these studies are not sufficient. Furthermore, research is needed to prove its extended use in osteoarthritis issues in humans. 

Pineapple provides more than the recommended amount of an essential yet trace element manganese. It is useful to boost your metabolism, response, and healthy bones.

Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS

5. Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice for Tumours:  

Pineapple juice might show anti-tumour and anti-cancer activity. The enzyme bromelain may help to regulate the division and spreading of cancerous cells. The anti-tumour activity may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple. One of the research on human cell lines (Chandler and Mynott, 1998) suggests the bromelain enzyme may have the ability to kill tumour cells.² 

These studies are insufficient and need more research to support the significance of pineapple juice in dealing with tumours in humans. 

6. Other Potential Uses of Pineapple Juice:  

• Pineapple juice might play an essential role in blood clotting.² 
• Adding pineapple to your diet may help to burn more fats.³ 
• Pineapple juice may be a great post-workout drink. Adding pineapple to your drink might help you overcome muscle soreness and aid in quick recovery.³ 

Though studies show the benefits of pineapple juice in various health conditions, this information is insufficient. Therefore, more studies are needed to establish the true nature of the benefits of pineapple juice on human health are necessary.  

How to Use Pineapple Juice?

Pineapple juice is a good source of nutrients, which may make it beneficial for health. The pineapple juice uses are as follows: 

• Pineapples are eaten fresh or made into fresh juice.¹ 
• Pineapples juice may be canned or used in the preparation of desserts, jam, ice cream, yoghurt and candies.¹  
• It is also used for tenderising meat.¹ 
• Pineapples juice is used to make cakes, pies, and puddings and is also made into sauces or preserves. 
• Pineapple juice contains an enzyme (bromelain) that may be used as a drug.² 

Side Effects of Pineapple Juice:

Pineapple is a valuable food source and might be considered safe for consumption.⁵ Still, it may have some common side effects as follows: 

• Drinking large quantities of pineapple juice may cause soreness in the mouth and food pipe. 
• The high sugar content of pineapple juice may increase the chances of diabetes. 
• The unripe fruit might be poisonous. In addition, it may cause throat irritation due to the presence of acid in the fruit. 
• High levels of citric acid may cause stomach upset when consumed on an empty stomach. 
• The acids in pineapple may cause corrosion of tooth enamel and the gums. It may also cause gingivitis and sometimes cavities. 
• Too much eating might affect the skin and lips.¹ 

However, immediately contact your physician if you experience any side effects. They will be able to treat you appropriately. 

Precautions to Take With Pineapple Juice:

 General precautions need to be followed while having pineapple juice. 

• Pineapple (Ananas) juice contains a high amount of sugar. So, patients with high blood sugar should take precautions.¹ 
• Excess consumption might cause tooth enamel decay, cavities and gum problems. Thus, people should consume less to avoid such issues.¹ 
• Avoid eating unripened fruit; it might be poisonous.¹ 
• People should take precautions while drinking pineapple juice. It may lead to stomach upset. So, avoid having it on an empty stomach.¹ 
• There is insufficient evidence to report the safe use of pineapple juice for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, it is necessary to take advice from your doctor before having pineapple juice as a herb. 
• People should never use any herb to self-medicate, especially without talking to a physician. Therefore, precautions need to be taken to prevent further complications. 

Interactions With Other Drugs:

Fruit juice can influence the activity of a drug. The nutrient content of the juices may interfere with some enzymes and can cause herb-drug interaction. This might change the drug efficacy and duration of action of the drug.³ 

The short-term consumption of pineapple juice might significantly increase the bioavailability of respiratory and joint pain medications. These drugs might interact with pineapple juice; thus, patients should be cautious due to the potential risk of a drug interaction.³  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Farid Hossain M. Nutritional Value and Medicinal Benefits of Pineapple. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2015 Feb;4(1):84-88. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281613779_Nutritional_Value_and_Medicinal_Benefits_of_Pineapple 

2. Helmy SA, El-Bedaiwy HM, El-Masry SM. Effect of pineapple juice on the pharmacokinetics of celecoxib and montelukast in humans. Ther Deliv. 2020 Jun;11(5):301–311. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4155/tde-2020-0020 

3. Cleveland Clinic. The Many Health Benefits of Pineapple. 2021;(Dv). Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-pineapple/ 

4. Nipa Tochi B, Zhang W. Therapeutic Application of Pineapple Protease (Bromelain): A Review. Pak J Nutr. 2008 Jan;7(4):513–520. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26563756 

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