What Happens if You Drink Pineapple Juice Every Day?

what happens if you drink pineapple juice every day
Drinking a cup of pineapple juice every day has several health benefits, including boosting your immune system and improving digestive health

Drinking a cup of pineapple juice every day has several health benefits, including boosting your immune system and improving digestive health. Pineapple is rich in bromelain, vitamins A and C, and several minerals.

Pineapple juice is a good source of vitamins and minerals:

  • Manganese
  • Vitamin C
  • Copper
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  • Copper
  • Folate
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium

It also contains trace amounts of other micronutrients:

  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Zinc
  • Choline
  • Vitamin K
  • B vitamins
Table: Nutritional value of 1 cup (250 grams) of pineapple juice
Nutrient Amount (in grams)
Carbs 33
Sugars 25
Protein <1
Fat <1
Fiber 1

7 health benefits of drinking pineapple juice

  1. Rich in nutrients: Pineapple is packed with nutrients that play a role in boosting bone health, immunity, wound healing, and energy production.
  2. Anti-inflammatory: An enzyme called bromelain in pineapple juice helps suppress inflammation, which can in turn reduce pain and swelling associated with sports injuries and osteoarthritis.
  3. Digestive health: Enzymes in pineapple juice help reduce digestive problems such as constipation and bloating. The antibacterial properties of bromelain can protect your gut from Escherichia coli, the microbe that causes diarrhea.
  4. Respiratory health: Due to the bromelain content and anti-inflammatory nature of pineapple juice, drinking it regularly may help relieve cold and allergy symptoms.
  5. Heart health: Some studies have reported that bromelain may help dissolve blood clots in the arteries of your heart and therefore lower your risk of cardiovascular disorders and heart attacks.
  6. Eye health: High levels of antioxidants—vitamins A and C and beta-carotene—can protect your eyes by preventing age-related cataracts and vision problems.
  7. Skin health: High levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene can help improve overall skin texture and protect your skin against age-related changes and the damaging effects of UV rays and pollution.

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Can drinking pineapple juice cause any side effects?

Drinking pineapple juice is likely to be safe for most healthy people. However, it may cause side effects in some cases:

  • Allergies: Pineapple juice can induce allergic symptoms such as rash or breathing trouble in some people. Discontinue drinking it if you develop any allergic symptoms including hives.
  • Stomach problems: High levels of vitamin C in pineapple juice can irritate the stomach and cause nausea and heartburn, so you should exercise caution if you have acid reflux. Excessive consumption of pineapple juice can also cause diarrhea.
  • Weight gain: Because pineapple contains a good amount of natural sugar, beware of drinking too much or you may risk gaining weight. 
  • Toxicity: Unripe pineapple juice can cause toxicity in your gut and result in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure the juice is made from ripe pineapples. Pregnant women are often asked to avoid pineapples because it has caused uterine contractions in lab studies, although this is generally regarded as a myth by modern medicine practitioners.
References
Image Source: iStock Images

Rathnavelu V, Alitheen NB, Sohila S, et al. Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications. Biomed Rep. 2016 Sep;5(3):283-288.

Ivanova NN, Khomich LM, Perova IB, Eller KI. [Pineapple juice nutritional profile]. Vopr Pitan. 2019;88(2):73-82. Russian.

Pineapple, raw. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168187/nutrients

Pineapple juice, canned or bottled, unsweetened, with added ascorbic acid. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168187/nutrients