A slice of pineapple on the rim of your favorite tropical cocktail might be the extent of your experience with this powerful fruit. But there are a lot of health benefits of pineapple water which ought to grab your attention. We’ll take a look at the top 15 benefits of pineapple water. But before we do, what is pineapple infused water?
Fruit infused water, sometimes called detox water, is a pretty simple concept, which has become extremely popular, especially on the weight loss scene. Pineapple infused water is one of the top performers in this diet craze and for good reason. Pineapples contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals as well as some other great compounds to give your overall wellness a boost. Let’s take a look at pineapple’s nutritional profile.
Though the following profile is for 1 cup of pineapple chunks, it does give you an indication of the daily value (DV) of pineapple water.
- Vitamin C 105% DV;
- Manganese 77% DV;
- Copper 20% DV;
- Vitamins B1 and B6 11% DV;
- Fiber and folate 9% DV;
- Vitamin A and beta-carotene 5%.
One of the greatest benefits found in pineapple comes from the enzyme known as bromelain, which is especially beneficial as an anti-inflammatory agent. Though pineapples do contain citric acid, it isn’t nearly as strong as lemon, lime, cranberries and grapes. So it is a little bit safer for your teeth.
Pineapple water can play a significant role in maintaining your body’s health. But these benefits are not all inclusive cures. You should still consult a health care professional for more serious conditions involving your health.
Precaution for Using Pineapple Water
Since dental enamel begins to dissolve at pH levels lower than 5.5, continuous use of pineapple infused water throughout the day can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Also, pineapples come in at a 4.0 on the pH scale. So it does contain enough citric acid to make this a concern. Moderation of your intake of pineapple infused water is of some importance and should probably be limited to not more than 16 oz. per day.
Some of the acidity of pineapple infused water can be neutralized by the addition of non-acidic or less acidic additions. Some of these can be mint, rosemary, basil, peaches, melons, and blueberries. In any case, don’t go crazy and spend all day drinking pineapple water over a long period of time.
Top 15 Benefits of Pineapple Water
Improves Digestion
One of the benefits of pineapple water that will get your attention is its ability to help improve digestion.
What to do:
- In a gallon jar, add 1 chopped pineapple.
- Pour water into with the chopped pineapple to fill the jar.
- Leave the jar in the refrigerator at least overnight before drinking.
- Drink 12 to 16 oz. of the mixture daily as soon as you get out of bed.
How it works:
Pineapple water contains bromelain, which is a powerful digestive enzyme which aids your digestive tract to function better.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
You can also obtain healthier teeth and gums from drinking pineapple water.
What to do:
- Craving the flavor of the Caribbean? Try this pineapple infuse water with coconut.
How it works:
The bromelain in pineapples breaks up plaque and is also a natural stain remover and the high vitamin C content helps promote healthy gums.
Cancer Fighter
Another the many benefits of drinking pineapple water is that it is a cancer fighter.
What to do:
- Add a spicy kick to your pineapple infused water with jalapeno.
How it works:
Research indicates that bromelain is more effective at inhibiting the growth certain types of cancer than the chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorauracil (5-U).
Balancing Blood Sugar
Balancing blood sugar is another great benefit you can get from pineapple water.
What to do:
- Using herbs and other non-acidic fruits and vegetables helps to balance out pineapple’s moderate acidity, so this infused water with mint is perfect.
How it works:
Since pineapple infused water is at a low level on the glycemic index, it does not cause a blood sugar spike. But it raises your blood sugar slowly. Additionally, the high amount of manganese helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Gets Rid of Liver and Intestinal Parasites
Pineapple water can be used to get rid of liver and intestinal parasites.
What to do:
- Even oranges can help balance out acidity and lend a great twist to this infused water recipe.
How it works:
Again, the bromelain in pineapple comes to the rescue once more. But this time it is working as an anti-parasitic agent to kill and eliminate parasites. Sources say that a three day pineapple fast will even eliminate tape worms.
Improved Bone Health
Another great health benefit of pineapple water is improved bone health.
What to do:
Cucumbers make a great blend for pineapple infused water.
How it works:
The high manganese content of pineapple infused water provides an essential element in new bone growth and old bone maintenance.
Reduced Risk of Hypertension
You can greatly reduce your risk of hypertension through the regular consumption of pineapple water.
What to do:
- Try out this recipe that adds celery and parsley to pineapple.
How it works:
The significant presence of potassium and low sodium in pineapples helps to regulate blood pressure levels and avoid hypertension.
Arthritis Pain Relief
Bringing relief to arthritis pain is yet another of the many health benefits of pineapple water.
What to do:
- You can add more pineapple infused water to your daily diet with this recipe from south of the border.
How it works:
The high manganese content of pineapple infused water along with the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain make it a great treatment for preventing or reducing arthritis pain.
Cardiovascular Health
Besides reducing your risk of hypertension, drinking pineapple water has other benefits for your cardiovascular health as well.
What to do:
- This combination of pineapple and cinnamon will help encourage you to drink even more pineapple infused water.
How it works:
The high vitamin C content found in pineapples helps to rid your body of the free radicals that cause atherosclerosis and also acts as an anti-coagulant.
Improved Vision
Even your eyes can benefit from regular consumption of pineapple water.
What to do:
- The eye-opening blend of Chicha de pina, (spiced pineapple water) will have you craving this cure.
How it works:
The vitamin and beta-carotene content of pineapples is a contributing factor to reducing your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), a primary cause of poor vision as you age.
Electrolyte Balance
Providing electrolyte balance is another one of the many pineapple water benefits to lift your energy.
What to do:
- Use pineapple when you make this sports drink recipe in order to get the most of its great benefits when you workout or compete.
How it works:
Pineapples contain a lot of potassium, which is the most important element among electrolytes. These prevent muscle cramps and muscle strains.
Helps Regulate Thyroid Function
You can also help regulate thyroid function by regularly consuming pineapple water.
What to do:
- Another great anti-oxidant to add to boost the benefits of pineapple is the addition of ginger to your infused water.
How it works:
Both bromelain and iodine found in pineapples help combat autoimmune disorders and regulate thyroid function.
Reduction of Inflammation
One of the great benefits of drinking pineapple water is for the reduction of inflammation.
What to do:
- Add a half cup of grated turmeric root to your 1 gallon pineapple infused water recipe above to get the pain and inflammation fighting properties of both.
How it works:
The combination of vitamin C, manganese, potassium and bromelain are powerful in inhibiting the function of inflammatory enzymes.
Heavy Metal Detox
Pineapple water is among the best treatments for detoxification of heavy metals from your system.
What to do:
- Another great addition to give your pineapple water a boost is to pour 2 cups of sliced strawberries in your gallon mixture of pineapple infused water.
How it works:
Fiber, enzymes and antioxidants found in pineapple infused water help to flush heavy metals from your liver, bloodstream and digestive tract.
Weight Loss Aid
Last, but in no way the least on our list of pineapple water benefits is its function as an aid in weight loss.
What to do:
- Keep a stash of your favorite pineapple infused water recipe shown above.
- Consume 12 oz. of the infused water ten to 15 minutes before each meal.
- Use it as a replacement for diet sodas for your afternoon pick me up.
How it works:
Pineapple water helps remove toxins and balance blood sugar, which both aid in weight loss. But it is also a great way to feel satiated and avoid over-eating or giving into cravings.
Conclusion
Pineapple water is one of the best options for achieving better health. It gives flavor to water and encourages you to drink more of it to help your body function at its best. Pineapple water also adds its many nutrients to your system and helps regulate, eliminate or prevent a number of health conditions.
Try out one or several of our pineapple infused water tips above to regain control of your health. Then tell us all about it in the comments section.
The images are from depositphotos.com.