30 Apr

Best Pineapples For Pineapple Juice And How To Choose Them

Pineapple is a tropical fruit with an exotic appearance and sweet, tangy taste. Not only do these fruits taste delicious, but they also are loaded with nutrients and vitamins that are an essential part of a healthy diet. The fruit has a high concentration of manganese, a vitamin that is not produced by the body but is important for the regulation of blood sugar levels, wound healing and healthy skin. Pineapples are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which contributes to the formation of collagen and a healthy immune system. The vitamin B1 in pineapple helps the body develop energy from carbohydrates. Pineapples are also a great source of bromelain, an enzyme that helps the digestive system break down foods and removes toxins from the bloodstream.

One of the best ways to reap these benefits is to enjoy a refreshing glass of pineapple juice. The following guide will help you select the best pineapples for juicing.

Types of Pineapple

Smooth Cayenne Pineapple is one of the best pineapples for juicing. Luckily, it is also one of the most commonly available types of pineapple in the United States. The fruit’s outer shell tends to be light yellow-green, and the interior flesh is a light yellow shade. This type of pineapple has a high concentration of both sugar and acid, which gives it a sweet but tangy taste that is ideal for juices.

Natal Queen Pineapples are bright yellow inside and may be almost orange when ripe. These pineapples have an exceptionally sweet taste with less of the tanginess found in other pineapples.

Sugar Loaf Pineapples are another one of the best pineapples for juicing, but they may be difficult to find in the United States. These pineapples are more narrow and smooth than other types and are characterized by their juiciness and light taste.

best pineapples for juicing
Choosing the Best Pineapples

When selecting a pineapple for juicing, look for ripeness and deterioration. The skin should be a vibrant yellow, especially around the fruit’s base. Smell the base after examining it. A light pineapple scent should be detected if the fruit is ripe. The pineapple should feel firm and yield only slightly upon touching.

A deteriorated pineapple should never be used for juicing. If the pineapple is wrinkled, soft or smells fermented, throw it out immediately.

How Long Does A Pineapple Last

A ripe pineapple will last between three and five days, but it is best to get the fruit in the juicer as soon as it is ripe. Using a juicer immediately after the fruit is ripened will create a glass of fresh, flavorful and tangy juice.

24 Mar

Pineapple Juice Side Effects: Can You Drink Too Much Pineapple Juice?

Pineapple juice side effects are rare and usually occur when drinking large quantities, especially during a short period of time.

Effects Of Drinking Too Much Pineapple Juice

A digestive enzyme in pineapple juice, bromelain, may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and heavy menstruation.

Drinking large quantities of pineapple juice can lead to uterine contractions.

If the juice was taken from an unripe pineapple, severe vomiting may occur.

A component of pineapple juice, ethyl acrylate, can result in skin sensitivity.

Possible Interactions

Pineapple juice may interfere with the effects of tetracycline and amoxicillin because of the presence of bromelain in the juice.

Pineapple juice contains large amounts of fructose, a natural sugar, and should be avoided by people with diabetes and other blood sugar disorders.

Pineapple juice side effects

Diet and Exercise

Drinking pineapple juice before exercising may result in leg cramps because of the high glycemic content in processed juices.

Never base a diet entirely on pineapple juice. It is high in calories and lacks the vitamins, nutrients and fiber necessary for a healthy diet.

Pineapple juice side effects are usually mild and will disappear once a person has stopped drinking the juice. It is best to eat the fruit, but drinking small amounts of juice is usually not a problem for healthy people.

16 Feb

Pineapple Nutrition Facts

Pineapple Nutrition Facts

Betaine 0,1 mg
Calcium 13 mg
Calories 50 Calories
Carbohydrate 15,1 g
Carotene-a 0 mcg
Carotene-ß 35 mcg
Choline 5,5 mg
Copper 0,1 mg
Dietary Fiber 1,4 g
Fluoride 0 mcg
Folate 18 mcg
Iron 0,3 mg
Lutein-zeaxanthin 0 mcg
Lycopene  mcg
Magnesium 3,4 mg
Manganese 0,3 mg
Niacine 0,1 mg
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) 385 µ mol TE
Pantothenic Acid 0,1 mg
Phosphorus 2,2 mg
Phytonutrients 35 mcg
Potassium 30,5 mg
Protein 0,5 g
Pyridoxine Vit. B6 0,112 mg
Riboflavin Vit. B2 0,018 mg
Selenium 0 mcg
Sodium 0,3 mg
Sugar 9,8 g
Thiamine 0 mg
Total Fat 0,1 g
Vitamin A 58 IU
Vitamin B6 0,1 mg
Vitamin C 57,8 mg
Vitamin E 0 mg
Vitamin K 0,7 mcg
Water 86 g
Zinc 0 mg

23 Nov

Pineapple Piña Colada Recipe

We usually don’t post juice recipes that have alcohol in them on this site, but maybe we can make an exception. This pineapple juice recipe is pretty easy to make and is one of the most popular drinks in Hawaii. Delicious, healthy, and fun to drink, the piña colada is perfect after a long day’s work or a relaxing moment by the beach.

Pina Colada RecipePiña Colada Ingredients:

  • 1.5-3 oz light rum (depends on preferred alcohol content)
  • 3 tbsp coconut cream
  • 3 tbsp crushed pineapples or 2 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • Pineapple wedge & maraschino cherry for garnish

 Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in the blender along with 1 cup of crushed ice.
  2. Blend at a high speed for a brief period of time.
  3. Pour mixture into a clear glass, garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple & cherry, and serve with a straw.

Pina Colada In A Pineapple

23 Nov

Need To Know Facts About The Health Benefits Of Pineapple Juice

The health benefits of pineapple juice are undeniable. It contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  Numerous experts tout the physical rewards of drinking fresh pineapple juice on a daily basis for alleviating symptoms of certain ailments, such as arthritis, post-operation swelling, heart disease, and diabetes. Even with this concise information there may be people who have reservations.  There is conclusive evidence that pineapple juice contains significant amounts of vitamin C, bromelain, potassium, and thiamine.  The above mentioned ingredients benefits the human body when utilized correctly, which in turn proves that pineapple juice is beneficial as well.

Health Benefits Of Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been utilized as an immunity booster, as well as a stimulator of collagen production, which aids in tissue repair and overall health of skin.  In addition, vitamin C aids in metabolizing fats and increasing the body’s absorption of iron.  A recent study in the, “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”, revealed that participants with the highest concentrations of vitamin C in their blood were linked with 42% reduced risk of stroke, as opposed to those with decreased concentrations.  Many physicians agree that a high level of vitamin C in the blood is a clear marker of overall satisfactory health.  Vitamin C is one of the first nutrients to be depleted in individuals who abuse alcohol, smoke, and are under a significant amount of stress, which is why a person with high levels of vitamin C will, more likely than not, be in good overall health.

Pineapple and its health benefits

Health Benefits Of Bromelain

Bromelain, or otherwise known as bromelin, is an enzyme that is found naturally in pineapple juice and is also taken as a supplement by those with digestive issues because of it’s efficiency in that regard.  In some cases, oncologists recommend bromelain to their patients because of it’s effectiveness in breaking down proteins in the body.  Bromelain has shown to improve illnesses related to internal inflammation; for example, arthritis, colitis, and asthma, which are diseases that can cause severe debilitation.  A six-month research study performed on mice with experimental colitis showed promising results.  The mice were treated with bromelain purified from the stem or fresh juice of a pineapple and the severity of their colon inflammation was substantially reduced.  It must be noted that bromelain can only be found in fresh, ripe pineapples because it is likely to be destroyed when introduced to heat, which is why bromelain cannot be found in canned pineapples.

Health Benefits Of Potassium

Potassium is a vital mineral that can be found in all plant and animal life, and is especially abundant in soil, seawater, as well as in fruits and vegetables – including pineapple juice.  Potassium is essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance and is one of the main components in adequate heart function.  A study performed on patients with high blood pressure revealed that taking potassium supplements regularly decreased their systolic blood pressure by at least 8 points.  The potassium found in pineapple juice has shown ample health benefits; even so, all good things must be taken in moderation.  Patients who have chronic kidney disease and acute renal failure need to be especially careful in regard to beginning a potassium regiment.  Lastly, asking a physician before beginning any kind of supplement is a wise decision.

Health Benefits Of Thiamine

Thiamine, or otherwise known as vitamin B1, is an immensely important aspect of good general health.  Thiamine aids the body in processing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.  It is imperative for the human body to have thiamine because it produces adenosine triphosphate, which is a molecule that aids the body in obtaining energy.  Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and children with heart disease have been shown to have low levels of thiamine.  In some cases, a thiamine supplement is necessary; however, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with a high thiamine content may be a safer alternative to a thiamine supplement.  The health benefits of pineapple juice are directly related to it’s thiamine content, which is what makes drinking fresh pineapple juice an all-around positive concept.

In conclusion, fresh pineapple juice is rich with extraordinary vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  The key word is, “fresh”, because pineapple juice in any other form has little to no beneficial ingredients.  A ripe pineapple, juiced at home, is, more than likely, the very best way to derive those advantageous ingredients.  As mentioned in the above paragraphs, all good things must be taken in moderation in order to obtain the greatest possible effect.  Furthermore, it is imperative for all people who wish to begin drinking pineapple juice for health reasons, to consult a physician before doing so.  Once you do that, drinking fresh pineapple juice on a daily basis will be a delicious and nutritious experience.