Light, sweet and tropical, pineapple juice first hit the shelves of U.S. grocery stores in 1952, according to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Today, it is blended with other fruit juices for a variety of flavors and is widely available fresh, canned or as a frozen concentrate. Pineapple juice can help you lose or maintain your weight while getting valuable nutrients, but its sugar content may be a concern for diabetics.
Vitamins
A glass of pineapple juice might help keep you looking young, as it provides one-third of the vitamin C you need each day, helping to keep your cells healthy and preventing premature aging. Each glass also gives you about one-fifth of the vitamin B-6 you need each day, as well as one-tenth of your daily requirement for thiamine and folate. It provides about 5 percent of the riboflavin and niacin you need daily. These B-complex vitamins boost your metabolism and help your body use the protein, carbohydrates and fat from the foods you eat.
Minerals
Pineapple juice can help you maintain a toned, tall appearance. Each glass of pineapple juice supplements your mineral intake with about a tenth of the magnesium and potassium you need daily, helping to keep your muscle and nerve function optimal. It also provides 5 percent of your recommended daily intake for calcium, iron and phosphorus, essential minerals that help your body maintain strong bones and healthy blood. The vitamin C in pineapple juice helps your body absorb the iron that this juice provides.
Bromelain
When indigestion strikes, drinking pineapple juice may help, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. During the late 19th century, scientists identified a mixture of enzymes, called bromelain, in the pineapple plant. They extracted it from the stem and juice and used it to treat indigestion and inflammation. Today, bromelain supplements form to treat post-surgical inflammation as well as swelling from sinus infections, so add it to your cold-and-flu season arsenal.
Considerations
Each 8-ounce glass of pineapple juice has 132 calories and 1 gram of protein, helping to keep you feeling full for longer than if you drink water. It also contains 25 grams of sugar, so if you are diabetic or trying to reduce your sugar intake, drink pineapple juice in moderation. Pineapple has a glycemic load of 66, according to the University of Wisconsin's Department of Family Medicine. Foods with glycemic index scores of 70 to 100 are considered high-glycemic foods, and pineapple is nearly in that category.
References
Writer Bio
Maia Appleby is a NASM-certified personal trainer with more than 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. Her articles have been published in a wide variety of print magazines and online publications, including the Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, New Moon Network and Bodybuilding.com.