A bowl of fresh fruit is an absolute summer essential. Whether you’re lounging poolside, lakeside, or beachside, snacking on seasonal fruit offers the perfect combo of sweet satisfaction, refreshing relief, and natural hydration – all in one juicy bite. Ripe cherries, sweet peaches, and vibrant berries are popular fan favorites, but let’s not forget the most tropical standout of them all: pineapple!
Pineapple is often called the queen of fruits—and for good reason. Beyond its vibrant yellow color, tropical aroma, and juicy sweetness, pineapple is packed with powerful nutrients. National Pineapple Juice Day also happens to be this month!
Even more impressive? Pineapple contains bromelain, a unique enzyme which is said to be supportive of digestion and aid in the reduction of inflammation(1). The history of bromelain dates back to the ancient civilizations of South America, where the pineapple is native. Indigenous peoples, particularly in regions like the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean, used various parts of the pineapple plant for medicinal purposes (1,5). It’s a natural source of calcium, potassium, fiber, manganese, and vitamin C (1). Drinking pineapple juice not only hydrates the body but also may help replenish essential nutrients, especially during hot summer days (1). Nature has always provided us with remedies for wellness — sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight, right inside a golden slice of fruit.
At Clean Juice® , we’re big fans of pineapple, and even bigger fans of sharing its health benefits with our community. That’s why we created two limited-time summer blends that showcase this tropical superfruit in all its juicy glory!
- The Pineapple Breeze is a refreshing juice blend of pineapple, orange, lemon, and coconut water—it looks and tastes like a perfect summer sunset in a cup.
- The Ocean Waves Smoothie is a cool, creamy escape made with almond milk, banana, pineapple, vanilla, chia seeds, blue spirulina, honey and a coconut cream smear —like a tropical dip in the sea, but way more delicious.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine or just trying to stay cool, these summer drinks are your perfect sip of paradise and pineapple.
Now, let’s explore the benefits of pineapple on a deeper level, shall we?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for a wide range of bodily functions. Just one cup of pineapple provides approximately 78 to 85 mg of vitamin C – about 88–105% of the daily recommended intake (90 mg for men, 75 mg for women) (1). As the body’s primary water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a strong immune system (2). Vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen, the protein that forms the structure of bones, blood vessels, cartilage, and skin(3). Collagen not only helps keep our skin looking youthful, glowy, and plump, but also helps keep our bodies resilient as we age (3). Beyond immunity and skin health, vitamin C plays a role in iron absorption and supports the body’s stress response. The adrenal glands, which help manage stress, rely on vitamin C to produce cortisol and other stress-related hormones (4). Adequate levels of vitamin C help maintain hormonal balance and may support a stable mood, partly by aiding in the production of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which influence motivation and mental clarity(4). In addition to its high content of vitamin C, pineapple is a great source of manganese, a trace mineral the body uses to build bone and connective tissues(4). One cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese (1). And to think…these benefits may be found in a delicious bowl of pineapple!
Pineapple’s superpowers don’t stop there! Bromelain is a complex mixture of proteolytic enzymes from the protease family that are said to support digestion—especially that of protein—by aiding in their breakdown and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract (1,5).
Pineapple can also be used as a natural meat tenderizer—perfect for dishes like chicken or steak al pastor! By assisting in breaking down protein into smaller building blocks, it works to improve the absorption of important amino acids through the digestive tract (5). This process not only may support better protein digestion, but also may help the body absorb more nutrients, contributing to overall wellbeing. Pineapple may also be effective in regulating bowel movements, as it is hydrating and rich in fiber with about 2.3g per one cup serving(1). Bromelain is usually found in the edible parts of the pineapple, however, commercially available bromelain supplements are usually derived from the stem(5).
The properties of bromelain in pineapple go beyond digestion – bromelain is also a powerful anti-inflammatory(5). Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or illness, but it can lead to discomfort, especially if it’s ongoing! This is where bromelain can shine. Research shows that bromelain may help reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines and prostaglandins(5). Cytokine and prostaglandin molecules play a central role in triggering and regulating inflammation in the body(5). By potentially reducing certain inflammatory molecules, bromelain may help shift the immune response toward a more anti-inflammatory state(5). In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain may offer antioxidant benefits (5). It may help neutralize free radicals which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells and tissues(5). Overall, bromelain is known to support happy cells and further, may contribute to reducing inflammation at a deeper level(5). Altogether, bromelain’s combined super powers make it a unique and valuable compound for supporting the body’s natural healing processes (5).
In addition to our limited time pineapple summer drinks, there are many other ways to enjoy the benefits of pineapple on the menu at Clean Juice! There are several juices, smoothies, and acai bowls available with this star ingredient.
Outside of Clean Juice – here are a few additional ways to enjoy pineapple!
- Pineapple Protein Popsicles: Blend pineapple with coconut or mango, collagen (or vanilla protein powder of choice), almond milk, and freeze in popsicle molds to enjoy on a hot day
- Pineapple Salsa: Dice it up with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime for a fresh, zesty salsa. Great on tacos, grilled fish, tortilla chips, or fresh cut veggies
- Grilled Pineapple: Grill fresh pineapple rings for a caramelized, smoky-sweet treat. Perfect as a side dish, burger topping, or even a healthy dessert with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey
- Savory Pineapple Dishes: Add pineapple chunks to stir-fries, curries, or kebabs for a juicy pop of sweetness that balances savory flavors. This is great in dishes like homemade sweet & sour chicken or teriyaki bowls
- Summer Fruit Bowls: Cut up a pineapple, and your other favorite fruits – add them all to a big bowl with some fresh herbs like mint, basil or even lime zest
Pineapple isn’t just a tropical treat – it’s a densely-packed powerhouse with potential benefits that go far beyond its sweet taste. From supporting digestion and aiding in the reduction of inflammation to boosting immunity with its vitamin C properties and enhancing skin health through collagen, this vibrant fruit earns its title as the queen of fruits (1). Whether you’re sipping on a Clean Juice Pineapple Breeze juice, Ocean Waves smoothie, or enjoying it at home, there are endless ways to celebrate its flavor and function.
At Clean Juice, we love celebrating whole, vibrant ingredients like pineapple and making them easy and delicious to enjoy. However you slice it, pineapple is a refreshing reminder that nature offers some of the best tools for happiness, wellbeing and joy.
Sources:
- Md. Farid Hossain, Shaheen Akhtar, Mustafa Anwar. Nutritional Value and Medicinal Benefits of Pineapple. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences. Vol. 4, No. 1, 2015, pp. 84-88. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20150401.22
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 12;9(8):866. doi: 10.3390/nu9080866. PMID: 28805671; PMCID: PMC5579659.
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
- Bettina Moritz, Ariana E. Schmitz, Ana Lúcia S. Rodrigues, Alcir L. Dafre, Mauricio P. Cunha. The role of vitamin C in stress-related disorders. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. Volume 85. 2020. 108459. ISSN 0955-2863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108459.
- Kansakar, U., Trimarco, V., Manzi, M. V., Cervi, E., Mone, P., & Santulli, G. (2024). Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms. Nutrients, 16(13), 2060. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132060