Medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, L.D. — Written by Megan Ware, RDN, L.D.
Pineapple juice contains a rich assortment of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Possible health benefits of pineapple juice include boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, promoting healthy skin, and more.
People have long used pineapple as an ancient home remedy for digestive issues and inflammation.
Researchers have also looked into its potential immune benefits and its ability to reduce healing time.
In this article, we examine some of the benefits that pineapple juice can provide, as well as some of the precautions that people should take. We also offer some tips on adding pineapple juice into the diet.
1. Boosting the immune system
Pineapple juice may help boost the immune system.
In a 2014 study that took place in the Philippines, researchers examined the effects of pineapple on 98 children of school age.
The children who ate canned pineapple every day developed fewer viral and bacterial infections than those who did not eat any of this fruit.
The participants who did develop an infection in the group that ate pineapple had a shorter recovery time.
While this is a limited study, the results suggest an association between pineapple intake and a more effective immune response to infection.
2. Aiding digestion
Bromelain is an enzyme that is present in the pineapple stem and juice. It helps the body break down and digest proteins. In capsule form, bromelain may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery, according to a clinical trial from 2018Trusted Source.
However, consuming pineapple and pineapple juice will not provide enough bromelain to heal wounds as a standalone medical treatment.
Standard procedures in the processing of pineapple juice severely decrease the amount of bromelain that it provides.
Despite this, when people consume it as part of a high fiber diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, pineapple juice might promote improved digestion.
3. Fighting cancer
In a laboratory study from 2015, researchers exposed cancer cells to fresh pineapple juice. They found that juice from the core, stem, and flesh suppressed the growth of ovarian and colon cancer cells.
However, further studies in humans are necessary before scientists can confirm any connection between pineapple juice and cancer prevention or treatment.
Pineapples also provide a good quantity of beta carotene. In a 2014 studyTrusted Source with 893 participants, people who ate more foods containing beta carotene showed signs of a reduced risk of colon cancer.
4. Promoting healthy skin
Pineapple juice contains vitamin C and beta carotene. These antioxidants can help reduce wrinklesTrusted Source, improve overall skin texture, and minimize skin damage from sun and pollution exposure.
Vitamin C also helps with the formation of collagen, which is a common protein in the body that gives the skin its strength and structure.
5. Supporting eye health
The vitamin C content of pineapples may help preserve eye health.
A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that diets rich in vitamin C can reduce the risk of cataract progression by one-third. The researchers examined the effects of these diets on 1,027 pairs of female twins in the United Kingdom.
The fluid inside the eye contains vitamin C. A diet containing plenty of vitamin C may help maintain that fluid and prevent the breakdown that leads to cataracts.
