Drinking pineapple and celery juice has become a popular health trend in recent years. Proponents claim that juicing and consuming these two fruits and vegetables together provides a range of health benefits. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key benefits associated with drinking pineapple and celery juice.
Provides Hydration
One of the most basic benefits of drinking pineapple and celery juice is hydration. Both pineapple and celery have high water contents. Pineapples are made up of about 85% water, while celery is around 95% water. When juiced and consumed, they provide an excellent source of fluids to keep the body hydrated.
Proper hydration is vital for overall health. It aids digestion, keeps joints lubricated, flushes toxins from the body, and prevents headaches, fatigue and muscle cramps. For those who struggle to drink enough plain water, juicing pineapple and celery provides a flavorful way to meet daily fluid needs.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to water, pineapple and celery juice is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here is an overview of some of the key nutrients found in each:
Pineapple Juice
- Vitamin C – A potent antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and aids tissue growth and repair.
- Manganese – A mineral that supports bone health and metabolism.
- Copper – Needed for energy production, nerve function and collagen formation.
- Vitamin B6 – Plays a role in over 100 enzyme reactions in the body.
- Thiamin – An energy-boosting B vitamin that is important for metabolism.
- Folate – Important for DNA and red blood cell production.
- Potassium – Helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.
Celery Juice
- Vitamin K – Supports bone health and wound healing.
- Potassium – Helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.
- Folate – Important for DNA and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin C – A potent antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
- Vitamin B2 – Plays a role in energy production and metabolism.
- Vitamin B6 – Plays a role in over 100 enzyme reactions in the body.
- Magnesium – Supports muscle and nerve function.
Consuming pineapple and celery juice provides an excellent way to increase intake of these essential vitamins and minerals, which can help boost immunity, support energy levels, and promote overall health.
Aids Digestion
Supporting digestive health is one of the most touted benefits of drinking pineapple and celery juice. Both contain fibers, enzymes, and compounds that can help promote gut function in several ways.
Specifically, pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties in the digestive tract. It may help reduce gut swelling and ease symptoms of digestive issues like IBS or constipation. Meanwhile, celery contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which has been shown to fight inflammation and reduce risk of colon cancer in animal studies.
The fiber in both pineapple and celery can also promote digestion by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. These microorganisms help maintain the digestive environment and protect against conditions like leaky gut. Overall, the nutrients in pineapple and celery juice combine to create a powerhouse drink for optimal digestive function.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is at the root of most diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Drinking pineapple and celery juice provides a range of compounds that can help fight inflammation in the body.
As mentioned, bromelain from pineapple and apigenin from celery have been shown to reduce inflammatory compounds. Vitamin C, copper, and manganese from pineapple juice and vitamin K from celery juice also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
By reducing excessive inflammatory responses, consuming these fruits and veggies may help protect cells from damage, support tissue repair, and lower risk of inflammatory issues.
Supports Immune Function
A properly functioning immune system is crucial for defending against pathogens and preventing illness. Pineapple and celery juice contain nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate, and vitamin B6 that can boost immune cell activity and support overall immune function.
Vitamin C plays a key role in immune health. It promotes the production and function of white blood cells, antibodies, and other protective immune factors. Beta-carotene, folate, and vitamin B6 also help regulate the immune response.
With its rich supply of immunity-boosting nutrients, regularly drinking pineapple and celery juice may help reduce risk of common illnesses like colds and flu.
Aids Detoxification
Environmental toxins, pollutants, and chemicals can build up in the body over time. This toxic load can contribute to cellular damage and increase disease risk. Drinking pineapple and celery juice supports the body’s natural detoxification systems and helps flush out these harmful compounds.
The high water content in both fruits helps hydrate the body and support kidney function. Celery contains antioxidants like luteolin that stimulate detoxification enzymes in the liver. The fiber in both pineapple and celery binds to toxins so they can be eliminated from the body.
Making this juice part of your routine may promote regular detoxification to reduce harmful exposure and toxicity.
May Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects over one billion people globally and is a major risk factor for heart disease. Some research indicates drinking pineapple and celery juice may help lower blood pressure levels.
Both foods contain potassium, which acts as a vasodilator to relax blood vessels and ease pressure. Bromelain from pineapple may also increase nitric oxide production, which improves blood vessel flexibility. Celery contains the antioxidant luteolin, which has been shown to reduce hypertension in animal studies.
The nutrients in pineapple and celery juice combine to provide blood pressure-lowering effects, helping maintain healthy circulatory function.
May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated blood sugar over time can lead to insulin resistance, metabolic problems, and type 2 diabetes. Animal and test-tube studies suggest that compounds in pineapple and celery may help lower blood glucose levels.
Bromelain from pineapple has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. Luteolin from celery may also improve insulin signaling and stabilize blood sugar levels.
More human research is needed. However, the early evidence indicates regularly consuming pineapple and celery juice could aid glycemic control and help prevent diabetes complications.
May Improve Skin Health
Drinking pineapple and celery juice provides nutrients and compounds that contribute to beautiful, glowing skin. The vitamin C in pineapple juice helps build collagen, the protein that maintains skin structure. Celery juice contains antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese that prevent UV damage.
The anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain and luteolin can also help reduce acne. Pineapple juice provides enzymes like bromelain that remove dead skin cells for fresh, renewed skin. The high water content of both ingredients hydrates the skin from the inside out.
With regular consumption, the nutrients in this power duo juice may help achieve smooth, clear and youthful looking skin.
Supports Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Fortunately, regularly drinking pineapple and celery juice promotes several aspects of heart health.
Both provide potassium, which reduces blood pressure levels to take strain off the cardiovascular system. Pineapple juice delivers antioxidants like vitamin C that protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, preventing plaque buildup in arteries. Celery juice contains luteolin, which has been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammation in blood vessels.
The fiber in pineapple and celery can also help lower cholesterol levels. Their anti-inflammatory compounds help keep arteries clear and improve blood flow. Together, they support healthy circulation and may reduce heart disease risk.
May Help Prevent Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores that can form in the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. They are usually caused by inflammation due to high levels of stomach acid. Drinking pineapple and celery juice may help prevent these painful ulcers from developing.
Pineapple contains bromelain, which exhibits protective effects in the gut lining to prevent ulcer formation. Celery provides antioxidants like vitamin C and caffeic acid that can help reduce stomach inflammation.
Together, the compounds in pineapple and celery juice create an environment that prevents growth of ulcer-causing bacteria and reduces irritation of the digestive tract.
May Reduce Joint Pain
Pineapple and celery juice contains nutrients that can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with joint disorders like osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Bromelain from pineapple has well-researched anti-inflammatory abilities that may reduce swelling, tenderness and pain in joints. Vitamin C protects against cellular damage while copper supports strong connective tissue in the joints.
Meanwhile, vitamin K from celery juice helps regulate inflammatory responses that can exacerbate arthritis. The antioxidants in celery also reduce oxidative stress on joint tissues.
With regular consumption, pineapple and celery juice can help improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and ease joint discomfort.
Supports Brain Function
The nutrients in pineapple and celery juice play important roles in keeping the brain healthy and functioning optimally. Both provide acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning and concentration.
Vitamin C and copper from pineapple juice support neuron signaling and brain health. The folate, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium from both ingredients aid nerve transmission and prevent cognitive decline.
Powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and luteolin also protect the brain against damage from oxidative stress and inflammation. Overall, drinking this dynamic juice duo may boost focus, memory, mood and cognition.
Aids Weight Loss
Pineapple and celery juice may also promote weight loss. Both foods are low in calories yet high in nutrients and water to help you feel full. The fiber they provide slows digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar that can lead to fat storage.
Drinking this juice combo may help reduce inflammation in fat cells and lower levels of the hormone leptin to support calorie burning. Bromelain from pineapple may also help break down and eliminate adipose tissue.
While more research is needed, the nutrients in pineapple and celery juice combine to create a slimming effect and support a healthy body weight.
How to Make Pineapple Celery Juice
It’s easy to make this refreshing and nutritious juice combo at home. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash the pineapple and celery thoroughly. Peel and core the pineapple. Chop both into pieces small enough to fit through your juicer.
- Alternating pieces of pineapple and celery, push the fruits and veggies through an electronic juicer according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Collect the resulting juice in a glass or pitcher. Be sure to consume immediately for maximum nutrient retention.
- For added benefits, add a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger root while juicing. You can also mix in half a lemon for a vitamin C boost.
- Drink no more than one 16 oz glass of pineapple celery juice per day. Consume on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes before eating to maximize absorption.
If you do not have a juicer, simply blend the chopped pineapple and celery in a high-powered blender. Then pour through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or nut milk bag to separate the juice from the insoluble fiber pulp.
Potential Side Effects
When consumed in normal food amounts, pineapple and celery juice are safe for most people. However, drinking large quantities may cause some adverse reactions in certain individuals.
Since pineapple is high in vitamin C, consuming more than one 16 oz serving could trigger digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea or heartburn. The bromelain in pineapple may also interact with some medications including antibiotics and blood thinners.
Celery contains psoralens, compounds that increase sensitivity to UV light. This could raise risk of sunburn. Celery juice may also lower blood pressure and interfere with lithium therapy.
It’s best to start with no more than 4-8 oz per day, ideally on an empty stomach. Pay attention to how your body responds. Reduce intake if any discomfort occurs.
Those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be cautious with high-acid juices. People taking medications should consult their doctor before consuming large amounts of pineapple and celery juice.
The Bottom Line
Drinking pineapple and celery juice provides a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that combine to offer some impressive health benefits. These include:
- Hydration
- Immune support
- Detoxification
- Heart health
- Joint pain relief
- Skin improvement
- Digestive support
- Potential diabetes and blood pressure reduction
Consuming a small glass each morning may be an excellent way to start your day with a boost of nutrition. However, those with certain medical conditions or taking medications should exercise caution.
Overall, juicing and drinking pineapple and celery is a safe, natural way to increase intake of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can positively impact many aspects of health.
