I’m into drinking of pineapple juice nowadays. I find it beneficial in so many ways. Anyway, here are the other stuff I learned about the juice.
Culinary Uses
In many world cuisines–most prominently in Asian, South American and Pacific Island cuisine–pineapple juice is used for both sweet and savory dishes. Pineapple juice, fresh or canned, is both sweet and acidic, and therefore can be used in dishes such as curries, fried rices, marinades for poultry, meats and fish, popsicles, sorbets, ice creams, smoothies and in fruit salads. The culinary uses are endless; though as a marinade for meat or poultry, it should not rest on the meat for longer than an hour, as pineapple juice contains the acidic chemical known as bromelain, which breaks down protein structures. For a tough piece of meat, pineapples juice is a great tenderizer.
Medicinal Uses
In holistic and herbal medicine, pineapple juice has been used as a remedy for many ailments for centuries. The acidity in the juice is used to bring about perspiration, and so it is often used as a fever reducer. Pineapple juice is often used to help relieve the discomfort of indigestion and stomach cramping, as the enzyme bromelain breaks down proteins and facilitates digestion.
Externally, pineapple juice can also be used to soothe dry skin and calluses. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, and is used for the relief of tired muscles, achy joints and sore throats.
Beverages
Freshly pressed pineapple juice is a delicious alternative to the morning class of OJ. However, the most common use of pineapple juice is as a component of tropical alcoholic beverages, such as the Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Sex on the Beach and dozens of others. Popular brands include Dole del Monte and Ocean Spray.
Catalyst for Labor
A popular medicinal belief is the drinking of pineapple juice to induce labor in late stages of pregnancy. As aforementioned, the enzyme bromelain found in pineapple juice is used as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also believed to act as a prostoglandin (as is mango, papaya and sperm), which softens the connective tissues in the cervix, causing the uterus to contract, and thus initiate labor. However, in order for pineapple juice to be used to induce labor, it must be consumed fresh, as the enzymes are destroyed during canning and processing.
