An Underrated Fruit Beverage Could Help Prevent Cancer, Lower Blood Pressure And Boost Immunity

As fruit juices go, pineapple juice may not be as popular a morning staple as, say, orange or grapefruit juice. But, according to Healthline, this tropical beverage has a number of surprising health benefits. For starters, pineapple contains a compound called bromelain, which can reduce inflammation and boost immunity. There is evidence to suggest that taking bromelain before surgery could aid in recovery by helping to manage pain and keep swelling down. It may also be good for your heart, as bromelain can help combat oxidative stress and prevent atherosclerosis. 

Additionally, WebMD reports that, in high doses, bromelain could have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may also boost the immune system's defenses against cancer. However, these findings have yet to be fully proven in human trials, so more studies are needed. As such, bromelain shouldn't be considered a viable substitute for established cancer treatments. But in some cases, it can be used to treat some cancer symptoms or even the side effects of certain treatments. 

For patients who suffer from high blood pressure, pineapple juice may be a great addition to their morning meal. Sprint Medical notes that pineapple is low in sodium and high in potassium, which makes it effective at keeping hypertension under control. The high potassium content in pineapple is a great way to balance out excess sodium in the body, which can help bring blood pressure numbers down. A 2021 study published in Nutrition & Metabolism showed that daily pineapple consumption helped lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect the heart from oxidative stress, all factors that help support healthy blood pressure. 

Pineapple juice is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, which can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration (via WebMD). According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of American Science, consuming pineapple had the ability to reduce eye floaters in 7 out of 10 patients. Additionally, 45% of patients who consumed three servings of pineapple daily saw their floaters go away entirely, versus people who consumed two servings (38%) and one serving (30%). 

If pineapple juice isn't your thing, there are other fruit juices you can bring to the table for their health benefits. Cleveland Clinic reports that tart cherry juice can be helpful for runners and athletes, reducing inflammation and easing soreness after workouts. It can also lower levels of uric acid, which can be beneficial in combating arthritis pain and flare-ups of gout. The fiber present in the skin of cherries can also help keep blood sugar levels low. 

A glass of tomato juice is also a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (via GoodRx). One of the antioxidants present in tomato juice is lycopene, which can reduce your risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Lycopene is good for your heart because it can prevent the buildup of plaque and keep blood flowing through the body at a good clip. Tomato juice also packs a nutritional punch, providing key vitamins and minerals like folate, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.