Experts suggest that a certain fruit juice could help eliminate ‘bad’ cholesterol that has built up in your arteries. Pineapple juice, a nutritious and golden-yellow beverage, could be an excellent morning choice packed with health benefits, particularly for your heart.
High cholesterol is a grave health concern that often doesn’t present with any noticeable symptoms until it gets to the point of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Excessive LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol can result in fatty deposits building up in the arteries, heightening the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The only way to know for certain that you have high cholesterol is to take a blood test. This can be done with your GP, and anyone over 40 should be invited for a test anyway as part of the NHS Health Check.
While our bodies require some cholesterol to build cell membranes, generate vitamin D and produce hormones, an imbalance leaning towards excess can lead to health complications. Risk factors could be genetic but can also be down to poor lifestyle choices such as eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol.
Pineapples and their juice are rich in a specific enzyme known as bromelain, making them a powerful tool for those seeking to reduce high cholesterol levels naturally. Research from the University of Illinois suggests that consuming a glass regularly could significantly enhance cardiovascular health.
Studies have discovered that bromelain acts as an anti-inflammatory, capable of breaking down harmful cholesterol deposits that otherwise lead to plaque formation in the arteries. Besides reducing inflammation, it aids in normal lipid metabolism and slows cardiovascular deterioration due to oxidative damage.
Bromelain stimulates your body’s capacity to combat pain and reduce inflammation. It is regularly utilised as a remedy for inflammation and sports injuries and may also alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Pineapple juice is readily available in most supermarkets, but avoid buying cartons with added sugar, as too much sugar could lead to negative health consequences and possibly negate the cholesterol-lowering properties. You could also consider making homemade juice in your own kitchen.
Incorporating pineapple juice into your diet is generally deemed safe. However, individuals should still limit their daily intake of pineapple juice as it could result in tooth damage due to the sugar and acid content in pineapples that can erode tooth enamel, potentially leading to cavities.
Those with kidney disease should consult their doctor before consuming pineapple juice to ensure its potassium content is suitable for their diet.
There’s no evidence to suggest that pineapple juice interferes with the functioning of statins in the body, making it safe for individuals who have been prescribed this cholesterol-lowering medication by their doctor. This common concern stems from medical advice indicating that grapefruit juice can cause complications with statins, potentially rendering them ‘toxic’.