There are two common ways to make pineapple water. The most popular version infuses water with fresh pineapple chunks, and the other version blends freshly cut pineapple with water and strains out the pulp.
To make the infused kind, begin by choosing a ripe pineapple, which will offer more sweetness.
“First, find the fruit with the sweetest fragrance,” says Nicole Stefanow, RDN, a dietitian in the New York City area. “Second, tug at a leaf from the crown. If it detaches easily, that’s a telltale sign that the pineapple is ready to be sliced.”
Then chop up some pineapple, and steep it in water. The longer you steep, the more flavor you’ll get. And, of course, add ice if desired.
Consider opting for this base recipe: one chopped pineapple, one gallon of water, and one gallon of ice.
Benefits of pineapple water
It’s hydrating
“The most important health benefit of pineapple water is it provides hydration, which is vital for our bodies to function properly,” Stefanow says.
The average U.S. adult drinks less than five cups of water per day. This is much less than the recommended intake of 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups a day. So Americans can use any help getting in their daily quota of water.
“Adding a sweet flavor like pineapple to water can make drinking water more appealing and palatable to someone who may not be meeting their hydration needs with plain water alone,” adds Stefanow.
It helps immunity
“Besides being a refreshing and hydrating alternative to plain water, pineapple water may provide a sweet little immunity boost,” says Stefanow.
“Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and manganese, which both play an important part in immune function.”
Indeed, per a cup of pineapple, you get 79 milligrams of vitamin C. This is 88 percent of the DV for vitamin C and 67 percent of the DV for manganese.
It’s helps reduce inflammation
Pineapple contains bromelain, a group of enzymes. “Drinking pineapple water may help people with chronic inflammation, as bromelain is water-soluble and known to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body,” says Lebovitz.
Bromelain provides other anti-inflammatory benefits, too. “Research suggests that bromelain may even decrease nasal inflammation in people suffering from acute sinusitis and may shorten the duration of symptoms,” says Stefanow.
It helps cut added sugar intake
It’s no secret that most soda contains added sugar. So if it’s the carbonation you love, making a fizzy pineapple water may satisfy your soda craving.
“Fruit-infused sparkling water is a satisfying low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to soda with the same gratifying fizz,” says Stefanow. Replacing sugary drinks with this alternative is a plus.
It may help digestion
“Pineapple is packed with natural digestive enzymes that help our bodies break down food,” says Stefanow. “Sipping on pineapple water between meals can help support healthy digestion.”
Written by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN for The Healthy©
Source: 5 Benefits of Pineapple Water and How to Make It (msn.com)
