Make a Pineapple Lemonade
Description
Need a little lift to refresh your day? This is like a sip of sunshine with a gentle whisper of mint.
This vibrant juice blends juicy pineapple with crisp cucumber, zesty lemon, and a cooling hint of mint — leaving you feeling light, hydrated, and energised.
Perfect for warm afternoons, post-workout refreshment, or anytime you crave a clean, tropical pick-me-up.
Ingredients
1/2 pineapple
2 cucumbers (large)
1 lemon
1 mint handful
Juicing Time: 5 mins
Juice Qty: 1000 ml
Preparation
Pineapple
Slice off the outer skin
Cut into long thin strips to fit down the chute
Chop the core into small chunks
Cucumber
Cut into chunks to fit down the chute
Juice with skin on
Lemon
Remove stickers and cut off any hard end points
Slice lemons into rounds with skin on to give more flavour and get more juice from each lemon.
Mint
Remove the leaves from the woody stems
Method
To start making this juice add the cucumber chunks into the wide chute slowly. Allow each piece to be pressed fully before adding the next piece.
Add the mint leave next. I grab a whole handful and drop them into the chute.
Next add the pineapple strips one by one and then the pineapple core pieces.
Finish making this juice by adding all the lemon slices at once.
Tip: Look for mint leaves that are even-colored and not wilting. If you’re at the farmer’s market, smell them. You should get a nose full of that distinct aroma.
Health Benefits
Pineapple
Pineapple juice is filled with antioxidants, soluble fibre, and living water which keeps you full and hydrated at the same time. A perfect fruit to juice for weight loss.
Nutrition: Pineapple has large amounts of vitamin C like its orange cousin, but it also has bromelain, an enzyme that helps suppress coughs and loosens the mucus that often accompanies colds.
Immune System: The power of bromelain and vitamin C in pineapple work together as a bacteria fighter, mucus cutter, cough suppressant, and overall immune system booster in the body. One cup of pineapple juice supplies over 50% of the daily amount of manganese, a trace mineral important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.
Pineapple strengthens the immune system. Look at the armor of protection around the flesh. The fruit can take up to 2 years from flower to fruit. It has to outlast all four seasons... twice, which means that pineapple's resilient, strong, energetic nature gets passed onto us when we consume them.
Respiratory System: Pineapple contains bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that has anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe, especially for individuals with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and respiratory health. Vitamin C helps protect the lungs from infections and may reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms.
Skeletal System: Pineapple benefits the skeletal system through its rich nutrient profile. It is a good source of manganese, a trace mineral essential for bone health that is involved in bone mineralization and the formation of bone matrix proteins necessary for strong bones. Pineapple is also rich in vitamin C, which plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, a major component of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues, thus supporting bone formation and repair.
Additionally, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme mixture known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce inflammation in the body and supports overall bone health by potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like arthritis. The various antioxidants in pineapple, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, help neutralize free radicals that can damage bone cells and lead to bone loss, thereby supporting bone strength and density. Pineapple also provides potassium, an electrolyte that supports bone mineral density by neutralizing acids in the body that can leach calcium from bones, helping to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Cucumber
Nutrition: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for bone health, immune function, and heart health. Cucumbers contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
All Systems: Cucumbers can counteract toxins and lift depression; cleanse the blood; quench thirst, moisten the lungs, and purify the skin. They are also a good antidote for conjunctivitis, sore throat, acne, and inflamed skin diseases. Hence the saying, 'cool as a cucumber'.
Integumentary (Skin) System: Cucumbers contain silica, a compound that is important for healthy connective tissues, including skin, hair, and nails. Applying cucumber slices to the skin may also help soothe sunburns and reduce swelling.
Lemon
Lemons are a must have ingredient in any juicing kitchen. They help make veggie juices taste better and help fruit juices last long when stored in the fridge. Lemons are rich in bioflavonoids which can significantly boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Lemon juice is known to be particularly beneficial for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Lemons are not only a bright and tangy addition to dishes but also offer a range of health benefits. Here's why lemons are good for various systems in our body:
Nutrition: Lemons are low in calories but high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. They also contain citric acid, potassium, and other nutrients that support overall health.
Digestive System: The citric acid in lemons can help improve digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid. This can aid in the digestion of food and prevent digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.
Immune System: Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu.
Detoxification: Lemons are often used in detox diets because they can help cleanse the body and promote the elimination of toxins. The citric acid in lemons helps stimulate the liver, which is the body's main detoxification organ. Lemons act as a cleanser and astringent; they squeeze toxins from the tissues and stimulate the liver to detoxify. Lemon juice is also beneficial for removing poisons in the form of old drug residues from the body.
Skin Health: The antioxidants in lemons, including vitamin C, can help reduce the signs of aging and improve skin health. Lemon juice can also be used topically to lighten dark spots and blemishes on the skin.
Hydration: Lemon water is a refreshing and hydrating beverage that can help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can help improve energy levels and mood.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb known for its cooling sensation and numerous health benefits. Its natural compounds support various body systems, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.
All Systems: Mint’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help protect the body from oxidative stress, supporting overall health. Its ability to improve circulation and reduce inflammation benefits multiple systems.
Brain & Nervous System: The menthol in mint has a soothing effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Mint’s natural compounds may help reduce headaches and improve focus.
Digestive System: Mint is widely known for its digestive benefits. It helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion. Mint can also help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing spasms in the digestive tract.
Immune System: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of mint help support the immune system by fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses. Its high antioxidant content protects immune cells from oxidative stress, enhancing overall immunity.
Respiratory System: Mint’s menthol content acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear nasal passages and relieve symptoms of colds, allergies, and respiratory conditions like asthma. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also soothe irritated airways and improve breathing.