Pineapples are a staple in my house. They’re not only perfect for summer months- they are a delicious treat year round… especially in a pineapple smoothie recipe. In the winter, the bright color and bold taste can be a hopeful reminder that summer is on its way- haha! Besides making you wish you were on a beach, pineapples are exceptionally good at preventing heart disease. The potassium, vitamin C content, and an enzyme called bromelain work hard to keep the heart healthy. Why is this so important?
How pineapple helps the heart
Heart disease is the number cause of death in the US, even though the disease is preventable. High blood pressure is a contributing factor to the disease and can also cause a few others such as ruptured blood vessels, reduced kidney function, and vision loss. Sounds scary, right?! High sodium levels are often the cause of high blood pressure and if eliminated could prevent these issues. The potassium in pineapple directly counteracts sodium and naturally lowers blood pressure. Hip-Hip-Hooray!
Vitamin C in pineapple smoothie
Another powerful ingredient of pineapples is Vitamin C, which prevents heart disease in two ways. First, it keeps blood vessels in good condition. Second, it lowers cholesterol levels. Strong artery walls ensure that blood is able to travel throughout the body without stopping. (Are you picturing Mrs. Frizzle and The Magic School Bus? I am!) Vitamin C also balances cholesterol levels, teaming up with bromelain to make sure plaque does not have the chance to build up.
Health benefits of bromelain in pineapple
Pineapple is the richest source of bromelain, an enzyme with amazing healing capabilities that are not only limited to preventing heart disease. Since we’re focusing the heart, let’s talk about how bromelain’s superpower can be put to use to avoid heart disease.
Bromelain helps break up blood clots, a contributing factor for both heart disease and stroke. Bromelain also works to stop blood platelets from sticking together and prohibiting the flow of blood throughout the body. It is nature’s equivalent to taking an aspirin every day to prevent heart disease.
3 more pineapple smoothie recipes
- Beginner’s Luck Green Smoothie: this is a great one for kids!
- Tropical Turmeric Cleanser for Inflammation : if you’re struggling with inflammation, this smoothie is for you
- Tropical Skin Cleanser : will help beat blemishes and achieve glowing skin
As you’re reminiscing about beach vacations, remember these incredible benefits of the pineapple. Taste them first hand in Citrus Bang, a pineapple smoothie recipe that sooooo good!
Citrus Bang Pineapple Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 oz smoothie 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
In this Citrus Bang Pineapple Green Smoothie, pineapples truly get the spotlight. Pineapples are exceptionally good at preventing heart disease because of the fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content.
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale
- 1 cup coconut water (unsweetened)
- 1/2 orange (peeled)
- 1/4 cucumber (peeled)
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1/4 lemon (peeled)
Instructions
- Blend kale, coconut water, and orange together until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again.
Notes
*Use at least one frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Citrus Pineapple smoothie
What do you think about the kale in this pineapple smoothie?
I know kale can be a bit intimidating (and you can totally swap it for spinach)— I’d love to know how you like this recipe! Share in the comments below.
Do you know how much potassium?
Thanks in advance!
Lisa
Hey Lisa! This smoothie contains a whopping 1,402.8 mg of potassium, which is roughly 1/3 of the amount of potassium needed daily by a healthy adult.
It is really tasty I used half kale half spinach to start with I struggle with high blood pressure and weight
I will be checking out more recipes today
Thank you cheers to better health
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So glad you enjoyed it Diane! Keep rawkin those greens – you’ve got this!
This was delicious and my sugar levels are great. Thank you
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This sounds Great I just suffered a mild Stroke due to my High B.P so I was advised of ways to reduce my B.P so I will try this and begin my healthy road to a better ME. If you have any other meal ideas please send thank you Bradley
Hey Bradley. So sorry to hear about your stroke but glad you are taking steps to take back your health! Check out the recipes tab, we have *tons* of awesome, healthy smoothie + meal recipes. 🙂
My Mum is hypertensive and diabetic. Please can you recommend a smoothie that will help lower sugar and hypertension?
Hi Patience! For something like this, I recommend speaking to your mum’s health care practitioner and/or nutritionist. They know her + her body best. We do have many recipes for smoothies that contain low-glycemic fruits that she may be able to incorporate into her diet. Here’s a post on low-glycemic fruits to use in your smoothies- Low Sugar Fruits for Smoothies
Happy blending! 🙂
Tried it this morning, it was delicious! 🙂
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When you say 1/4 of a cucumber for one serving is this an english cucumber?
Hi Amanda,
This recipe refers to a traditional cucumber, but don’t hesitate to swap in an english cucumber in it’s place!
Not sure if this is the placebo affect but, I can feel it in my heart, literally! Thank you cant wait to try all of them!
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Hahahaha! I love that Caitiln. I think it’s legit— when we fill our bodies with foods that are natural and full of nutrients our heart is happy. 🙂 Rawk on girl!!!
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