Pineapple is a popular tropical fruit that is sweet, juicy and loaded with vitamins, enzymes and minerals. Pineapple has a super low calorie count so you can integrate it into your everyday diet guilt-free. There are several health benefits associated with pineapple juice including, antioxidant properties, production of collagen in the skin, and the growth and repair of cells and tissues in the body. The skin of a pineapple also contains an abundance of nutrients that fight against inflammation and support healthy digestion and improves intestinal function.

When mixed with other superfoods in a blended drink, the juice and skin of a pineapple can significantly improve your overall health. Below are four delicious medicinal drinks made with pineapple juice.

How to prepare the skin of a pineapple

The first step to creating a juice extract made from the pineapple is to wash your pineapple extremely well. Next, take your pineapple and peel under hot water (to help the pineapple detach easily from the skin). Separate the solid contents of the pineapple into a bowl. Cut skin into very small pieces and place in a pot of 2 quarts of boiling water. After 15 to 20 minutes, turn off stove and let stew for at least an hour. Sweeten with stevia or sugar if needed and refrigerate until cold. Let cool overnight and use as an added substitute to any of the following delicious fruit blended recipes:

Strawberry-pineapple smoothie

Consumption of a high-fruit, high vegetable diet has been associated with lowering the risk of heart disease and maintaining a healthy weight. Substituting a natural fruit frozen drink for breakfast is a good way to kick-start a healthier way of living. Strawberries contain a good source of dietary fibre, iodine, and folate. As with pineapples, strawberries are also rich in antioxidant properties. One of the easiest smoothies to make is a strawberry-pineapple smoothie. All you need is a blender that works.

Recipe (approximately 2 servings)

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 8 fluid oz of milk
• 8 fluid oz of pineapple juice
• 4 fluid oz of vanilla yogurt
• 30 grams of honey
• 4 fluid oz of steamed pineapple skin
• handful of ice.

Pineapple with mint

If you are looking for a delicious alternative to your nightly cocktail, try blending pineapple with mint for a sweet and tangy, ¨mocktail¨. The pineapple juice will provide you with your daily intake of manganese and the mint contains potent antioxidants properties. You can add milk, yogurt, or almond milk to taste. The recipe is simple to prepare and will delight your taste buds to the very last sip.

Recipe

• 1 large fresh pineapple
• 1 medium ripe banana
• 4 fluid oz of plain low-fat yogurt, milk, or almond milk.
  
• 6 fresh mint leaves
  
• 15 grams of honey
  
• 4 fluid oz of steamed pineapple skin
• handful of ice cubes

Pineapple grapefruit detox drink

If you are thinking about going on a whole body cleanse, this potent antioxidant drink that combines pineapple and grapefruit juice is a great way to start. This bitter-sweet combination will amuse your taste buds, while providing you with an excellent source of vitamin c, calcium and fibre. The recipe is simple and can be made in bulk to be stored and consumed at a later time.

Recipe

• 8 fluid oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 large pineapple, cubed
• 15 grams of honey
• 4 fluid oz of steamed pineapple skin
• 1 handful of ice cubes

Pineapple solar tea

This is not only a great healthy boosting tea, but it is also fun to make! All you need is a large transparent jar, pineapple skin, and the sun.

Recipe

• 1 large pineapple cut and peeled
• 2 litres of water

Cut and peel one large pineapple and save solid contents for juicing recipes. Take all leftover scraps and skin and place in a large transparent 2 litre jar. Cover with a transparent lid and set outside in the sun for at least 7 hours. When water turns completely yellow, bring inside to cool. Refrigerate for 24 hours, strain contents, and enjoy.

Dehydrate your pineapple

If you are equipped with a food dehydrator then use it to your advantage by placing all leftover pineapple scraps to dry overnight. You can use them as a fragrance potpourri, or add as a garnish to your pineapple tea.

Recipe

• Leftover skin of one large pineapple
• Food dehydrator

Place thinly cut pineapple skins into dehydrator and let dry until crisp.