Pineapple Juice Vs Cough Syrup?

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Pineapple Juice vs Cough Syrup

Does juice from pineapples really compare to conventional over-the-counter syrups when it comes to fighting coughs? Like many fruits, pineapples are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, as well as vitamin A and various B vitamins. This will of course be beneficial whenever the body is trying to fight off an infection. It also contains minerals like potassium, manganese and magnesium, which act in tandem with the vitamins the juice contains to strengthen your body’s response to illness.

Pineapple juice, however, is unique in that it contains bromelain as well, an enzyme with antioxidant properties which helps fight inflammation in the respiratory system and clear the sinuses. Researchers believe this may play a role in the ability of pineapple juice to fight coughing.

In a 2010 study conducted in India, researchers sought to compare the effectiveness of pineapple juice in treating coughing linked to tuberculosis. The control group received conventional cough syrup, while the other participants received a special drink made with pineapple juice, raw honey, pepper and salt.

The researchers found that the group given pineapple drink everyday recovered 4.8 times faster than the control group. It is believed that this may be due to the bromelain in the pineapple juice, which is not found in cough syrup. (It is worth noting that raw honey also helps alleviate coughs, and probably contributed to the positive results in this study as well.)

Now don’t get carried away just yet. More research needs to be done on this, so while the Indian study’s results are positive news, and a pineapple juice elixir certainly won’t hurt if you are experiencing a cough (unless you’re allergic to pineapple, of course!), it shouldn’t be viewed as a “cure” for more serious conditions, especially tuberculosis. If you have tuberculosis, seek treatment from a professional and follow their directions.

If you are experiencing a minor cough and want to try a pineapple juice-based home remedy, follow these directions:

1 cup of pineapple juice
1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches long)
1 tablespoon of raw honey
¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
A pinch of salt
½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Mix these ingredients in a blender. Most sources recommend drinking ¼ cup of the cocktail, three times daily, until symptoms improve. The taste, especially with the cayenne pepper, can be quite intense. With practice, you can adjust to taste and find the right ratios for you. (Note: giving honey to infants is not recommended, since cases of botulism, a potentially fatal condition, have been reported in babies who were fed honey).

References:

www.mayoclinic.org

www.health.harvard.edu