Pineapple: Does This Fruit Really Burn Fat?
Pineapple is rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and has many health benefits. Is this fruit also a slimming ally? Is its alleged effect on fat burning a myth or a fact? We do an evaluation with Alix Thomas-Davoigniot, a registered dietitian and nutritionist.
"Pineapple is a fat burner." This sentence, we've all heard it before. It is suggested that this fruit can make up for a slightly rich meal or frequent snacking. But what is it really?
If pineapple is presented as a fat-burning fruit, it is because of its content of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in its stem and flesh. Contrary to popular belief, the latter does not burn fats, but rather digests proteins. “Because bromelain improves digestion, this phenomenon has been mislabeled for fats, and therefore fats, when it is only about proteins,” explains Alex Thomas Duffoynoyot, Dietitian and Nutritionist.
Pineapple: what are the benefits of slimming?
There is no magic cure for getting rid of fat, so pineapple is no exception to the rule! But just because the fat-burning dimension of this fruit is a myth doesn't mean it can't be an ally of the line. “Eating pineapple at the end of a meal is a good idea, as it enhances the absorption of proteins, which helps avoid heaviness and bloating,” explains the dietitian.
Another advantage of pineapple for weight loss: it is low in carbohydrates and low in calories. For comparison, an apple has 11 calories per 100g, while a pineapple has 13 per 100g. This fruit is also a good source of fiber and thus has a satiating effect that can have an impact on weight loss.
Is it possible to lose weight with the pineapple diet?
The purported fat-burning effects of pineapple have given rise to meals containing this fruit. Principle ? Consume pineapple only for several days. "Mono diets are never a good idea," Alex Thomas D'Avoniot recalls. This is especially true of those made from fruits, as they are rich in blood sugar-raising fructose, and do not contain other nutrients that are essential to the body such as proteins or fats. So this mono diet can lead to a deficiency, but that's not all: "We lose pounds, but also muscle and our bodies store more easily, which promotes weight gain afterward," explains the dietitian.
The specialist recommends leaving this type of diet aside and following a balanced and varied diet. To do this, it is necessary to consume:
Lean proteins (white meat, white fish, vegetable proteins, etc.)
Whole grains (buckwheat, buckwheat, etc.).
Vegetables, preferably rich in water, as they are diuretic and help with drainage (cucumbers, asparagus, etc.).
Fruits that are also rich in water (watermelon, watermelon, etc.).
Dairy products (fresh cheese, yoghurt, etc.)
What are the health benefits of pineapple?
In addition to its positive effect on the figure, pineapple is especially beneficial for health. “Its high fiber content promotes the regulation of intestinal transit and helps fight cardiovascular disease, especially because it helps lower cholesterol,” Alex Thomas Duffoynoyot identifies.
Pineapple also contains potassium (140 mg per 100 grams) and magnesium (15 mg per 100 grams). The latter has a myorelaxant effect, which enhances intestinal transit and helps relieve stress.
Pineapple: how to consume it to enjoy its benefits?
To take full advantage of the benefits of pineapple, it is advisable to eat it fresh quickly after cutting it, because the vitamin C it contains is sensitive to heat. Eating pineapple at the end of a meal helps avoid heaviness, but it can also be eaten before a meal if it is better tolerated at that time. "It depends on everyone's digestion," Alex Thomas D'Avigno says.
However, you must be vigilant in the event of a food intolerance, as pineapple can cause symptoms such as hives or itching in the mouth. The dietitian concludes, “If you feel tingling or notice canker sores after eating pineapple, it is a good idea to consult your doctor.”
