Compiled & reviewed by
Dr.Sanjana.V.B.BHMS,DBRM,CDN

 Benefits of  eating Pineapple for weight loss

Pineapple is a fruit rich in calcium, potassium as well as vitamin C and vitamin A.Fresh pineapple is rich in Bromelain which is proteolytic in function.  In addition ,it contains eight phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, gentisic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, isoferulic acid and o-coumaric acid . These phenolic compounds have  antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory function .

     Pineapple is low in calories and carbohydrates. It is a  fruit used in obesity and dyslipidemia[ bad cholesterol] treatment.Pineapple is rich in high amounts of specific dietary fiber, which decreases cholesterol uptake by the cells. Fat binding capacity (FBC), important for the detection of anti-obesity property in food, is very high in pineapple.Pineapple contains both soluble and insoluble fibre which helps you lose weight by keeping you full for a long time and inducing the feeling of satiety.

Pineapple  has richness of fibre, and water which keeps you full and hydrated.

Manganese in pineapple  regulates the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates .

 A study shows that pineapple juice intake decreased lipogenesis and increased lipolysis.This study elucidates the role of pineapple in fat degradation[1].

    Pineapple contains high amount of vitamin C which plays a key role in antioxidant-based treatments to counteract obesity, fat accumulation & complications. Moreover, the phenolic compounds in pineapple could contribute the anti-obesity effect of pineapple.

  The research study concludes that pineapple juice has great role in weight reduction and it is harmless to the body. Further studies are needed to separate active ingredients and to determine their individual efficacy or role in obesity management.

   Obesity is often associated with enhanced risk of cancers. Similarly chronic inflammation is an important factor activating cancer prone cells in the body.Bromelain is anti-inflammatory in function.

   Inflammation is a crucial factor in the development of cancer during cellular transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. It has been demonstrated that suppression of chronic inflammation may reduce the cancer incidence and also inhibit cancer progression.

 Cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) is an important component of cancer-associated inflammation that is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2). PGE-2 is a pro-inflammatory lipid that also acts as an immunosuppressant, as well as a promoter of tumor progression.

 Research study [2]has shown that  bromelain downregulates COX-2 and PGE-2 expression levels in murine microglial cells and human monocytic leukemia cell lines.

 Bromelain also activates the healthy immune system in association with the rapid response to cellular stress.

Pineapple also contains these vitamins and minerals:

·       Thiamin

·       Riboflavin

·       Vitamin b-6

·       Folate

·       Pantothenic acid

·       Magnesium

·       Manganese

·       Potassium

·       Beta-carotene

Pineapple needs to be included in your diet as a breakfast item or snack along with other foods for  achieving weight loss and other benefits provided by nutrients contained in pineapple.

References [research studies]

1.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170270/

2.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7529614/