Originally from South America, pineapple contains bromelain. This molecule would make this fruit an ideal ally for weight loss. But in reality, does pineapple really make you lose weight?
Pineapple.
Rich in water, fiber and antioxidants, pineapple, like many fruits, has the power to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is also rich in vitamin C and provitamin A (such as xanthophyll from the carotenoid family), responsible for its yellow color. The more the pineapple ripens, the more its carotenoid levels increase and it therefore becomes more and more yellow. This phenomenon continues even after the harvest.
This fruit also contains a small amount of vitamin E which combines with vitamin C to play a powerful antioxidant role.
Bromelain or bromelain.
Bromelain is a complex enzyme capable of pre-digesting proteins. This means that when consuming pineapple in a meal, the bromelain present improves the digestion of the proteins ingested during this meal and limits digestive disorders. The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain are also due to its ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins (molecules which are involved in the inflammation mechanism). It would also be anti-thrombotic, anti-platelet and allows the dissolution of blood clots.
Did you know ?
Bromelain is also used as a food additive to tenderize meat (by cutting muscle proteins) or as a texturizer.
Does pineapple make you lose weight?
Unsurprisingly, the answer is no. No food makes you “lose weight” even if it helps digestion like pineapple. From the moment you provide energy, that is to say calories, to your body, the latter will use or store it but not burn more than it ingested. On the other hand, pineapple is a low-calorie fruit: around 53 kcal/100 g (1 serving = 150 g). In addition, it is excellent for health thanks to its richness in vitamins, fibers and antioxidants, like many fruits and vegetables. If your goal is to lose weight, the best way to achieve this is to adopt a balanced and controlled diet, combined with regular exercise, but certainly not to do a pineapple cure.
In summary.
Although the monodiet (eating only one ingredient, often a fruit) is fashionable, this practice can be dangerous for your health in the long term and cause numerous deficiencies.
