How useful is pineapple for weight loss
A toned slender body today is not only one of the criteria for beauty, but also a sign of health, youth and activity. Women and men of all ages willingly use all sorts of means to lose weight. In terms of popularity, pineapple rightfully occupies one of the first places among natural products that help to lose weight.
What substances in the composition of the fruit can affect the human body, and what is the effect of pineapple on health?
Composition and nutritional value of pineapple
Of the macro- and microelements in pineapple for health, iodine, iron and calcium, potassium, zinc and magnesium, manganese and copper are of particular importance. Thanks to these substances, fruits from distant southern countries become a good preventive measure against the risk of atherosclerosis and heart ailments, thrombosis and seasonal respiratory diseases. Hypertensive patients include pineapple in the menu as a product that can reduce arterial pressure... But for those who want to lose weight, pineapple is interesting for other qualities.
First of all, it is the low calorie content of pineapple, because 100 pulp can give the body only 48 kcal.
Moreover, such a slice contains practically no fat. And the value of pineapple for the human body is:
- from 0.4 grams of proteins;
- from a small amount of ash and dietary fiber;
- of 11.5 grams of carbohydrates, most of which are sucrose and fructose;
- from 85.5 grams of water.
As you can see, the nutritional value of pineapple is also low. The taste of the fruit is determined by the organic acids, essential and aromatic oils contained in the pulp, and the rather high sugar content in the ripe fruit.
About 20 years ago, scientists discovered and studied a complex of plant enzymes called bromelain in pineapple pulp. This name was chosen in honor of the name of the entire bromeliad family, to which the pineapple belongs. The uniqueness of these enzymes turned out to be that, under their action, the digestive processes were activated in the body, the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates improved, and a person, without serious physical exertion, began to lose weight.
The discovery of scientists caused a real hype around pineapple and weight loss with its help, and all kinds of diets based on the use of fruit are still considered the most popular.
But is it worth treating pineapple as a miracle cure? Is it possible to lose weight by eating fruit, and how will the pineapple diet affect your health?
Losing weight with pineapple: benefits and possible risks
If you believe the promises of some sources, the bromelain in pineapple works wonders, literally "burning" body fat. In fact, the situation is somewhat different. Indeed, the enzymes present in the pineapple pulp have an effect on digestion. But most of the bromelain is not in the juicy pulp, but in the tough, fibrous core, which is practically an extension of the stem that grows through the fruit. It is this part that is not used for food, but thrown away.
As for the pineapple itself, to lose weight by 500-1000 grams during the day, you will have to arrange a fasting day, during which it is allowed to eat about one and a half kilograms of pulp, washed down with herbal teas or water.In addition to pineapple, eaten in three or four meals, it is allowed to drink a liter of juice from this fruit per day.
But weight loss in this case is achieved not due to the action of bromelain, but due to the mild laxative and diuretic properties natural to fruits. And it is impossible to adhere to such a diet for longer than 2-3 days, otherwise the pineapple that has saved a couple of kilograms on health will leave a negative mark.
A long-term pineapple-based diet can be a serious mistake that threatens digestive, metabolic and even diseases.
A fruit with a high acid content, getting into the gastrointestinal tract, causes inevitable irritation.
If a person using pineapple for weight loss suffers from gastritis with high acidity, peptic ulcer disease, or is predisposed to these ailments, the fruit can aggravate and provoke a worsening of the condition. Similar problems will arise with pancreatitis or cholecystitis.
Acids, with the constant use of large amounts of pineapple juice and pulp, also have an effect on the condition of the tooth enamel.
Unfortunately, the list of risks of an exotic fruit diet doesn't end there. Pineapple is a bright and dangerous allergen. Do not forget this if it is decided to use the fruit in the diet of a fasting day or for a long diet. If fresh pineapples for weight loss with a reasonable approach can and should still be used, then the often recommended alcoholic tincture on the pulp will not do anything but harm.
In an effort to feel the "miraculous" power of the fruit, many are attracted by the low calorie content and the presence of pineapple fiber, which cleans out toxins and other deposits from the digestive system. In fact, most of the dietary fiber, like bromelain, is found in the core of the fruit, and in the pulp their content does not exceed a fraction of a percent.
If you are looking for the benefits of pineapple fiber, then it is better to try dried fruits. It is only important not to confuse the slices cooked in syrup and dried, which are more like candied fruits, with natural rings and slices without added sugar.
Contrary to popular belief, you will not be able to lose weight with canned pineapples, that is, canned in their own juice or syrup. The minerals and vitamins contained in fresh fruits in such a product are almost completely destroyed by the action of high temperatures and preservatives. Therefore, such canned pineapple food is completely useless for health.
How to lose weight with pineapple
With a mass of conflicting information and very real contraindications, pineapples will still help you lose weight. Only for this you need to eat them with a core. In ripe, high-quality fruits that have reached an edible state on the plantation, the central part is not too rough and thick. If you eat a slice of pineapple before meals, this will help to avoid passing during the main meal, and a portion of fruit for dessert will really help the food to digest faster. But everything is good in moderation!
The recommendations to eat pineapples at night should be treated with caution, since the fruit requires the work of the stomach and intestines, which means that night rest will be inadequate.
Wanting to keep fit or lose a little weight with pineapples, their pulp can be included in the diet, adding to your favorite dishes, not forgetting about the compatibility of certain products. The low nutritional value of pineapple will not affect the calorie content of the food, but the taste of the dish will be new and unforgettable.
In this case, it is better not to combine juicy pulp with fatty meat, starchy or flour products, but to add it to dietary dairy and vegetable dishes, combine it with cereals or nuts. For example, a combination of brown rice, pineapple and protein-rich seafood is ideal. If such a dish is flavored with spices and enriched with juicy vegetables, any gourmet will appreciate and accept a healthy diet.Instead of shrimp, you can use lean sea fish or chicken fillets.
Pineapple dessert with kiwi and airy sour cream foam is no less useful for health. You can decorate the dish with nut crumbs. With all fermented milk products, including yogurt and cottage cheese, pineapples will be good support for the body, and they will help to lose weight.