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Pineapple for weight loss

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Those who cannot imagine a day without a diet probably know how useful pineapple is for weight loss. The benefits of pineapple in the fight against excess weight were noticed a long time ago - about 20-30 years ago, when scientists managed to isolate a substance from pineapple that can affect the number of fat cells in the body. Only a few years later it was possible to find out that the very substance that was called "bromelain" is a combination of enzymes that break down proteins, not fats. However, in addition to bromelain, other substances were also discovered that in combination really help eliminate excess weight.

Let's take a closer look at whether pineapple is beneficial for weight loss and how to lose weight correctly using the pineapple diet.

Benefits of pineapple for weight loss

How does pineapple help with weight loss?

A complex of enzymes isolated from pineapple – bromelain – accelerates and facilitates the breakdown of proteins from food into amino acids. The body assimilates them more readily and easily than proteins.

In addition, bromelain acts like digestive enzymes that are secreted in the stomach and duodenum during digestion, which significantly facilitates the digestion of food. As a result, after eating pineapple, there is no heaviness in the stomach, constipation and stagnation of feces in the intestines are eliminated.

High-quality digestion of food and timely removal of feces and toxins from the body indirectly contribute to the strengthening of metabolic processes, which leads to the emergence of a number of positive aspects:

  • discomfort after eating disappears;
  • improves mood;
  • additional energy appears;
  • the sleep and wakefulness pattern is normalized;
  • gradually the extra pounds “go away” and the person becomes slimmer.

Indications of pineapple for weight loss

Pineapple can help with weight loss if excess weight gain was caused by overeating, poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as digestive disorders such as insufficient enzyme activity, low gastric acidity, and poor absorption of protein foods.

If the cause of excess weight is hormonal imbalances or endocrine system disorders, then pineapple is practically useless for weight loss.

The function of pineapple juice and pulp in weight loss is the normalization of digestive processes, improvement of the absorption of protein foods, stabilization of peristalsis and, as a result, defecation. Pineapple has no effect on hormonal levels or the functioning of the thyroid gland - neither positive nor negative.

Release form

The best effect is expected from eating the pineapple pulp directly, and you only need to cut off the peel, without touching the middle, since it contains the maximum amount of substances useful for weight loss.

In second place is pineapple juice, and fresh, just squeezed juice (not the kind that is sold in bags and has a long shelf life).

In addition to the listed natural pineapple options, pharmacy drugs are often used for weight loss, which are available in the form of tincture, pineapple extract, herbal tea, tablets and capsules. Such drugs should be taken only after carefully studying the instructions for their use.

In last place is canned pineapple. Some people doubt its usefulness. And, first of all, because canned pineapple contains a large amount of additional sugar, which can in no way contribute to weight loss. However, we will talk about whether canned pineapple is useful for weight loss a little later.

Names

The best effect in losing weight is achieved by eating fresh natural pineapple and its juice. However, it is not always possible to buy fresh pineapple, so you can use pharmacy drugs and folk remedies with pineapple, which will successfully replace the real product.

  • Pineapple tincture for weight loss is the middle part of the fruit, infused with alcohol. The tincture is convenient to use, as it can be stored for a long time and taken periodically. Usually, the tincture is drunk 1 tbsp. before meals daily.
  • Pineapple herbal tea for weight loss is usually made on the basis of laxative and diuretic plant components, the action of which is effectively supplemented by pineapple and corn silk, which reduce appetite and dull the feeling of hunger. It is recommended to drink pineapple herbal tea 2-3 times a day, optimally - for a month.
  • Pineapple extract for weight loss is a biologically active supplement that consists of bromelain and microcrystalline cellulose. If there is no allergy to the listed components, then the extract is taken 1 tablet per day for a month, preferably after meals.
  • Pineapple capsules for weight loss are made on the basis of bromelain and vitamins obtained not only from pineapple, but also from other products, such as pumpkin, kiwi, etc. Taking capsules begins after a course of liver cleansing. Then they are taken 1 piece per day, washed down with water. The best time to take the capsule is in the morning.
  • Pineapple weight loss pills of Chinese manufacture usually contain bromelain and a small amount of filler (MCC). Such pills are taken during meals, 1 piece, for 30-40 days in a row, in the absence of contraindications. Additionally, you should stick to a diet, focusing on meat and dairy products, fish, eggs.
  • Pineapple Evalar weight loss tablets are made using pineapple core, oat flakes, trace elements, vitamins and microcrystalline cellulose. One package of tablets is designed for one course of treatment. Take 1 tablet per day with food.

  • Pineapple Plus for weight loss (Ecco-Plus) is a natural remedy that helps to increase intestinal peristalsis, speed up metabolism and remove excess fluid from the body. The main components of Pineapple Plus are pineapple core pulp, oatmeal, bromelain, as well as a complex of vitamins and microelements. The drug can be taken from the age of 12, 1-3 tablets up to 3 times a day during meals. The course of admission is 4 weeks.

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Pharmacodynamics

Bromelain, the main active ingredient that determines the properties of pineapple, consists of a number of enzymes that break down proteins. In addition, the composition includes non-proteolytic substances escharase, peroxidase, acid phosphatase, organic calcium and protease inhibitors.

Bromelain is involved in the normalization of many functions of organs and systems. Thus, thanks to its action, the inflammatory process stops, immunity improves, and blood clotting stabilizes.

Bromelain has even been shown to have some anthelmintic activity, but this only applies to one type of nematode.

Pineapple juice can be successfully used as a digestive enzyme for insufficient pancreatic function, as well as for intestinal diseases. Pineapple helps remove stagnant feces from the intestines, maintains its motility and improves the absorption of protein foods.

Pharmacokinetics

Through experiments, experts have found that the active and fundamental components of pineapple – in particular, bromelain – are not destroyed when they enter the digestive system and when absorbed into the bloodstream.

After eating pineapple, about 40% of its useful substances are found in the circulatory system in the form of high-molecular bonds. 60 minutes after eating pineapple, the level of bromelain in the blood is at its maximum possible level, but its proteolytic effect decreases quite quickly.

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Dosing and administration

The recommended dose of pineapple is selected depending on the goal being pursued.

If the goal is to ease the work of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to eat 2-3 pieces of pineapple during or immediately after a meal. Whole pineapple can be replaced with pineapple juice: in this case, 150-200 ml will be enough.

Pineapple for weight loss is consumed in the amount of about 1.5 kg per day, which is equivalent to 1 liter of pineapple juice. In addition, during the day it is allowed to drink clean water, green tea without sugar, several pieces of dark (preferably bran) bread.

It is not recommended to follow a pineapple mono-diet for more than 3 days in a row. Ideally, pineapple fasting days should be done once every 7-10 days.

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Use of pineapple for weight loss during pregnancy

During pregnancy and after childbirth, the issue of losing weight is usually one of the most pressing. But, since experts do not advise actively losing weight at this time, women look for any way to not harm the child and at the same time lose weight. Is pineapple suitable for weight loss during pregnancy?

It is believed that pineapple is not recommended for consumption during pregnancy, especially in the second half, since the substances contained in the product can cause a miscarriage or premature labor.

In addition, pineapple can cause an allergic reaction. For the same reason, it should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

It is known that pineapple contains many substances that irritate the mucous membrane - these are acids and essential oils. Due to their high content, pineapple should not be consumed in the following cases:

  • with increased acidity of gastric juice;
  • if you are prone to ulcers, or if you already have an ulcer;
  • during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • for sensitive tooth enamel, with increased susceptibility to caries.

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Side effects of pineapple for weight loss

Side effects that may occur with regular or frequent consumption of pineapple are usually related to the digestive system. Among the most common manifestations are:

  • bloating;
  • heartburn;
  • change in stool consistency;
  • burning sensation on the lips, in the mouth and in the throat;
  • dyspepsia.

Rarely, an allergic reaction may develop in the form of skin rashes, swelling, redness of the skin, and itching.

Overdose

Eating pineapple in large quantities will not speed up weight loss, but it can cause deterioration in health.

Thus, excess acid may cause heartburn and discomfort in the stomach. Diarrhea, increased gas formation, and bloating are also possible.

In addition, an allergic reaction may develop, accompanied by a rash, itching, and reddening of the skin. In severe cases, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock may develop.

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Interactions with other drugs

Pineapple can be combined with other substances, products and medications. However, enzyme preparations such as Pancreatin, Festal, Enzistal, Panzinorm, etc. should be combined with pineapple very carefully, and it is better to refrain from such a combination altogether.

Any pineapple-based products, as well as the whole natural product, should be washed down with clean water in sufficient quantities. This will help reduce the frequency of side effects and reduce the negative impact of acid on mucous tissues.

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Storage conditions

Unripe natural pineapple can be stored for 5-6 days in normal room conditions. If the fruit is ripe, it is stored only in the refrigerator, and for no more than 12 days. The shelf life is determined as follows: if brown spots begin to appear on the skin, this means that the product is starting to spoil. It is advisable to eat it before these spots become visible.

Freezing of pineapple pulp is allowed: the pulp is cut into equal pieces or bars, placed in a plastic bag and put in the freezer. This way you can prepare pineapple for future use and use it for weight loss out of season.

Pineapple-based preparations such as extracts, capsules, etc. are stored according to the instructions.

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Pineapple Recipes for Weight Loss

In order to achieve fast and lasting weight loss, various recipes using pineapple have been invented. Some of them are very popular, so it is worth getting to know them better.

  • Pineapple with vodka for weight loss is a homemade version of a pharmacy pineapple tincture. To prepare the medicine, you will need one ripe pineapple and 500 ml of quality vodka. Wash the pineapple under running water, cut off the tail and base without peeling the skin. Grind the fruit in a blender, pour vodka over the resulting mass and mix. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator and take 1 tablespoon 20 minutes before meals, once or twice a day. You cannot use this remedy often, as it contains vodka.
  • Canned pineapples are not suitable for weight loss, according to many. Some argue that the active component bromelain is destroyed during canning. However, a large number of people still manage to lose weight by eating canned products, which allows us to conclude that the main problem is still the presence of sugar in canned pineapple. Those who have lost weight by eating canned pieces note that they pre-washed them with warm boiled water and consumed no more than 100 g per day.
  • Fresh pineapple for weight loss is the most natural and effective remedy. To get rid of extra pounds, it is recommended to eat only fresh and ripe fruits, or juice from them.

There are several options for losing weight with fresh pineapple:

  • You should eat 1.5 kg of pineapple pulp per day, dividing it into 4 meals. In addition to pineapple, on this day you are allowed to drink only green tea without sugar, clean water or freshly squeezed pineapple juice (no more than 1 l). If you feel hungry, you can choose to eat: two pieces of rye bread, 100 g of low-fat cottage cheese, 100 g of boiled rice without salt and fat. Such a diet is well suited for a fasting day.
  • If you eat a few pieces of fresh pineapple after each meal, you can lose weight practically without dieting. Why practically? Because you will still have to exclude sugar, pastries, bread and fatty foods from your diet.

Important: when cutting a pineapple, you do not need to cut out the middle part of the fruit, since it contains the most active component bromelain, which promotes weight loss.

  • It has long been known that fats are broken down most easily during a night's rest. If you eat pineapple at night to lose weight, you can help this process, and weight loss will proceed more actively. When eating pineapple at night, you should follow just a few conditions:
    • you can't eat pineapple on an empty stomach;
    • It is better to consume the product in several pieces immediately after dinner.

Doctors' reviews

Pineapple is a fruit that can be recommended for use in weight loss diets. Many nutritionists advise including it in the diet in the absence of contraindications, and especially for people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. This product is low in calories (approximately 50 kcal per 100 g of pulp), it contains vitamins, microelements, fiber, and a number of enzymes.

The only condition of doctors is to observe the measure in consuming pineapple. If you follow the pineapple diet often or eat only pineapples every day, then complications in the form of stomach ulcers, gastritis, caries, etc. may soon develop, because this fruit contains a large amount of acid.

Periodic inclusion of exotic fruits in the diet, as well as fasting days, is encouraged by medical specialists.

Reviews from those who have lost weight

Probably, few of those who want to lose weight have not tried the pineapple diet. And, it should be noted, most of those who lost weight were satisfied with the result. The key to success can be considered the observance of strict rules that must be combined with the pineapple diet:

  • pineapple for weight loss should be fresh and ripe;
  • the middle part of the fruit should not be cut out;
  • Along with eating pineapple, you need to reconsider your diet in favor of healthy foods, engage in feasible physical exercise, and take more walks in the fresh air.

Before starting a diet, you should definitely check your health by visiting a doctor - after all, not everyone can eat pineapple for weight loss. And you don't need to rely entirely on the pineapple diet - healthy eating and physical activity will speed up the process, and extra pounds will definitely and irrevocably disappear.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Pineapple for weight loss" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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