Doesn’t the word “pineapple” make you think of tropical vacations and succulent, juicy yumminess? Us too !! Pine-apple, more like “fine-apple”. It is hard not to like this delicious fruit that comes with tons of health benefits as well.
What if we told you that apart from all this, it could also help you lose weight? How is pineapple good for weight loss, you ask? This blog tells you how.
Pineapple: Calories and Nutrients
Pineapple comes with the goodness of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. At the same time, it is high in fibre and low in calories.
The nutritional value of 1 cup (165 g) of pineapple chunks, as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is as below:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 82.5 |
| Water | 142 g |
| Protein | 0.891 g |
| Carbohydrate | 21.6 g |
| Fibre | 2.31 g |
| Sugar | 16.3 g |
| Total fat | 0.198 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 21.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1.65 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
| Manganese | 1.53 mg |
| Vitamin A | 4.95 µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.185 mg |
| Vitamin C | 78.9 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.033 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1.16 µg |
Source: USDA
Is Pineapple Good for Weight Loss?
Most nutritionists and dietitians recommend adding fruits to your daily diet while trying to lose weight. Pineapples can be a good addition to your weight loss diet. Pineapple benefits weight loss due to the following reasons:
- Pineapples are very low in calories. Hence, you can fill up on the fruit without adding a lot of calories to your diet, thereby aiding weight loss.
- Pineapple is filled with fibre and water, both of which fill you up while not adding calories to your diet. Being sufficiently hydrated can prevent overeating, as many individuals may mistake dehydration for hunger.
- Most of the dietary fibre in pineapple is soluble fibre, which absorbs water in your gut and swells up, thus slowing digestion. As a result, you feel satiated and have a reduced appetite. This prevents you from overeating and reduces your overall calorie intake.
- The insoluble fibre in pineapple acts as a natural laxative and promotes digestion, thus supporting your weight loss journey.
- Pineapple contains a protease enzyme called bromelain. Some studies suggest that because bromelain breaks down proteins and helps your body get energy from fat, it may burn body fat and support weight loss.
How to Consume Pineapple for Weight Loss?
Pineapple can be eaten by itself as a snack. You can cut it into slices or chunks. It is advisable to consume pineapple as whole fruit and avoid the consumption of its juice or commercially available syrups, which may contain added sugars. Pineapple juice is also low in fibre, and the added sugar and reduced fibre can reduce the effectiveness of this fruit as a weight-loss snack.
You can pair pineapple with a portion of protein-rich food such as cheese or a source of healthy fats, such as nuts for a well-rounded snack.
Other ways to add pineapple to your diet include grilling the pineapple, adding pineapple chunks to your salads and smoothies, or making curries with pineapple.
Although pineapple is not a common allergen, it may cause an allergic reaction in some people. People with a known allergy to pineapples should avoid eating it in any form.
How Much Pineapple is Good for Weight Loss?
It is necessary to be mindful of portion sizes of fruits and vegetables when you are planning to lose weight. Although pineapple is filled with nutrients, the sugars and calories could add up if it is consumed excessively. Limit yourself to one cup (165 g) of pineapple chunks per day.
Pineapple can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is best eaten in between meals as a healthy snack.
Discover how different fruits can make a big impact on your weight loss plan. Whether you’re wondering about specific fruits like bananas, apples, or mangoes, or considering a complete fruit diet, we’ve got the answers for you. Click on the links below to dive deeper into the benefits of each fruit and how they can help you reach your fitness goals!
What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Pineapple?
- Pineapples are fairly high in sugar. Thus, eating more than the recommended quantity of pineapples can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
- Eating too much pineapple can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in individuals who are sensitive to bromelain.
- Due to the bromelain, eating too much pineapple can result in tenderness of the mouth, lips, tongue, and cheeks.
- Upon excessive consumption, the bromelain enzyme present in pineapple may react with medications such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, and blood thinners.
What are the Other Health Benefits of Pineapple?
Pineapple holds various benefits for your health, including:
- Pineapples are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help your body fight oxidative stress and associated chronic health conditions such as weak immune health, heart diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancers.
- The enzyme bromelain, along with the vitamins and minerals present in pineapple, imparts it with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Studies suggest that bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief from pain for individuals with inflammatory arthritis.
- Research also suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain present in pineapples may decrease the discomfort, pain, and swelling associated with surgeries and aid in faster recovery.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Pineapples are a great addition to a weight loss diet as they are very low in calories, high on fibre and water, keep you full for longer, and reduce your appetite. The bromelain enzyme in pineapples may also help burn body fat.
- Pineapple can be eaten by itself as a snack in the form of slices or chunks. It is advisable to consume pineapple as whole fruit and avoid the consumption of its juice or syrups. Pineapple can be grilled, or added to salads, smoothies, or curries.
- For maintaining a balanced diet, it is best to consume no more than one cup (165g) of pineapple chunks per day.
- Overconsumption of pineapples can cause elevated blood sugar levels, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and tenderness of the mouth. The bromelain enzyme present in pineapple may react with medications such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, and blood thinners.
- Pineapples may also help your body fight oxidative stress, promote immune health, decrease inflammation, provide pain relief in inflammatory arthritis, and reduce the discomfort associated with surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pineapple can help with weight loss, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Pineapples are high in fibre and water, and thus keep you satiated and prevent overeating. They are also low in calories and can be eaten without a lot of increase in your calorie intake.
Pineapple can help with weight loss due to its high fibre and water content and low calorie content. Weight reduction can help with a decrease in belly fat. Pineapple also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which, according to some studies, can help burn body fat.
Yes, pineapple can be considered a low-carb fruit as 1 cup (165 g) of pineapple contains about 22 g of carbohydrates. It can be combined with other low-carb fruits, vegetables, and grains in a low-carb diet.
No, pineapple does not cause weight gain if consumed in moderation, within the recommended quantity. In fact, it can help you lose weight when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. So, the next time you come across the question – “Is pineapple good for weight loss?”, you know the answer is a ‘yes’.
