Pile of fresh pineapples

Does pineapple juice help you lose weight?

6 min read

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14 Aug 2023

Grab your cheat sheet

  1. The science behind pineapple for weight loss
  2. Does it really work?
  3. The other health benefits of eating pineapple
  4. Is the pineapple diet safe?
  5. What else is important for weight loss?
  6. Should I try the Pineapple Diet?

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve probably encountered every fad diet and more. And it’s understandable; losing weight can be tough, and to drop the pounds, we’ll try just about anything (that’s safe) that helps us lose weight

One of those fad diets is the pineapple diet, which over time, has evolved, and many people drink pineapple juice in a bid to burn some extra belly fat. 

Pineapple juice comes from a delicious tropical fruit; it’s one of our five a day, tastes delicious—and has many health benefits.

Sounds good, right? 

So, is it really a trend, or can pineapple juice burn belly fat?

What is the pineapple diet?

Let’s start with the basics, shall we?

In the 1970s, a Danish psychologist, Sen Hegler, developed the pineapple diet - a mono diet that involved eating nothing but pineapple for two days straight, then eating normally for the next five days.

It was originally coined “the sexy pineapple diet,” the aim was rapid weight loss, with people aiming to shed 4-5 pounds in just two days. 

Over time the original “sexy pineapple diet” has been modified to include other foods and variations, including juice cleanses. 

As a result, many people have adopted pineapple juice as a healthy option for losing weight, but is that the case?

The science behind pineapple for weight loss

So why pineapple in the first place?

Rumor has it that Hegler just liked pineapple - not exactly a robust scientific reason for including it as the basis for a diet…

However, there are some reasons why pineapple might actually be good as part of a weight loss diet. 

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is known to reduce inflammation and aid digestion

Inflammation makes the weight control hormone leptin less effective; reducing it can benefit weight loss. Proper digestion also helps with weight loss and reduces bloating.

Some health and fitness experts also suggest that bromelain can enhance weight loss and reduce belly fat by breaking down proteins and increasing our metabolism. 

Also, pineapple is a rich source of dietary fiber, which can contribute to a feeling of fullness and potentially reduce overall calorie intake.

Other health benefits of pineapple…

People have used pineapples for their medicinal qualities for hundreds of years. 

Here are some of the health benefits of pineapple:

  • It can have some positive effects on ailments such as bronchitis, sinusitis, arthritis, and inflammation
  • It’s a source of many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, which is important for good skin and immune health
  • It’s packed with fibre which supports gut health and helps you feel full
  • It’s full of antioxidants which have a range of health benefits
  • Pineapple has even been shown to have tumor-reducing properties 
  • If you eat fresh pineapple rather than juice, you’ll be eating a low-calorie food with a high water content. This can increase feelings of satiety.

  • Does pineapple burn belly fat?

    So, does the pineapple diet really work? 

    Well, it can lead to rapid weight loss, although while fresh pineapple might aid in losing weight, what about pineapple juice?

    While pineapple juice might positively affect digestion and overall health, limited scientific evidence directly links it to significant weight loss.

    While there are plenty of benefits to drinking pineapple juice, there’s no miracle weight loss food or diet plan. Daily or multiple daily glasses of pineapple juice won’t suddenly torch your fat. 

    In fact, overdoing the juice will increase your sugar intake and could even have the opposite effect - so you need to be careful not to drink too much.

    Pile of white sugar

    Weight loss only happens when you create a calorie deficit, meaning you burn more calories than you consume. While pineapple can be a part of a healthy diet, relying solely on it to shed pounds would be unrealistic and potentially unhealthy.

    Is the pineapple diet safe?

    For most people, consuming moderate amounts of pineapple is safe and complements a healthy diet. It’s very rare to be allergic to pineapples, but allergies and sensitivities can happen—including throat or mouth irritation.

    Fruit juice, on the whole, is also high in natural sugars, which can increase fat storage— more so than the fruit itself. The excessive consumption of fruit juices can lead to an increased intake of calories and potentially contribute to weight gain. 

    While fresh pineapple juice might be healthy, overly processed juice might make you consume empty calories and cause you to gain weight. 

    There’s no real benefit to drinking pineapple juice over eating pineapple, so if you add a lot of pineapple to your diet, we recommend you eat the fresh pineapple chunks over the juice. Although a varied diet is important, you shouldn’t restrict yourself to one food if you can help it.

    A glass of fruit juice per day is fine as part of a calorie-controlled diet, but we wouldn’t recommend much more than this due to its high levels of sugar.

    Related: Garcinia fruit. Is it safe for weight loss?

    What else is important for weight loss?

    If weight loss is your goal, it’s crucial to adopt a well-rounded approach to your goals rather than relying solely on eating pineapple or any other specific food or drink.

    Glass of fresh pineapple juice

    Here are the things you need to focus on when trying to lose weight:

    • Balanced diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit the consumption of processed and sugary foods.
    • Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating, even when consuming healthy foods.
    • Keep active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, combining cardiovascular exercises with strength training for optimal results. Plenty of walking is also effective for weight loss.
    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as proper hydration is essential for overall health and can also help control appetite.
    • Get plenty of sleep: A lack of sleep can lead to overeating and choosing junk food over healthy stuff.
    • Stress management: Stay relaxed to reduce the level of the cortisol hormone in your body, as this can increase belly fat.

    Should I try the pineapple diet?

    Pineapple juice is a healthy, tasty way to increase your fruit intake, but like anything—you should drink it in moderation. Diet plans suggesting consuming high quantities of fruit juice or eating only pineapple for two days of the week are just another flash-in-the-pan fad.

    The bromelain and dietary fiber content can contribute to weight loss, but the effects are minimal. In reality, it’s just important to make sure you eat plenty of fruit and veggies—the more variety, the better.

    The best way to lose weight is to focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and proper sleep. And, if you need a little helping hand to get rid of stubborn fat, we recommend our powerful, five-in-one weight loss pill

    PhenQ can be the key to helping you finally achieve your dream body. This cutting-edge weight loss supplement supports a balanced, healthy diet, and makes staying consistent a whole lot easier. It’s time to reach those goals.