Among the many benefits of eating pineapple, the tropical fruit contains an enzyme that is thought to aid digestion and therefore help with weight loss. Although there is no official "Pineapple Diet," some diets and diet aids emphasize the use of the pineapple enzyme for its special qualities. An all-pineapple diet, however, is not recommended.
History
The pineapple is a member of the spikey-looking tropical plant family known as the bromeliads. It contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps with protein digestion and is found in the stem and juice of the fruit. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, pineapples have been used for centuries to treat indigestion and inflammation. Bromelain is also used for sinusitis, arthritis and burn and wound healing.
The Pineapple Diet
There is no actual diet known as "The PIneapple Diet," but bromelain is used in some diet aids, and pineapple can be a beneficial food for dieting, due to its fiber and vitamin content. The pineapple itself does not contain bromelain in high enough quantities to gain benefits simply by eating the fruit. Bromelain must be taken in more highly concentrated supplement form for effective treatment.
Warnings
Pineapple itself should be eaten in balance with a variety of foods, warns Diet Spotlight. Its high acid content can irritate the stomach and burn the tongue if it is eaten exclusively. As with any single-food diet, such a severe restriction can lead to illness. And although eating only pineapple could result in rapid weight loss, it would likely be regained once regular eating resumes.
Recommendations
Using pineapple as a snack and in recipes such as pineapple chicken is recommended. Pineapple adds fiber to the diet and enhances flavor, keeping foods from being bland, which helps with feelings of satisfaction during dieting. According to the Dole Food Company, one slice contains 60 calories and has a high level of vitamin C and manganese.
Considerations
As with all supplements, bromelain may cause side effects, may interact with medications, and is not recommended for some people, so it should not be taken without checking with your doctor, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is usually not recommended for more than eight to 10 days in a row. If you are allergic to pineapples you may have skin reactions or asthma-like symptoms if you take the pineapple enzyme supplement.
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