Since going viral on TikTok in 2021, pineapple has been touted as a miracle fruit for weight loss programs. It is said that in a video that went viral on TikTok belonging to @catcasasa, consuming a certain amount of pineapple can lose 4 kg of weight in 3 days.
What makes pineapple so powerful in losing weight? Quoted from Women's Health Mag, pineapple itself contains an enzyme called bromelain. These enzymes work to help break down proteins and increase the absorption of certain nutrients.
Several studies conducted on mice at least reveal that pineapple juice can help reduce fat formation. Although not valid for humans, but at least this is preliminary research that can still be developed.
Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, co-founder of Culina Health in New York City, says "Bromelain is believed to help burn fat." It is said so because bromelain breaks down protein into amino acids and helps your body get energy from fat.
Quoted from the Medical News Today website, several supplement manufacturers use bromelain as an aid in weight loss for those who are on a diet. Manufacturers claim the bromelain enzyme can increase the speed at which the body digests fat.
Other Benefits of Bromelain
Besides containing bromelain which helps burn fat, pineapple is also a low-calorie fruit. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), about 100 grams of pineapple contains 82 calories, and that's not a bad thing, says Rissetto.
Compiled from Health Line, bromelain also has other health benefits. A review of clinical studies says bromelain's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are effective for relieving pain, soft tissue swelling, and joint stiffness from osteoarthritis.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain also benefit people with asthma or other respiratory diseases caused by allergies. There are also pilot studies that have found that tablets containing bromelain are effective at reducing swelling and other symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis.
In fact, inflammation of the colon can also be reduced by the enzyme bromelain. Another review of studies revealed that bromelain, used topically, was effective for removing damaged tissue and second- and third-degree burns.
No less important, a 2010 study said that bromelain plays a role in fighting cancer. Not only inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, bromelain in pineapple can also help control factors that support malignancy.