In this day and age, it seems that we are constantly bombarded with advertisements for the latest fat burning supplements. These advertisements may be tempting, eluding to the delusion that you can lose weight simply by taking a pill each day. The science behind many of the fat burning supplements may be sound, however a much cheaper, natural option is to utilize the fat burning nutrients of fruits and vegetables.

One of the fruits that can help you on your weight loss journey is Pineapple. Pineapple is ranked second on the list of America’s favorite tropical fruit (second only to bananas) for a good reason! Pineapple burns fat and is a delicious addition to your diet.

Pineapple is a nutritional powerhouse. There are many vitamins and minerals found in each serving of pineapple that your Body needs to functions. Many of these vitamins and minerals can also help your body melt fat!

Nutritional Value of Pineapple

Here is a breakdown of the amazing components that come together in each serving of pineapple to cultivate an organic fat burning effect:

• Vitamin C
  Vitamin C is a free-radical fighting antioxidant found in abundance in pineapple. Vitamin C supports your immune system and helps to prevent or shorten the duration illnesses such as the cold or flu. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, your body does not store it. Therefore, it is vital that you integrate the recommended daily amount of vitamin C into your diet. One easy way to do this is to eat pineapple! A 100-gram serving alone has about 80% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.

• Manganese
  Manganese is a trace mineral that fuels antioxidants and helps your body produce energy. This mineral is essential for normal brain and nerve function. In addition to this, manganese contributes to the metabolizing of fat and carbohydrates, calcium absorption, and the regulation of blood sugar. 46% of your daily recommended intake of manganese is found in a 100-gram serving of pineapple!

• Potassium
  Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte that is vital to heart function and is important for muscle contraction. Potassium is also linked to bone health. Research has revealed that a diet rich in potassium can aid in the prevention of osteoporosis and kidney diseases. Low levels of potassium in the body may also be linked to low blood pressure.

• Bromelain
  Bromelain is probably the prevailing component that makes pineapple a superfood, as pineapple is the only natural source of this protein-digesting enzyme. Bromelain is proven to be effective at reducing inflammation, particularly inflammation linked to infection and injuries. Research has suggested that bromelain is also a suitable addition to the treatment of sinusitis, arthritis, and cancer.

• Iron
  Iron is an essential mineral found in red blood cells. When your diet is iron-deficient, your body struggles to get enough oxygen to your cells. One of the main symptoms of iron deficiency is fatigue. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and is especially prevalent among women. The World Health Organization lists iron deficiency as the world’s number one nutritional disorder, estimating that about 80% of the global population is iron deficient.

• Fiber
  Fiber is an essential part of every diet. It aids in digestion. Additionally, getting adequate fiber in your diet can lower your cholesterol as well as prevent heart disease.

• Vitamin B1
  Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body convert carbohydrates into energy. It is necessary for muscle contraction and the conduction of nerve signals within your body.

• Vitamin B6
  Vitamin B6 makes antibodies, which help fight diseases in your body. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in creating hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. Ensuring you are getting enough vitamin B6 can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• Folate
  Folate is responsible for the production of red blood cells. It is also vital for tissue growth and cell function in your body, as well as the synthesis of DNA. Additionally, folate stimulates the formation of digestive acids.

• Copper
  Copper is a mineral that works alongside folate to create red blood cells. It also keeps your nerves and immune system healthy and acts as an antioxidant that reduces free radicals that can damage cells and DNA.

• Omega 3
  Omega 3s are polyunsaturated fats, also knowns as essential fatty acids. Your body cannot make these on its own, and therefore they are an important inclusion of any healthy diet. Omega 3s can lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk/symptoms of diabetes, stroke, arthritis, asthma, and some cancers.

• Omega 6
  Omega 6s are another type of essential fatty acid. These are needed for normal brain function and stimulate your skin and promote hair growth. Omega 6s are important for bone health and the regulation of your metabolism.

• Amino Acids
  Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins within our bodies. They are the building blocks of life and give our bodies the ability to break down food.

With all this nutrition, there must be a trade-off, right? Just how many calories does pineapple have? Pineapple is a nutrient dense food, which means that you get a lot of bang for your buck. A 100-gram serving of pineapple has only 50 nutrient-rich calories!

How to Reap the Fat Burning Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of creative ways to prepare pineapple and a plethora of recipes that you can use to incorporate this superfood into your diet. You can eat pineapple raw, grill it, incorporate it into a stir-fry, or even use it in a marinade!

Pineapple is grown around the world in tropical climates. The peak season for pineapples is March through June, however it is available all year long. When picking your pineapple, look for dark green leaves and a heavy fruit. Avoid dry-looking leaves and soft or dark spots on the body.
Another option is to purchase frozen or canned pineapple. Keep in mind, however, that the nutritional value of these variants is not as high as that of fresh fruit!

Conclusion
Pineapple is a natural, healthy addition to your diet that can help you burn unwanted fat. It is low in calories and dense in nutrients, which means you can indulge guilt-free!

Sources:
http://www.usada.org/resources/nutrition/vitamins-minerals-and-other-supplements/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/pineapple
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-895-bromelain.aspx?activeingredientid=895&activeingredientname=bromelain
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-pineapple
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://umm.edu/health/medical