Belly-flattening pineapple peels lacks scientific proof

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Claim: An Instagram user claimed that a boiled mixture of pineapple peels, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and lemon juice could flatten one’s stomach.

Verdict: Insufficient evidence. Experts acknowledge that these spices have been traditionally used but emphasise the need for more rigorous clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies to confirm their effectiveness.

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In today’s fast-paced world, more people are becoming increasingly mindful of their health, searching for natural remedies and quick fixes to achieve their fitness goals. 

Social media is flooded with claims about the power of natural ingredients to cleanse or detoxify the body. 

One widely circulated claim came from an Instagram post by Foodblog9ja, which asserts that consuming natural ingredients, including pineapple peels, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and lemon juice, can help achieve a flat stomach.

The post recommended that drinking this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and at night before bedtime would make the user of the concoction look like someone who had undergone liposuction. 

However, the post warns individuals against daily consumption to prevent excessive weight loss, advising individuals to stop taking the mixture once they lose 10kg and resume only in the following month.

The video, which has gone viral, garnered 36,291 likes, 64 comments, and several shares as of April 5, 2025.

Users like agbu__ihechiluru commented, “Yes, I am going to try it.” 

Kemsogifoods, believing the claim, commented, “Thank you. I will still come back to thank you if this my tummy can be flat.”

Given his followers’ enthusiasm for trying this remedy and its likely implications for public health, DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim.

Verification 

We first checked these ingredients and their properties. According to Healthline, pineapple peels are rich in bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, with the potential to aid in preventing bacterial growth. 

Black pepper contains piperine, an active anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. It may also enhance the absorption of other nutrients and compounds, such as curcumin found in turmeric.​

Cinnamon, on the other hand, is rich in cinnamaldehyde, which possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels and has been linked to reduced risk factors for heart disease. 

Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may also stimulate digestion and suppress appetite, potentially aiding in weight management.​

While traditional remedies like teas made from pineapple peels, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and lemon juice are popular for their potential health benefits, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for targeted fat loss, such as achieving a flat stomach, is limited.

A balanced diet and regular exercise best achieve sustainable weight loss and abdominal fat reduction.

A study indicates that pineapple peels are rich in essential nutrients, including dietary fibre, which may aid digestion and support weight management.

Another analysis stated that ginger supplementation is associated with reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio, suggesting its potential role in weight management.

Experts’ Opinions 

Qudus Lawal, a gynaecologist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, clarified to DUBAWA that no scientific evidence supports herbal remedies or quick-fix methods for achieving a flat tummy.

“There is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and it is not something I would recommend,” Mr Lawal stated. “The best approach to achieving a flat tummy is maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise.”

Lawal explained that relying on unverified remedies can mislead individuals into thinking they can lose weight without making necessary lifestyle changes. He also cautioned that excessive consumption of specific natural ingredients might have unintended health consequences.

He further explained that for individuals struggling with weight management, medical interventions such as bariatric surgery, a procedure designed to aid weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach, may be an option.

“Bariatric surgeries are an example of surgical procedures used for weight control. They help remove excess fat and assist in long-term weight management. Additionally, there are weight management medications that can be prescribed based on a patient’s specific health assessment,” he added.

Lawal emphasised the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before considering weight loss treatments, as improper methods could pose serious health risks.

DUBAWA also spoke to Temiloluwa Omotosho, a nutritionist, who told us that while certain fruits and natural ingredients have health benefits, no single fruit or ingredient alone can guarantee a flat tummy.

“No fruit on its own can achieve a flat tummy,” she explained. “Fruits contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost immunity, but I do not subscribe to the idea that consuming a specific combination of ingredients—such as cloves, pineapple peels, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon tea—will directly result in a flat stomach.”

Ms Temiloluwa emphasised that overall dietary habits and lifestyle choices largely influence weight management. “People consume foods, alcohol, and processed junk that contribute significantly to fat accumulation. While some natural ingredients can aid digestion and metabolism, achieving a flat tummy requires a combination of proper dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and overall healthy lifestyle choices.”

She added that while certain teas or natural remedies may support digestion and metabolism, they should not be relied upon as a sole solution for weight loss. “These ingredients can aid the process and boost immunity, but sustainable weight management depends on a balanced diet, portion control, and consistent exercise.”

Temiloluwa advised individuals seeking weight loss to focus on holistic nutritional strategies rather than quick fixes.

Conclusion

While the ingredients in this tea offer various health benefits, there is no strong scientific evidence to support the claim that they can directly lead to a flat stomach. Sustainable weight loss and fat reduction require a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle rather than a single remedy.