Science

Pineapple leaves may find use in fat-trapping ingestibles

Pineapple leaves may find use in fat-trapping ingestibles
Lead scientists Duong Hai-Minh (left) and Phan Toan Thang, with capsules and crackers containing powdered pineapple leaves
Lead scientists Duong Hai-Minh (left) and Phan Toan Thang, with capsules and crackers containing powdered pineapple leaves
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If developed into a commercial product, the capsules or crackers would be consumed alongside foods that are high in saturated fats – although it will likely never be advisable to eat large quantities of such foods
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If developed into a commercial product, the capsules or crackers would be consumed alongside foods that are high in saturated fats – although it will likely never be advisable to eat large quantities of such foods
Lead scientists Duong Hai-Minh (left) and Phan Toan Thang, with capsules and crackers containing powdered pineapple leaves
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Lead scientists Duong Hai-Minh (left) and Phan Toan Thang, with capsules and crackers containing powdered pineapple leaves

Two years ago, we heard about a highly absorbant hydrogel made from upcycled pineapple leaves. Some of the scientists who developed that gel are now saying that the leaves could also be used to absorb harmful fats from recently consumed foods in our digestive system.

For the new study – led by associate professors Duong Hai-Minh and Phan Toan Thang – researchers at the National University of Singapore started by drying and grinding pineapple leaves that had been obtained as an agricultural waste product.

When the resulting powder was tested in a lab-based system that simulated the acidic environment of the human digestive tract, it was found that 1 gram of the substance was capable of absorbing 45.1 grams (1.6 oz) of cooked fats. In order to make the powder easier to ingest, some of it was encapsulated, and some was pressed into the form of thin crackers.

"After ingestion, the capsule or cracker absorbs fatty compounds (such as animal fats) and form fat-coated fiber lumps," said Phan Toan Thang. "These fat-coated lumps will then be passed out from the digestive system in one to three days, similar to other foods we consume."

If developed into a commercial product, the capsules or crackers would be consumed alongside foods that are high in saturated fats – although it will likely never be advisable to eat large quantities of such foods
If developed into a commercial product, the capsules or crackers would be consumed alongside foods that are high in saturated fats – although it will likely never be advisable to eat large quantities of such foods

And while the mechanical properties of pineapple leaves make them well-suited to the task, the scientists have stated that other types of high-cellulose agricultural waste – such as sugarcane pulp – could also be used.

That said, more research needs to be conducted to see how effective the powder is in an actual human digestive tract. The university is currently seeking commercial partners to further develop the technology.

Source: National University of Singapore

4 comments
4 comments
diablo
Does the pineapple powder distinguish the difference between LDL (BAD FAT) and HDL (GOOD FAT) as it would be highly dangerous to remove ALL FATS FROM THE BODY
as it could lead to health problems!! This comment should be forwarded to the scientists for them to work on!
michael_dowling
diablo: LDL and HDL are predominately produced in the liver,which is then excreted into the bloodstream. You don't need to depend on food derived sources.
Albert L Anaheim
This would be more interesting if they were to add them to hamburger/hot dog buns instead of crackers. One could eat the biscuit from KFC first and have benefit when eating that tasty non health food that tastes sooooo good.
McDesign
"These fat-coated lumps will then be passed out from the digestive system in one to three days . . . "

I read that as, "One of three ways" and I couldn't figure it out . . .