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Summary
A Facebook group, Natural Remedy Home, shared a video claiming that boiling pineapple peel and lime can improve menstrual flow and help regulate irregular periods. However, the effectiveness of this remedy remains scientifically unproven. While pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain and lime is rich in vitamin C, no scientific or medical evidence supports the claim that boiling pineapple peel with lime can enhance menstrual flow.
Claim
On Oct. 28, 2024, a Facebook group user, Natural Remedy Home, claimed that boiling pineapple with lime orange can help menstrual problems. The post had a significant engagement, receiving 113 likes and seven comments. While menstruation is a significant part of women’s lives, unproven claims can endanger their health.
NFM Checks
The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical plant with an edible fruit. It is the most economically significant plant in the family, Bromeliaceae. It is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as fiber, manganese, copper, vitamin B6 and antioxidants. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. This enzyme may help reduce menstrual cramps and muscle tension by relaxing muscles and alleviating inflammation. Pineapple is also rich in nutrients that support immune health and may assist in hormone production. While these components promote general wellness, they do not directly regulate menstrual hormones like estrogen or progesterone.
Interestingly, bromelain may also soften the uterine lining, potentially speeding up the process of menstruation. As the endometrium begins to peel away, the presence of pineapple could theoretically help make periods arrive more quickly. Furthermore, bromelain’s ability to increase the production of red and white blood cells may improve blood flow during menstruation, possibly enhancing the menstrual experience.
On the other hand, lime, despite being rich in vitamin C and citric acid, lacks scientific evidence to support its efficacy in treating menstrual problems. While lime juice is generally considered healthy, it might delay menstrual flow or lighten periods. High doses of vitamin C could potentially influence estrogen levels, which might impact the timing or intensity of menstrual bleeding for some individuals.
The belief that boiling pineapple peel with lime could help alleviate menstrual problems is rooted more in the general health benefits of these ingredients rather than evidence-based solutions for menstrual relief. Boiled pineapple peels offer health benefits like supporting hydration, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation, mainly due to bromelain, an anti-inflammatory activity. Bromelain has been associated with some pain relief benefits, which may help ease general discomfort, including menstrual cramps.
However, current evidence does not strongly support the idea that pineapple peel or lime alone can specifically regulate menstrual cycles or significantly reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding or severe cramps. The acidity in lime can sometimes cause stomach discomfort, which may worsen menstrual bloating or nausea for some people.
According to the National Health Institute, a study showed that lime juice causes irregularity of the oestrous cycle, partially blocks ovulation and possibly compromises fertility in female rats. There is no substantial scientific evidence that lime or boiled pineapple peel effectively addresses menstrual problems. Most claims about their benefits come from traditional practices rather than clinical research.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Expert Aanuoluwapo Owoseeni also highlighted that while the consumption of pineapple may help improve menstrual flow, lime has no proven effects in this area.
“I eat pineapple today before my period, and it helps a lot and there is no menstural cramps,” Owoseeni told Naija Feminists Media.
When it comes to health issues, especially those related to menstruation, it is advisable to consult a doctor or qualified health professional. Relying on remedies that lack scientific evidence may be ineffective and lead to unintended health consequences.
Naija Feminists Media is committed to fighting gendered disinformation and misinformation that concerns women. Read more of our fact checks here.
