Surprising Benefits of Pineapple
Learn more about pineapple and its bioactive ingredient, bromelain
Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit grown throughout the world and studied for its potential uses in pain management, digestion, inflammation, and other health conditions.
Bromelain is an important enzyme and bioactive compound in pineapple that has been found to prevent the inflammatory process and provide other health benefits.
This article will discuss the safety and potential health benefits of pineapple and bromelain.
Pineapple Nutrition
Pineapple can be eaten and enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet in several ways. It may be enjoyed raw, grilled, or roasted. It's often used in smoothies, popsicles, baked goods, salsas, beverages, and more.
Pineapple is a source of macronutrients, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and fiber. It also contains bioactive compounds, like bromelain.
Pineapple nutrition per 100 g/one-half cup
Calories: 50
Carbohydrates: 13.1 grams (g)
Protein: 0.54 g
Total Fat: 0.12 g
Total Sugars: 9.85 g
Fiber: 1.4 g
Calcium: 13 milligrams (mg)
Iron: 0.29 mg
Vitamin C: 47.8 mg
Vitamin A: 58 international units (IU)
Potassium: 109 mg
Manganese: 0.93 mg
Magnesium: 12 mg
Folate: 18 micrograms (mcg)
Choline: 5.5 mg
People following specific diets may need to limit or avoid pineapple.
Though pineapple can be a part of a healthy diet for people with diabetes, those following a ketogenic diet may need to avoid it.
Benefits of Pineapple
Due to its bromelain content and other bioactive compounds, pineapple is believed to provide specific health benefits.
However, very little research exists on pineapple, making it difficult to verify its possible effects.
Slightly more research has been performed on bromelain. These studies suggest that bromelain may help with burns, muscle soreness, pain, inflammation, and digestive problems. Yet, some studies have yielded conflicting results.
Some of the available research on pineapple and bromelain is outlined in the sections below.
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What a pineapple plant looks likeMay Improve Digestion
Pineapple is believed to have positive effects on digestion. This may be due to the fiber and digestive enzymes found in it.
In one lab study, pineapple juice from stems and peels enhanced prebiotic function in a simulated human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. By helping the function of prebiotics, pineapple juice was also associated with increased probiotics (or "good bacteria") in the GI tract, which may improve digestion and gut health.
A study of mice revealed a potential balancing effect of pineapple on the gut microbiome. The positive results were attributed to the digestive enzymes found in bromelain.
Though lab and animal studies are somewhat helpful, human research on the effects of pineapple and bromelain on digestion remains necessary.
May Decrease Pain
Bromelain has been taken for pain in various forms of integrative medicine.
There is evidence that bromelain reduces inflammation and increases circulation at the site of an injury, leading to less pain. It is thought to act on bradykinin, a pain mediator.
Additional research has found that bromelain may play a role in pain management for certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, neuropathy (nerve pain), and sports injuries.
Bromelain may also be helpful for pain and inflammation caused by surgery. Research suggests that bromelain reduces postoperative swelling and, thus, pain.
Overall, more large-scale studies are necessary in this area to further determine how bromelain may improve various types of pain.
May Help With Fatty Liver
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is a risk factor for fatty liver disease. Pineapple may reduce this risk.
According to one study of rats, pineapple has antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties.
In the study, the rats ate a high-cholesterol diet and pineapple for eight weeks. Compared to the rats who ate a standard diet, those who consumed pineapple had reduced levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides in their livers and blood. Overall, pineapple was associated with decreased characteristics of fatty liver.
Other animal and lab studies have found similar results. However, unfortunately, human studies on pineapple for fatty liver don't exist yet.
The above study was conducted in animals; the results should be considered preliminary.
May Improve Vascular Health
Your blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) make up your body's vascular system. Vascular health is essential for circulation and blood flow.
Pineapple may improve vascular health by reducing the build-up of cholesterol and lipids in blood vessels.
In one study, pineapple reduced structural changes in the aortas of rats who ate a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks. Rats who consumed pineapple were also found to have better vascular function due to reduced tension in their blood vessels.
Another study of rats concluded that pineapple possesses antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties that are helpful for vascular health.
Again, however, there is virtually no research on pineapple's effects on the vascular health of humans. These studies of rats show promising results, but more research is necessary.
May Reduce Inflammation
According to lab and animal studies, pineapple may reduce inflammation.
Bromelain (a bioactive substance in pineapple) has been found to inhibit inflammation in various test tube studies. However, scientists are unsure how bromelain does this.
Pineapple consumption in rats has also been associated with reduced inflammation.
In one study, researchers fed rats pineapple plus a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks. The pineapple reduced inflammatory markers that would normally be seen in rats on a high-cholesterol diet. These results suggest that pineapple may have a heart-protective effect.
However, more research is necessary to prove that these effects are possible in humans, not just rats.
Explainer
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Safety of Pineapple
Pineapple is considered generally safe, but some people may need to limit or avoid it altogether.
Although rare, it is possible to be allergic to pineapple or its bioactive ingredient, bromelain. Avoid pineapple and bromelain if you're allergic to them.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction like itching, hives, or shortness of breath.
Even if you're not allergic to pineapple or bromelain, it's possible to experience side effects when consuming them. This may be especially true if you have too much. Ingesting too much bromelain may cause the following:
Nausea and vomiting
Upset stomach
Loss of appetite
Muscle pain
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Be careful when consuming bromelain while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is unknown whether bromelain is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bromelain may interact with the antibiotic amoxicillin. There is also concern that bromelain may interact with blood thinners, but more research is necessary to confirm this potential interaction.
Additional precautions and interactions may exist for bromelain or pineapple. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider before using bromelain or pineapple, especially if you take any medications or have a medical condition.
Explainer
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says it does.
When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Summary
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit that contains the active ingredient bromelain.
Both pineapple and bromelain are thought to provide various health benefits. However, more research is necessary in many areas to determine their potential uses.
Pineapple is considered safe for most people to consume, but you may need to avoid it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications. You should also avoid pineapple if you are allergic to it.
Talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about pineapple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat pineapple?
According to the American Kennel Club, fresh pineapple is safe for dogs in moderation. Canned pineapple should be avoided, however.
While pineapple is high in important nutrients, its fiber content may be too high if given to dogs often or in large amounts. Some experts also worry that the sugar content of pineapple may upset some dogs' stomachs.
The overall message is that giving your dog fresh pineapple is OK, but only in small amounts.
How do you cut a pineapple?
Cutting a pineapple may seem daunting, but it's easier than it seems. To cut a pineapple:
Cut off the stem and bottom end.
Stand the pineapple upright, then cut off the skin in a downward motion.
Cut the pineapple in half from top to bottom.
Cut the halves in half, leaving you with four pieces.
Cut the core (the hard part) out of the center of each piece.
Cut the four pieces in half again, leaving you with eight pieces.
Cut each remaining piece into triangles or cubes (or any shape you desire).
Is pineapple good for you?
Pineapple is full of nutrients that are important to your health.
Pineapple contains macronutrients and micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Like other fruits, pineapple is also a good source of fiber, which is vital for gut health.
For most people, pineapple can be a part of a well-balanced diet.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
