It's much more than a controversial pizza topping.
Pineapple is a tropical and island-inspired fruit with a sweet and acidic flavor. Who doesn't enjoy a refreshing pina colada? But, in addition to being a key element in the refreshing beverage, it's also high in vitamins.
"Pineapple is high in vitamin C and low in calories," says Jonathan Valdez, RDN, owner of Genki Nutrition and a representative for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
In terms of nutrition, it's also a good source of fiber.
Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of The Small Change Diet, says, "Overall, pineapple is a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals." "Pineapple also contains 2.3 grams of fiber per one-cup serving, which has been linked to enhanced satiety, weight management, and blood sugar stabilization."
If you like pineapple, you might be surprised to learn about the additional ways it might benefit your health. As a result, we asked nutritionists to reveal some surprising pineapple side effects.
1. It has the potential to help in IBD treatment.
"Bromelain acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, and one study found a reduction in inflammatory mediators in those with IBD, which could help patients with IBD," explains Valdez. "However, further research is needed before bromelain may be recommended as a treatment for IBD."
2. Itching, hives, and swelling are all possible side effects.
"This may be a reaction to a latex allergy," Gans explains. "Pineapple is a natural rubber latex source. If a person has a recognized allergy to pineapple, they should avoid it."
3. It can decrease inflammation.
"Pineapple is high in the antioxidant vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory characteristics that may help reduce arthritic joint pain, boost immunological health, and lower the risk of heart disease," explains Gans.
4. It could cause diarrhea and vomiting.
"Some people who are sensitive to bromelain or who consume excessive amounts of pineapple report experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, but the cause is unknown," Valdez explains.
5. It has the potential to produce mouth soreness.
"Eating too much bromelain might cause tenderness of the lips, lip, and tongue due to its meat tenderizing effects," explains Valdez. "To break down bromelain and reduce these negative effects, boil pineapple. Also, avoid eating raw pineapple from the stem or core, as this contains the most bromelain."
6. It can improve bone health.
"Manganese, which is vital for bone health, is abundant in pineapple," explains Gans.
7. It can reduce pain.
"Anti-inflammatory characteristics in bromelain have been utilized to relieve pain and swelling from burns, joint discomfort, and other inflammatory disorders," Valdez explains.
8. It has the potential to lower blood pressure.
"Bromelain enzymes in pineapple slow blood clotting while also increasing red and white blood cell formation, resulting in enhanced blood flow," adds Valdez.
9. It has the potential to induce severe bleeding.
Bromelain is also an anticoagulant, which thins the blood and prevents it from clotting, leading to excessive bleeding.