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pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit that is grown around the world and has been studied for its potential uses in the management of pain, digestion, inflammation and other health conditions.
Bromelain Pineapple is an important enzymatic and bioactive compound that has been found to inhibit the inflammatory process and provide other health benefits.
This article will discuss the potential safety and health benefits of pineapple and bromelain.
Pineapple Nutrition
Pineapple can be eaten and enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet in a number of ways. Can be enjoyed raw, grilled or roasted. It is often used in smoothies, popsicles, baked goods, salsas, drinks, and more.
Pineapple is a source of macronutrients, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and fiber. It also contains bioactive compounds, such as bromelain.
Pineapple nutrition per 100 g / 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)
- Colin: 5.5 mg
People following certain diets may need to limit or avoid pineapple.
While pineapple can be 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 content of bromelain and other bioactive compounds, pineapple is believed to provide distinct health benefits.
However, there is very little research on pineapple, making it difficult to verify its potential effects.
A little more research has been done on bromelain. These studies suggest that bromelain may help with burns, muscle soreness, pain, inflammation and digestive problems. However, some studies have conflicting results.
Some of the research available on pineapple and bromelain is outlined in the articles below.
What does a pineapple plant look like.
Cathy Scola / Getty Images
It may improve digestion
Pineapple is believed to have positive effects on digestion. This could be due to the fiber and digestive enzymes found in it.
In one laboratory study, pineapple juice from stems and peels enhanced prebiotic function in a simulated human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. By aiding the function of prebiotics, pineapple juice has also been associated with increased probiotics (or “good bacteria”) in the GI tract, which can improve digestion and gut health.
A study in mice revealed a potential balancing effect of pineapple on the gut microbiome. The positive results were attributed to the digestive enzymes found in bromelain.
Although laboratory and animal studies are somewhat helpful, human research on the effects of pineapple and bromelain on digestion is still needed.
May Reduce 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 injury, resulting in less pain. Supposed to act on bradykininpain mediator.
Further 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 from surgery. Research suggests that bromelain reduces post-operative swelling and, therefore, pain.
Overall, more large-scale studies are needed in this area to further determine how bromelain can improve different 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 on 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 that ate a standard diet, those who ate pineapple had reduced levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides in their liver and blood. Overall, pineapple was associated with reduced fatty liver characteristics.
Other animal and laboratory studies have found similar results. But, unfortunately, there are still no human studies on pineapple for fatty liver.
The above study was done in animals; the results should be considered preliminary.
May Improve Vascular Health
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 amount of cholesterol and lipids in the blood vessels.
In one study, pineapple reduced structural changes in the aortas of rats that ate a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks. It was also found that rats that ate pineapple had better vascular function due to reduced tension in their blood vessels.
Another study in rats concluded that pineapple has antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties that are helpful for vascular health.
Again, however, little research has been done on the effects of pineapple on human vascular health. These rat studies show promising results, but more research is needed.
May Reduce Inflammation
According to laboratory 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 not sure how bromelain does this.
Pineapple consumption in rats was also 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 cardioprotective effect.
However, more research is needed to prove that these effects are possible in humans, not just rats.
Supplement use should be individualized and checked by a health care professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or health care provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Pineapple Safety
Pineapple is generally considered safe, but some people may need to limit or avoid it altogether.
Although it is rare, it is possible to be allergic to pineapple or its bioactive ingredient, bromelain. Avoid pineapple and bromelain if you are allergic to them.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as itching, hives, or shortness of breath.
Even if you are not allergic to pineapple or bromelain, it is possible to experience side effects when consuming them. This may be especially true if you have too much. Ingesting too much bromelain may cause:
Use caution when consuming bromelain while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if bromelain is safe if you are 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 needed to confirm this potential interaction.
There may be additional precautions and interactions for bromelain or pineapple. Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider before using bromelain or pineapple, especially if you take any medications or have a medical condition.
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 do what the label says they do.
When choosing a supplement, look for third-party products that have been tested and consult with 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.
Pineapple and bromelain are thought to provide various health benefits. However, more research is needed in many areas to determine their potential uses.
Pineapple is considered safe for most people to eat, 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 to a healthcare provider to learn more about pineapple.
