There’s nothing like pineapples during the summer. Pineapples have a refreshing taste and help cool you off in the heat. There will always be a place for pineapples, regardless of whether you slice, prepare a punch, or bake a dish with it. However, everything has some pros and cons, and even such a healthy fruit as pineapple can pose health risks when consumed in excess. Pineapple may cause certain allergies or prevent certain medications from working properly. This article examines the side effects of pineapples, their safety, and any potential drug interactions. Take a look below.
Side Effects Of Pineapple
Want to know about pineapple side effects? Please sit back and read on.
1. Allergy
What? Consumption of pineapples can lead to allergic reactions in a few people. How? Pineapple has ‘meat-tenderizing’ properties, which may trigger allergic reactions. Pineapple may also cause latex allergies in some (1). Mostly these reactions would resolve within a few hours by themselves. But if not, then a medical practitioner should be consulted immediately. Symptoms? Excessive tenderness or swelling on the lips, a tingling sensation in the throat.
2. Blood Sugar Levels
What? This is one of the serious side effects excess intake of pineapple can cause. Overconsumption of pineapples may spike blood sugar levels in susceptible individuals. This obviously does pose complications. How? Pineapples are one of those fruits that contain glucose and sucrose sugars. And because of this, they may elevate blood sugar levels in our body (2). Most fruits contain carbohydrates and these can also raise the blood sugar levels. ½ cup of pineapple has 15 grams of carbohydrates. Symptoms? Headaches, increased thirst and frequent urination (3).
3. Bromelain Reactions
What? Bromelain is an enzyme found in the pineapple juice and stem. This enzyme has been found to cause reactions in our bodies. However, while natural bromelain does not seem to be toxic, taking it as a supplement may warrant precaution. How? Bromelain has anticoagulant properties (3). It might increase the risk of bleeding when consumed with blood-thinners. Symptoms? Nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.
4. Drug Interactions
What? Pineapple might even interfere or interact with certain types of medications or drugs. This might lead to heightened side effects and other problems. How? The bromelain in pineapple may increase the absorption of certain antibiotics like amoxicillin and tetracycline (4). This effect may cause side effects in some individuals. Symptoms? Chest pain, bloody nose, chills, fever, dizziness, etc.
5. Tooth Damage
What? Though pineapple is a healthy and delicious fruit, excess intake can cause desensitization of teeth or tooth decay. How? Fruits like pineapple that are highly acidic in nature may initiate a chemical process in the mouth when consumed. Excess intake of pineapple, coupled with improper oral hygiene practices, may increase risk of tooth decay (5). Symptoms? Tooth pain and extreme sensitivity when taking hot or cold foods.
6. Oral Allergy Syndrome
What? Oral allergy syndrome is nothing but an allergy to airborne particles like dust and pollen. How? This phenomenon occurs when the immune system in our body confuses the protein in pineapple with pollen or any other allergen (6). As a result of this, reactions occur within the body. Symptoms? Irritation or itching on the tongue for sometime after consuming a pineapple. They say no human being is perfect. Probably the same applies to fruits too. Depending upon the health conditions one has, some fruits might be desirable and healthy and some might be not. All the above mentioned are side effects of pineapple consumption! Though I don’t mean to say pineapples are ‘bad’ or ‘poisonous’, they do have their own set of side effects and should be consumed in moderation. Is it OK to eat pineapple at night? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the recommended daily intake values of pineapple and its associated products. Blanca Garcia, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “Pineapple is safe to eat at night as long as it is consumed between meals and in moderation.” Can pineapple cause uric acid? According to Garcia, “Although pineapple is an acidic fruit, it does not raise uric acid levels in the body; rather, it helps lower uric acid levels due to its high magnesium content.” Can pineapple cause gas and bloating? “No. Instead, it helps with bloating because it contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein and aids in digestion,” says Blanca Garcia. What happens if I eat pineapple every day? Pineapple is loaded with many beneficial nutrients that offer various benefits like boosting digestion, improving immunity, and revving metabolism. However, having it in moderation is advised. Does pineapple affect sperm count? Yes, pineapple affects sperm count positively. It is rich in manganese, and B vitamins, which determine the sperm count. Therefore, including this fruit as a part of the diet helps increase the sperm count. Can pineapple raise blood pressure? No. Pineapple cannot raise blood pressure. Moreover, its low potassium content helps manage blood pressure levels effectively.
