Many of the side effects of pineapple might make you reconsider consuming this tropical treat.
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.
Related: 14 Best Home Remedies For Skin Allergies | Causes And Symptoms
2. Blood Sugar Levels
Shutterstock
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).
Related: 15 Herbs For Diabetes That Keep Your Sugar Levels In Control
3. Bromelain Reactions
Shutterstock
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.
StyleCraze Says You can consume heated pineapple products to avoid these side effects as heat is known to reduce the activity of bromelain (7).
4. Drug Interactions
Shutterstock
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
Shutterstock
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.
Related: 18 Simple And Effective Home Remedies For Toothache Relief
6. Oral Allergy Syndrome
Shutterstock
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.
StyleCraze Says Some believe that bromelain digests the proteins present on your tongue and the roof of the mouth, leading to a burning sensation after you eat 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.
Infographic: Pineapples: General Recommended Daily Intake
Pineapple is a tropical treat, which, if overindulged in, can quickly become a disaster. As every individual reacts differently to different pineapple concentrations, there are no strict limits on its intake values. However, some general recommendations can help.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about the recommended daily intake values of pineapple and its associated products.
A tropical tangy-sweet fruit that is perfect for summer, pineapples are a wonderful fruit to have in the pantry. However, they should not be consumed in excess. The side effects of pineapples range from increased blood sugar levels to a high risk of dental problems. The presence of an enzyme called bromelain and its activity can also increase bleeding risk. In some cases, pineapples may trigger allergic reactions or interfere with the functioning of certain medications, especially antibiotics. If possible, try to limit your intake or stay away from it entirely to avoid such complications.
