The reason behind the tingling in their mouths after eating pineapple has left people horrified.
Pineapple is a popular tropical fruit celebrated for its refreshing taste and rich nutritional profile, including high levels of vitamins C and B6.
However, many people have experienced an unusual and uncomfortable side effect—bleeding tongues—after consuming pineapple.
Let’s explore why this happens and how you can mitigate the effects.
The role of bromelain
What is Bromelain?
The primary reason for the bleeding sensation is bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in both the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant.
Bromelain breaks down proteins, including those in our mouths. This enzymatic activity can lead to a tingling or burning sensation and, in some cases, bleeding of the tongue, gums, and cheeks.
How Bromelain affects your mouth
When you eat pineapple, bromelain starts to break down proteins on the surface of your mouth, including those in your tongue and gums.
While some people might experience only a mild tingling, others could face more severe effects, such as bleeding. This phenomenon is especially noticeable when consuming large amounts of pineapple.
Potential benefits of bromelain
Interestingly, bromelain is also being studied for its potential medical benefits.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, bromelain may help in the removal of dead and damaged skin from burns.
Preliminary research suggests that bromelain-based enzymatic debridement could aid in the healing of full-thickness burns in both children and adults.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes: “Preliminary research has shown that bromelain helps to remove dead and damaged skin from burns in children and adults. However, whether bromelain treatment is better than standard treatment for scarring over the long term still needs to be examined.”
How bromelain works
Bromelain contains cysteine proteinases that break down proteins with cysteine amino acids.
Since mammalian cells are rich in cysteine, bromelain effectively targets and breaks down these proteins, which can assist in healing processes.
Tips to avoid discomfort
Choosing the right pineapple
If you want to enjoy pineapple without the risk of bleeding or discomfort, consider the following tips:
Opt for canned pineapple: Canned pineapple generally has lower bromelain levels compared to fresh pineapple, reducing the likelihood of irritation.
Cook the pineapple:Cooking pineapple deactivates bromelain, making it less likely to cause discomfort. If you prefer fresh pineapple, be aware that it might occasionally cause an unpleasant experience.
Cut the pineapple properly: Removing the pineapple from its stem, which has higher bromelain concentrations, can help reduce the enzyme’s impact.