Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefits of PineappleSafety of PineappleFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits of Pineapple
Safety of Pineapple
Frequently Asked Questions
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit grown throughout the world and studied for its potential uses in pain management, digestion, inflammation, and other health conditions.
Bromelainis an important enzyme and bioactive compound in pineapple that has been found to prevent the inflammatory process and provide other health benefits.
This article will discuss the safety and potential health benefits of pineapple and bromelain.
Pineapple NutritionPineapple can be eaten and enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet in several ways. It may be used raw, grilled, or roasted. It’s often found in smoothies, popsicles, baked goods, salsas, beverages, and more.Pineapple is a source ofmacronutrients,micronutrients(vitamins and minerals), andfiber. It also contains bioactive compounds, like bromelain.Pineapple nutrition per 100 g/one-half cupCalories:50Carbohydrates:13.1 grams (g)Protein:0.54 gTotal Fat:0.12 gTotal Sugars:9.85 gFiber:1.4 gCalcium:13 milligrams (mg)Iron:0.29 mgVitamin C:47.8 mgVitamin A:58 international units (IU)Potassium:109 mgManganese:0.93 mgMagnesium:12 mgFolate:18 micrograms (mcg)Choline:5.5 mgPeople following specific diets may need to limit or avoid pineapple.Though pineapple can be a part of a healthy diet for people withdiabetes, those following aketogenic dietmay need to avoid it.
Pineapple Nutrition
Pineapple can be eaten and enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet in several ways. It may be used raw, grilled, or roasted. It’s often found in smoothies, popsicles, baked goods, salsas, beverages, and more.Pineapple is a source ofmacronutrients,micronutrients(vitamins and minerals), andfiber. It also contains bioactive compounds, like bromelain.Pineapple nutrition per 100 g/one-half cupCalories:50Carbohydrates:13.1 grams (g)Protein:0.54 gTotal Fat:0.12 gTotal Sugars:9.85 gFiber:1.4 gCalcium:13 milligrams (mg)Iron:0.29 mgVitamin C:47.8 mgVitamin A:58 international units (IU)Potassium:109 mgManganese:0.93 mgMagnesium:12 mgFolate:18 micrograms (mcg)Choline:5.5 mgPeople following specific diets may need to limit or avoid pineapple.Though pineapple can be a part of a healthy diet for people withdiabetes, those following aketogenic dietmay need to avoid it.
Pineapple can be eaten and enjoyed as part of a well-balanced diet in several ways. It may be used raw, grilled, or roasted. It’s often found in smoothies, popsicles, baked goods, salsas, beverages, and more.
Pineapple is a source ofmacronutrients,micronutrients(vitamins and minerals), andfiber. It also contains bioactive compounds, like bromelain.
Pineapple nutrition per 100 g/one-half cup
People following specific diets may need to limit or avoid pineapple.
Though pineapple can be a part of a healthy diet for people withdiabetes, those following aketogenic dietmay need to avoid it.
Due to its bromelain content and other bioactive compounds, pineapple is believed to provide specific health benefits.
However, very little research exists on pineapple, making it difficult to verify its possible effects.
Slightly more research has been performed on bromelain. These studies suggest that bromelain may help with burns, muscle soreness, pain, inflammation, and digestive problems. Yet, some studies have yielded conflicting results.
Some of the available research on pineapple and bromelain is outlined in the sections below.
What a pineapple plant looks like.Cathy Scola / Getty Images
Cathy Scola / Getty Images
May Improve Digestion
Pineapple is believed to have positive effects on digestion. This may be due to the fiber and digestive enzymes found in it.
In one lab study, pineapple juice from stems and peels enhancedprebioticfunction in a simulated human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. By helping the function of prebiotics, pineapple juice was also associated with increasedprobiotics(or “good bacteria”) in the GI tract, which may improve digestion and gut health.
A study of mice revealed a potential balancing effect of pineapple on thegut microbiome. The positive results were attributed to thedigestive enzymesfound in bromelain.
Though lab and animal studies are somewhat helpful, human research on the effects of pineapple and bromelain on digestion remains necessary.
May Decrease 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 an injury, leading to less pain. It is thought to act onbradykinin, a pain mediator.
Additional research has found that bromelain may play a role in pain management for certain conditions, such asosteoarthritis,neuropathy(nerve pain), and sports injuries.
Overall, more large-scale studies are necessary in this area to further determine how bromelain may improve various types of pain.
May Help With Fatty Liver
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is a risk factor forfatty liver disease. Pineapple may reduce this risk.
According to one study of 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 who ate a standard diet, those who consumed pineapple had reduced levels of bothcholesterol and triglyceridesin their livers and blood. Overall, pineapple was associated with decreased characteristics of fatty liver.
Other animal and lab studies have found similar results. However, unfortunately, human studies on pineapple for fatty liver don’t exist yet.
The above study was conducted in animals; the results should be considered preliminary.
May Improve Vascular Health
Your blood vessels (arteries, veins, andcapillaries) make up your body’s vascular system. Vascular health is essential for circulation and blood flow.
In one study, pineapple reduced structural changes in theaortasof rats who ate a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks. Rats who consumed pineapple were also found to have better vascular function due to reduced tension in their blood vessels.
Another study of rats concluded that pineapple possesses antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties that are helpful for vascular health.
Again, however, there is virtually no research on pineapple’s effects on the vascular health of humans. These studies of rats show promising results, but more research is necessary.
May Reduce Inflammation
According to lab and animal studies, pineapple may reduceinflammation.
Bromelain (a bioactive substance in pineapple) has been found to inhibit inflammation in various test tube studies. However, scientists are unsure how bromelain does this.
Pineapple consumption in rats has also been 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 heart-protective effect.
However, more research is necessary to prove that these effects are possible in humans, not just rats.
Pineapple is considered generally safe, but some people may need to limit or avoid it altogether.
Although rare, it is possible to be allergic to pineapple or its bioactive ingredient, bromelain. Avoid pineapple and bromelain if you’re allergic to them.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of asevere allergic reactionlike itching, hives, or shortness of breath.
Even if you’re not allergic to pineapple or bromelain, it’s possible to experience side effects when consuming them. This may be especially true if you have too much. Ingesting too much bromelain may cause the following:
Be careful when consuming bromelain while pregnant orbreastfeeding. It is unknown whether bromelain is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bromelain may interact with theantibioticamoxicillin.There is also concern that bromelain may interact withblood thinners, but more research is necessary to confirm this potential interaction.
Additional precautions and interactions may exist for bromelain or pineapple. Be sure to talk with 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 contain what the label says it does.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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 contain what the label says it does.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult 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.
Both pineapple and bromelain are thought to provide various health benefits. However, more research is necessary in many areas to determine their potential uses.
Pineapple is considered safe for most people to consume, 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 with a healthcare provider to learn more about pineapple.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAccording to the American Kennel Club, fresh pineapple is safe for dogs in moderation. Canned pineapple should be avoided, however.While pineapple is high in important nutrients, its fiber content may be too high if given to dogs often or in large amounts. Some experts also worry that the sugar content of pineapple may upset some dogs' stomachs.The overall message is that giving your dog fresh pineapple is OK, but only in small amounts.Cutting a pineapple may seem daunting, but it’s easier than it seems. To cut a pineapple:Cut off the stem and bottom end.Stand the pineapple upright, then cut off the skin in a downward motion.Cut the pineapple in half from top to bottom.Cut the halves in half, leaving you with four pieces.Cut the core (the hard part) out of the center of each piece.Cut the four pieces in half again, leaving you with eight pieces.Cut each remaining piece into triangles or cubes (or any shape you desire).Pineapple is full of nutrients that are important to your health.Pineapple contains macronutrients and micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Like other fruits, pineapple is also a good source of fiber, which is vital forgut health.For most people, pineapple can be a part of a well-balanced diet.
According to the American Kennel Club, fresh pineapple is safe for dogs in moderation. Canned pineapple should be avoided, however.While pineapple is high in important nutrients, its fiber content may be too high if given to dogs often or in large amounts. Some experts also worry that the sugar content of pineapple may upset some dogs' stomachs.The overall message is that giving your dog fresh pineapple is OK, but only in small amounts.
According to the American Kennel Club, fresh pineapple is safe for dogs in moderation. Canned pineapple should be avoided, however.
While pineapple is high in important nutrients, its fiber content may be too high if given to dogs often or in large amounts. Some experts also worry that the sugar content of pineapple may upset some dogs' stomachs.
The overall message is that giving your dog fresh pineapple is OK, but only in small amounts.
Cutting a pineapple may seem daunting, but it’s easier than it seems. To cut a pineapple:Cut off the stem and bottom end.Stand the pineapple upright, then cut off the skin in a downward motion.Cut the pineapple in half from top to bottom.Cut the halves in half, leaving you with four pieces.Cut the core (the hard part) out of the center of each piece.Cut the four pieces in half again, leaving you with eight pieces.Cut each remaining piece into triangles or cubes (or any shape you desire).
Cutting a pineapple may seem daunting, but it’s easier than it seems. To cut a pineapple:
Pineapple is full of nutrients that are important to your health.Pineapple contains macronutrients and micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Like other fruits, pineapple is also a good source of fiber, which is vital forgut health.For most people, pineapple can be a part of a well-balanced diet.
Pineapple is full of nutrients that are important to your health.
Pineapple contains macronutrients and micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Like other fruits, pineapple is also a good source of fiber, which is vital forgut health.
For most people, pineapple can be a part of a well-balanced diet.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Faramarzi M, Sadighi M, Shirmohamadi A, et al.Effectiveness of bromelain in the control of postoperative pain after periodontal surgery: a crossover randomized clinical trial.J Adv Periodontol Implant Dent. 2023;15(1):22-27. doi:10.34172/japid.2023.002
Namwong A, Kumphune S, Seenak P, et al.Pineapple fruit improves vascular endothelial dysfunction, hepatic steatosis, and cholesterol metabolism in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.Food Funct. 2022;13(19):9988-9998. doi:10.1039/d2fo01199a
MedlinePlus.Vascular diseases.
Seenak P, Kumphune S, Malakul W, et al.Pineapple consumption reduced cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in high cholesterol diet-fed rats.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2021;18(1):36. doi:10.1186/s12986-021-00566-z
Insuan O, Janchai P, Thongchuai B, et al.Anti-inflammatory effect of pineapple rhizome bromelain through downregulation of the NF-κB- and MAPKs-signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2021;43(1):93-106. doi:10.3390/cimb43010008
Knox S, Lang D, Hoyt A.The many flavors of pineapple reactions.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019;123(5):519-521. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2019.08.001
Kaur H, Corscadden K, Lott C, et al.Bromelain has paradoxical effects on blood coagulability: a study using thromboelastography.Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2016;27(7):745-752. doi:10.1097/MBC.0000000000000244
American Kennel Club.Can dogs eat pineapple?
U.S. Department of Agriculture SNAP-Ed Connection.Pineapples.
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