What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Pineapple Regularly

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHealth BenefitsNutrition FactsIs Pineapple Safe for Everyone?Tips for EnjoyingFAQs

In This ArticleView All

View All

In This Article

Health Benefits

Nutrition Facts

Is Pineapple Safe for Everyone?

Tips for Enjoying

FAQs

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Photo:Photo: Yevgen Romanenko / Getty Images

Photo: Yevgen Romanenko / Getty Images

Tropical fruit can get a bad reputation due to being higher in sugar than other types of fruit. It turns out, there are many health benefits to consuming pineapple. From boosting your immune system to aiding digestion, we spoke to dietitians to find out what happens to your body when you eat pineapple regularly.

Whether you’re looking to improve your diet or simply enjoy more of this delicious fruit, read on to discover why pineapple deserves a spot on your plate.

Is Pineapple Good for You?

Pineapple can be a refreshing and nutritious tropical addition to a balanced diet. Here are four health benefits of consuming pineapple.

You May Digest Protein Better

You May Boost Your Immune System

You May Have Improved Blood Sugar

Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese, which may support healthy blood sugar levels in the context of a balanced diet. Manganese plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

However, due to its natural sugar content, it’s important to pair pineapple with a protein or healthy fat, such as Greek yogurt or salmon, to help stabilize blood sugar, especially for those with diabetes or insulin sensitivity. This combination can provide a more balanced blood sugar response, preventing rapid rises and falls in glucose levels.

You May Decrease Inflammation

Pineapple Nutrition

One serving of pineapple, about a half-cup, contains the following, per the USDA:

Pineapple is a low-calorie fruit that provides a variety of essential nutrients. A half-cup serving contains just 41 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates. Pineapple is particularly high in vitamin C, providing nearly half your recommended daily intake per half-cup, making it a great choice for immune function and skin health. Because it’s also rich in water, it’s a delicious way to hydrate.

Is Pineapple Safe for Everyone to Eat?

While pineapple is a nutritious fruit, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Some people may experience allergic reactions to pineapple, which can range from mild symptoms, like itching and swelling in the mouth and throat, to more severe reactions.Plus, the high acidity of pineapple can also irritate sensitive stomachs or worsen conditions like acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Additionally, bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and could increase the risk of bleeding.For those with diabetes, fruit is a healthy addition to your diet.However, the natural sugars in pineapple can cause blood sugar spikes, especially if you’re not mindful of portion sizing and pairing it with a protein source.

Tips for Enjoying Pineapple

Frequently Asked QuestionsEating pineapple every day can provide your body with a good dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and manganese, which are essential for immune function and bone health.Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and may help reduce inflammation. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and support a healthy immune system. The fruit’s natural fiber content can also promote regular digestion.Yes, it is generally safe to eat pineapple every day in moderate amounts. However, some people may experience mouth irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort due to its acidity and bromelain content. Those with allergies or certain medical conditions should consult a health care professional before consuming pineapple daily.There is no perfect time to eat pineapple. Eat pineapple between meals as a refreshing snack. Or enjoy it after a meal to aid digestion. Eating pineapple in the morning can provide a natural energy boost and support hydration, while consuming it later in the day can help satisfy sweet cravings with fewer calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating pineapple every day can provide your body with a good dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and manganese, which are essential for immune function and bone health.

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and may help reduce inflammation. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and support a healthy immune system. The fruit’s natural fiber content can also promote regular digestion.

Yes, it is generally safe to eat pineapple every day in moderate amounts. However, some people may experience mouth irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort due to its acidity and bromelain content. Those with allergies or certain medical conditions should consult a health care professional before consuming pineapple daily.

There is no perfect time to eat pineapple. Eat pineapple between meals as a refreshing snack. Or enjoy it after a meal to aid digestion. Eating pineapple in the morning can provide a natural energy boost and support hydration, while consuming it later in the day can help satisfy sweet cravings with fewer calories.

The Bottom Line

With its rich vitamin C content, bromelain enzyme and anti-inflammatory properties, pineapple offers numerous health benefits. These include improving digestion, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. However, those with sensitive stomachs or certain medical conditions may want to consume pineapple in moderation.

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SourcesEatingWell 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.Varilla C, Marcone M, Paiva L, Baptista J.Bromelain, a group of pineapple proteolytic complex enzymes (Ananas comosus) and their possible therapeutic and clinical effects. A summary.Foods. 2021; 10(10):2249. doi:10.3390/foods10102249.Mohd Ali M, Hashim N, Abd Aziz S, Lasekan O.Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products. Food Res Int. 2020; 137:109675. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109675.USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.National Institutes of Health.Manganese: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Saptarini NM, Rahayu D, Herawati IE.Antioxidant activity of crude bromelain of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) crown from Subang District, Indonesia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2019; 11(Suppl 4):S551-S555. doi:10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_200_19USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, et al.Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: A comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective.Life (Basel). 2021;11(4):317. doi:10.3390/life11040317.American Diabetes Association.Fruit.

Sources

EatingWell 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.Varilla C, Marcone M, Paiva L, Baptista J.Bromelain, a group of pineapple proteolytic complex enzymes (Ananas comosus) and their possible therapeutic and clinical effects. A summary.Foods. 2021; 10(10):2249. doi:10.3390/foods10102249.Mohd Ali M, Hashim N, Abd Aziz S, Lasekan O.Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products. Food Res Int. 2020; 137:109675. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109675.USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.National Institutes of Health.Manganese: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Saptarini NM, Rahayu D, Herawati IE.Antioxidant activity of crude bromelain of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) crown from Subang District, Indonesia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2019; 11(Suppl 4):S551-S555. doi:10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_200_19USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, et al.Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: A comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective.Life (Basel). 2021;11(4):317. doi:10.3390/life11040317.American Diabetes Association.Fruit.

EatingWell 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.

Varilla C, Marcone M, Paiva L, Baptista J.Bromelain, a group of pineapple proteolytic complex enzymes (Ananas comosus) and their possible therapeutic and clinical effects. A summary.Foods. 2021; 10(10):2249. doi:10.3390/foods10102249.Mohd Ali M, Hashim N, Abd Aziz S, Lasekan O.Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products. Food Res Int. 2020; 137:109675. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109675.USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.National Institutes of Health.Manganese: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Saptarini NM, Rahayu D, Herawati IE.Antioxidant activity of crude bromelain of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) crown from Subang District, Indonesia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2019; 11(Suppl 4):S551-S555. doi:10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_200_19USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, et al.Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: A comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective.Life (Basel). 2021;11(4):317. doi:10.3390/life11040317.American Diabetes Association.Fruit.

Varilla C, Marcone M, Paiva L, Baptista J.Bromelain, a group of pineapple proteolytic complex enzymes (Ananas comosus) and their possible therapeutic and clinical effects. A summary.Foods. 2021; 10(10):2249. doi:10.3390/foods10102249.

Mohd Ali M, Hashim N, Abd Aziz S, Lasekan O.Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products. Food Res Int. 2020; 137:109675. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109675.

USDA FoodData Central.Pineapple, raw, all varieties.

National Institutes of Health.Manganese: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Saptarini NM, Rahayu D, Herawati IE.Antioxidant activity of crude bromelain of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) crown from Subang District, Indonesia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2019; 11(Suppl 4):S551-S555. doi:10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_200_19

Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, et al.Bromelain a potential bioactive compound: A comprehensive overview from a pharmacological perspective.Life (Basel). 2021;11(4):317. doi:10.3390/life11040317.

American Diabetes Association.Fruit.