Have you ever eaten a juicy slice of pineapple and felt your mouth start to tingle and feel a bit strange? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience this sensation when eating fresh pineapple, and it's a common question as to why this happens. Below, I will explore the reasons behind this tingling sensation and what causes it.

The main reason that our mouths tingle after eating pineapple is due to the presence of an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is a type of protease enzyme that breaks down protein molecules. Pineapple is the only known natural source of this enzyme, which is found in high concentrations in both the fruit and stem of the plant.

Bromelain has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. It may help to reduce swelling and inflammation, particularly in the joints.

1. Digestive support: Bromelain can aid in the digestion of proteins and may help to improve overall digestion. Some studies have found that it may be particularly helpful for people with digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

2. Wound healing: Bromelain may also have benefits for wound healing. Some studies have found that it can help to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new tissue, which can aid in the healing process.

3. Skin health: Bromelain has been used topically for a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema. It may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the skin.

When we eat pineapple, the bromelain enzyme begins to break down the proteins in our mouth. This process can cause the proteins in our tongue and other soft tissues to break down, which can result in a tingling or prickly sensation. This reaction is more commonly experienced when eating fresh pineapple than canned or cooked pineapple because the enzyme is heat-sensitive and is destroyed during the canning or cooking process.

But there are also raphides. What are those? Raphides are small, needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that are found in many plants, including pineapple. These crystals can cause irritation and contribute to the tingling sensation that some people experience when eating pineapple.

When we eat pineapple, the raphides can come into contact with the sensitive tissues of our mouth, including our tongue, lips, and cheeks. This can cause an irritation and contribute to the tingling sensation that some people experience.

In addition to causing a tingling sensation, raphides can also cause other symptoms such as throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and even vomiting if ingested in large amounts.

It's worth noting that not all people will experience the tingling sensation or other symptoms when eating pineapple, as individual sensitivity can vary. However, if you do experience any discomfort after eating pineapple, it's possible that the raphides may be a contributing factor.

The intensity of the tingling sensation can vary from person to person, with some people experiencing a mild tingling and others feeling a more intense sensation. Some people may also experience itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or cheeks. This is because bromelain can also break down the proteins in our skin, leading to an allergic reaction in some individuals. If you have a known allergy to pineapple or bromelain, it's important to avoid eating pineapple altogether.

Not all types of pineapple will cause this tingling sensation. Some varieties of pineapple have been bred to have lower levels of bromelain, which means they are less likely to cause the tingling sensation. However, these varieties may also have a milder flavor and be less juicy than their more potent counterparts.

Summarized, the tingling sensation that we experience after eating pineapple is due to the presence of the bromelain enzyme, which breaks down the proteins in our mouth. This reaction is harmless for most people, but individuals with a known allergy to pineapple or bromelain should avoid eating pineapple altogether. So, the next time you indulge in some juicy pineapple, you can rest assured that the tingling sensation you're experiencing is simply a harmless natural reaction to this delicious fruit.

By Alexander Brosda, CEO Sokörpe Laboratories