Have you ever felt an unpleasant burning or stinging sensation on your tongue while enjoying a refreshing pineapple? You are not the only one. Although this tropical fruit is popular for its sweetness and many nutrients, it can cause an unpleasant sensation in the mouth for some people. All of this is the result of an unusual natural phenomenon that this exotic fruit hides.
Pineapple contains tiny needles calcium oxalate crystals, called raphids, which are the plant's natural defense mechanism. Raphids they act as protection against predators when the plant or fruit is attacked. Our tongues and oral mucosa when we bite into a pineapple are not exempt from this. Microscopic needles can penetrate the sensitive tissues of the mouth and cause slight irritation, which manifests itself as a burning or stinging sensation.
@sf_microscopy One of my favorite fruits is pineapple, but every time I eat them, my mouth tingles. I read that the fruit contains raphides! Kiwis, grapes, taro, and yams also have large amounts of these crystals. These needles serve as a defensive function against insect herbivores to deter them from eating the plant's fruits and protect the seeds. The needles work with other chemical substances, like bromelain in the pineapple, to amplify the effects. #microscope #microbiology #underthemicroscope #microscopy # microcosmos #nature #pineapple #crystals #fyp #fypage #fypシ
Bromelain: An enzyme that breaks down proteins
In addition to raphides, there is another culprit in pineapple, namely the enzyme bromelain. This enzyme breaks down proteins, which helps with digestion, but can cause slight inflammation in our mucous membranes. Interestingly, bromelain also "breaks down" the proteins in our mouths, which may explain the feeling as if the tongue is irritated or even slightly "damaged" (source: healthline.com). Nevertheless, bromelain is considered beneficial because it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with protein digestion.
Simple tricks to prevent irritation
The good news is that there are several ways to enjoy pineapple without feeling uncomfortable. Here are some tips:
Choose a ripe pineapple: A less ripe fruit contains more calcium oxalate and bromelain, so the burning sensation will be stronger. A ripe pineapple contains less of these irritating compounds.
Before eating, soak the pineapple in salt water: The salt helps neutralize the bromelain enzyme, reducing the chance of irritation.
Remove the core: The core of the pineapple contains the most bromelain, so you can remove it before eating.
Photo: envato elementsWhat about allergies?
Pineapple allergies are rare, but can cause a variety of symptoms such as an itchy mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, rashes, and digestive problems such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. Some people may also develop a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. People allergic to pollen may experience a cross-reaction called oral allergy syndrome, which causes mild itching or swelling after eating fresh pineapple. In addition, it is also possible to have an intolerance to the enzyme bromelain, which causes digestive problems, or a histamine intolerance, where an excessive amount of histamine is released, which can lead to headaches and skin rashes. In case of any symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical help for proper diagnosis.
Conclusion: Should we be worried about this?
Despite the unpleasant feeling that eating pineapple causes for some, this tropical fruit is full of health benefits such as vitamins (especially vitamin C), fiber and antioxidants. If you experience irritation, the solution is simple - try more ripe fruit or use one of the tricks listed above.
So, don't let a little tingling put you off from enjoying this delicious fruit. Pineapple, with its rich nutrients and refreshing taste, still remains an indispensable part of a healthy diet.
