Yahoo Lifestyle What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Pineapple Every Day
Pineapple tastes like such a treat that it's easy to forget how good it is for you.
Whether you're snacking on slices, adding it to piña coladas or using it to top your pizza, it's flavorful, refreshing and has a unique sweetness that few other fruits can replicate.
That said, how healthy is SpongeBob Squarepants' house? We asked registered dietitians to dish on the pros and cons of eating pineapple every day. Here's what they had to say.
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Is It Healthy To Eat Pineapple Every Day?
In general, you're good to go, barring any allergies you may have to pineapple (and especially to bromelain, an enzyme extract derived from pineapple stems).
"Pineapple is a great addition to any diet. I believe in everything in moderation," Kim Shapira, MS, RD, tells Parade. "There is a great saying: 'Too much of anything is too much and too little is ineffective.' With pineapple, it is a personal preference. But I do highly recommend starting with half of your normal portion when you're hungry and waiting 15 minutes to check back in with your body to see if you need more. Some cannot tolerate the enzyme bromelain found in pineapple and experience allergy-like symptoms of itching or swelling."
Just remember, variety is the spice of life—and the key to a healthy diet.
"Eating pineapple daily can be beneficial because it has a high content of vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants," Dr. Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, tells us. "However, make sure that you eat it as part of a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables; it's one of many, many different options and variety, when it comes to produce in particular, is important."
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What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple?
There are so many! Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and provides some vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, manganese, thiamine and even a little calcium.
"Pineapple is full of so many nutrients: it has vitamins, like vitamin C and minerals like manganese, and even digestive enzymes like bromelain, which are necessary to break down proteins and also reduce inflammation," Shapira explains. "This fruit is very high in antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals, lowering the risk of chronic disease. Pineapple also is full of water and aids in hydration."
Another pineapple plus? It can encourage collagen synthesis, according to Sherie Nelson, MBA, RDN, meaning it may have some benefits when it comes to keeping your skin looking supple. What's more, bromelain, if you're not allergic to it, can help soothe sore muscles after workouts, suppress the growth of certain tumors, and help skin and tissues heal, Nelson says, and the manganese it provides can help keep your bones strong.
It may also be good for digestion. "Pineapple offers dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels," Nelson explains.
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Are There Any Downsides To Eating Pineapple Every Day?
Your dentist may make more money off of you if you're not careful. "Pineapple is acidic and can lead to tooth erosion of the enamel," Shapira warns. "This increases tooth sensitivity and cavities."
The acidity can also impact you in other ways, she notes: "Eating more pineapple than one's body can tolerate can lead to irritations in the mouth, tongue, esophagus and lining of the stomach."
Nelson says that if you're on blood thinners, you may also want to proceed with caution when it comes to chowing down on pineapple in large quantities or too often: "Some evidence suggests that bromelain may affect the body’s ability to clot blood, so those taking blood thinners may need to eat pineapple in moderation."
Further, the very thing that makes pineapple so tasty may prove to be a vice for some.
"While natural, pineapple contains sugar, like other fruits," Nelson says. "Consuming large amounts may contribute to increased calorie intake and sugar intake, which could impact blood sugar levels, particularly for those with diabetes."
That said, the average healthy person likely has nothing to worry about here. "Eating pineapple every day might not be ideal for everyone. Its acidity can cause mouth sores or pains, especially for those with sensitive stomachs, but for most, it's not an issue at all," Dr. Mohr says. "As a dietitian for over 20 years, I've never met someone who I thought was eating way too much fruit and I'd hope they'd cut down."
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What Are the Healthiest and Best Ways To Prepare Pineapple?
"I prefer cubed and as a snack," Shapira says. "If I am making a smoothie I will always throw some in, mixed with spinach, a banana and some yogurt. Yum!"
Nelson recommends grilling pineapple to enhance its natural sweetness and add it to salads or serve it as a side dish with grilled meats. Another idea? "Combine diced pineapple with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice for a tropical salsa that pairs well with fish or chicken."
Nicole Antes, MS, RDN, has a fun dessert idea to incorporate pineapple as well.
"Combine pineapple with chia seeds and a bit of coconut milk, then let it sit overnight in the fridge," she suggests. "The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture."
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