Pineapple and its juices are potentially healthy for almost everyone, ranging from dieters to people recovering from sinus surgery. People living in Central and South America have used pineapple as a natural dietary aid for centuries. Some cultures extract ingredients of pineapple plants and use them to treat medical problems such as sinus inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Preliminary research also suggests pineapple may be a potential aid for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Bromelain and Pineapple Basics
One of the active ingredients of pineapple is bromelain, which is a collection of protein-digesting enzymes. People first extracted bromelain from pineapple plants in the 1800s. German health officials have approved bromelain as an acceptable treatment for sinusitis and inflammation after ear, nose and throat surgery. Bromelain can also treat inflammation following any type of surgery, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pineapple and Pregnancy
Some pregnant women are afraid to eat pineapple because excessive amounts of bromelain can cause premature uterine contractions, but most expectant moms can safely eat modest amounts of pineapple or drink pineapple juice. Near the end of pregnancy, eating pineapple can help soften the cervix and make delivery easier, notes Birth friendly. But pregnant women should avoid taking bromelain supplements, especially if they have high blood pressure.
Cancer Considerations
Though some people believe supplements can help many conditions, pineapple and bromelain are not proven cures for cancer, warns the American Cancer Society. More medical research must be conducted to prove or disprove pineapple as an aid or cure for cancer. But eating pineapple may help cancer patients get more vitamins, and it may also provide relief for upset stomachs.
Pineapple and Allergies
Some people are allergic to pineapple and similar fruits, warn both the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic. Raw, canned, cooked or juiced pineapple can cause a range of symptoms in allergic patients; some food allergy symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shock are potentially life-threatening. Other symptoms associated with a possible pineapple allergy include migraine headaches, itching, a skin rash, sneezing, coughing or swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat. Some people develop allergies to pineapple as adults and should avoid the fruit if they experience any problematic symptoms after consuming it. Most symptoms occur within a few minutes to two hours of eating pineapple.
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