You might be shocked by this statement, but yes, Pineapple can really eat you. Not in a sense of chewing though, but in the sense of tissue dissolving. Did you ever wonder why your mouth burns after eating it? Now you know why.

Why is that happening?

Pineapple is the only known plant in nature that contains the enzyme Bromelain. Bromelain digests proteins, which means when you’re eating a pineapple, it eats you back. However, that’s not a reason to worry as once you swallow it, the acids in your stomach will destroy these enzymes. Pineapple can be used as a meat tenderizer but if you leave it on the meat too long, it just turns into mush.

Despite being scary at first, bromelain has health benefits and it’s useful in medical treatments for many ailments and diseases. For example, it’s a part of the treatment for inflammation and swelling, especially after surgery.

It’s also a part of the proposed treatment for inflammation-based disorders like osteoarthritis and autoimmune diseases. It can also be used in removing damaged or infected tissue from burn wounds.

Recent research discovered its potential use in cancer and tumor treatments. Pineapple enzyme could even be helpful in stimulating the death of breast and ovarian cancer cells. However, eating it won't help with this. This is yet just a part of the research which isn’t tested yet on humans but the hopes are high.

Why does Pineapple have Bromelain?

Nobody is certain on this one. Some theories suggest that it serves in the development of the seeds. However, no one can yet confirm why would a plant have enzymes that dissolve flesh. Whatever the reason, this fruit is healthy for all who are not allergic.

However, always be careful when eating fresh pineapple. They are slightly toxic when they’re not completely ripe, but don’t worry, the worst thing that can happen is a stomach bug that quickly goes away.