Pineapple Itches

 Have you ever wondered why your mouth feels itchy after eating too much pineapple? Pineapple is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. But it also has some hidden secrets that can make your mouth uncomfortable. In this blog post, I will explain why pineapple causes an itching sensation in your mouth and what you can do to prevent it.

Pineapple is not a single fruit, but a collection of many individual fruits that grow together on a tropical plant called Ananas comosus. Each fruit has a near-hexagonal shape and a spiny skin that covers a juicy and sweet pulp. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B complex, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals that are good for your health.

A jar of Durkee meat tenderizer containing bromelain

But pineapple also contains a special enzyme called bromelain, which is mostly found in the inedible stalk of the fruit. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it can break down proteins. This is useful for tenderizing meat or digesting food, but it can also cause trouble for your mouth. When you eat pineapple, bromelain stays on your tongue and mouth and starts to attack the proteins in your mucous membranes and muscles. This irritates the nerve endings and makes you feel an itching or tingling sensation.


Another reason why pineapple can make your mouth itchy is because of the tiny spiny fibers that are present on the surface of the fruit. These fibers are like eyelashes that protect the fruit from insects and animals. When you cut the pineapple, some of these fibers may get mixed with the pulp and enter your mouth when you eat it. These fibers can prick your tongue and mouth and cause discomfort.

So how can you enjoy pineapple without suffering from an itchy mouth? Here are some tips:

  • Cut the pineapple carefully and remove as much of the stalk and skin as possible. You can also use a pineapple corer or slicer to make this easier.
  • Rinse the pineapple under cold water before eating it. This can help wash away some of the bromelain and spiny fibers.
  • Cook the pineapple or eat it with other foods. Cooking can deactivate bromelain and make it less effective. Eating pineapple with other foods can also dilute its effect and protect your mouth from direct contact.
  • Drink some milk or yogurt after eating pineapple. Dairy products can neutralize bromelain and soothe your mouth.
  • Avoid eating too much pineapple at once. Moderation is key to prevent overexposure to bromelain and spiny fibers.

Pineapple is a wonderful fruit that has many benefits for your health and taste buds. But it can also cause an itching sensation in your mouth if you eat too much of it or don't prepare it properly. By following these tips, you can enjoy pineapple without any discomfort and have a happy mouth.

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Enigmatic Chaos: Greek Mythology’s Primordial Void

Image
Greek mythology is rich with a myriad of gods, titans, and heroes, each embodying various facets of the universe and human experience. At the very beginning of this elaborate mythological tapestry is a concept so abstract and fundamental that it defies easy characterization: Chaos . Introduction to Chaos: The Origin of Everything In Greek mythology, Chaos (Χάος) is not just a deity but the very essence of the original void. It represents the primordial, formless state from which the cosmos and everything within it emerged. According to Hesiod’s Theogony , Chaos is the first entity to exist, setting the stage for the creation of the universe and the birth of other primordial gods. Nature and Representation of Chaos Chaos is depicted as a vast, gaping void or dark abyss. Unlike many other mythological figures, Chaos lacks a concrete form or personality. Instead, it symbolizes unformed matter and infinite potential. Its very essence is the absence of order, the embodiment of cosmic con...
Read more

Gaia: The Primordial Earth Goddess of Greek Mythology

Image
In the fascinating world of Greek mythology, Gaia (Γαῖα), or Gaea , reigns as a central figure. Not merely a deity, Gaia embodies the very Earth itself—both the physical planet and the nurturing mother of all life. Her role as a primordial goddess places her at the foundation of existence, influencing not just the natural world but the entire mythological framework of the Greeks. The Origins and Significance of Gaia Gaia  emerges from the primordial void known as Chaos , signifying the transition from a formless state to a structured universe. In Hesiod’s Theogony , Gaia appears after Chaos, symbolizing the Earth and its inherent fertility. She represents the solid ground upon which life stands, predating many gods and titans and serving as a cornerstone in the mythological cosmogony. Gaia’s Characteristics and Symbolism - Embodiment of Earth : Gaia personifies Earth, depicted as a vast and nurturing entity. Her form is often illustrated with lush landscapes, mountains, and seas, r...
Read more

The 12 Titans of Greek Mythology

Image
In Greek mythology, the Titans are a group of primordial deities who precede the Olympian gods and play a crucial role in the mythological history of the cosmos. They are the children of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth), embodying various aspects of the natural world and the cosmos. This blog post delves into the origins, characteristics, and significance of the 12 Titans, highlighting their domains and roles in Greek mythology. Origins of the Titans The Titans are born from the union of Uranus and Gaia, two of the earliest primordial deities in Greek mythology. According to Hesiod’s Theogony , Uranus and Gaia's union produced twelve Titans who represented different aspects of the natural and cosmic order. These Titans are: Cronus (Kronos) Rhea Oceanus Tethys Hyperion Theia Coeus Phoebe Mnemosyne Themis Crius Iapetus The Twelve Titans and Their Domains Cronus (Kronos) Domain : Time and Harvest Attributes : Cronus is often depicted with a sickle or scythe, symbolizing his role in agric...
Read more