Have you ever eaten pineapple, whether on a pizza, in a smoothie, or plain, and wondered why your mouth tingles all over? I initially thought it was a mild allergic reaction until I came across a TikTok by Dr. Karan Raj where he explains the science behind it.
In the videowhich has nearly 90,000 views, Dr. Raj says that every time you eat a piece of pineapple, it eats a part of you in return. Um… What?
Yes – apparently that’s true. I’ve put together a video from another user explaining that when we eat pineapple, we are actually pricked by thousands of tiny needles called “raphides”. These needles contain something called calcium oxalate and poke tiny holes in the cell membranes, causing irritation.
Dr. Raj continues, “In addition to the sharp needles that pierce your tongue, pineapples contain a proteolytic enzyme called bromelain.
“This, combined with the natural pineapple acid, starts to eat away at your flesh. It breaks down proteins and since your body is made of proteins, the pineapple tries to digest you, starting with your tongue and the mucous membranes in your oral cavity.”
He says that although it does cause physical damage to your cells, you shouldn’t worry. Once you swallow the pineapple, your stomach acid and your body’s proteolytic enzyme will render it harmless – ha!
Some users commented with their own horror stories. “I ate a whole one once and my mouth bled when I finished,” said one TikTokker.
Another said: “Now I know why my palate feels sore after eating pineapple!”
However, this is not only the case with pineapples. Papayas, figs and kiwis also contain “attacking” proteolytic enzymes.
So how can you avoid the tingling sensation? “Cook the fruit or soak it in salt water to denature the enzyme and change its shape,” explains Dr. Raj. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about salty pineapple, but whatever the doctor says…
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