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3 Benefits of Pineapple Sexually

Angela Sheddan

Reviewed by Angela Sheddan, FNP

Written by Our Editorial Team

Published 04/09/2023

If you’re looking for ways to improve your sexual health, you might look into whether eating certain foods can have an effect. You may have even heard that eating pineapple can benefit you in the bedroom and boost your sex life.

There’s no denying that pineapple is a great food. Not only is this fruit delicious, but there are also some pretty incredible pineapple benefits, from the variety of vitamins it offers to its antioxidant properties and more.

But are there sexual benefits of pineapple for males? Could this tangy fruit help with issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE)?

This guide will explore whether pineapple can benefit you sexually, as well as inform you of all the health benefits of this tropical fruit.

An Introduction to Pineapple’s Health Benefits

If you enjoy eating this fruit, you’re in luck, as there are so many benefits of pineapple. There may even be some benefits of pineapple sexually.

Pineapples are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re low in calories but packed with impressive nutrients. A cup of fresh pineapple chunks is also incredibly hydrating, as it contains over 85 percent water.

Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant important for many bodily functions, such as growth and development, iron absorption and immune health.

This fruit is also a great source of manganese, which helps with metabolism and offers antioxidant properties. 

Inflammation and oxidative stress are bodily conditions that can cause cell damage and lead to diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants help prevent inflammation and ward off oxidative stress, which can help keep you healthy. The antioxidant properties of pineapples can also help improve heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease, among other ailments and chronic diseases.

Pineapple may also have anticancer effects. A review of studies on the effects of bromelain found that this group of digestive enzymes, which can be found in pineapple, may be a cancer prevention agent. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain may also help reduce arthritis pain. However, more studies need to be done to determine the effects of pineapple, not just bromelain, on arthritis.

Does Pineapple Benefit Sexual Health?

With so many nutrients packed into this fruit, what are the sexual benefits of pineapple for males?

Improves Blood Flow

As we mentioned earlier, raw pineapple contains high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and prevents inflammation.

What does inflammation have to do with improved sexual health? Reduced inflammation has been connected to improved blood flow in studies conducted on rats. Without healthy blood flow, sexual arousal and erectile function for penetrative sex are hard to obtain (no pun intended).

This is because of how erections work. While the mechanics are more detailed, one part of the process is that natural chemicals called neurotransmitters “tell” the blood vessels in your penis to relax, which increases the supply of blood to the erectile tissues inside your penis. The increased blood flow — as well as a higher blood pressure inside the penis — is what makes the penis firm and erect.

Therefore, vitamin C-rich foods like pineapple, which can fight inflammation, could help with erectile dysfunction.

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Increases Sperm Count and Health

Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese, which could improve the health of your sperm. Manganese was found to be beneficial in improving the motility (movement) of sperm, as well as the fertilization process.

One study of just over 1,100 men found that a small concentration of manganese supports good sperm motility.

Could Affect Sex Hormone Levels

Certain nutrients in pineapples could affect sex hormone production — namely testosterone, the primary sex hormone.

Bromelain, for example, is good not only for digestion and immunity but also for maintaining testosterone levels.

Zinc — another mineral found in pineapples in small amounts — has also been found to help balance testosterone levels.

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Should You Be Eating Pineapple for Benefits Sexually?

First, you might be wondering if there’s a best (or at least, better) way to consume pineapple, or whether eating raw pineapple or drinking pineapple juice is the way to go.

Pineapple juice may be easier for many of us to buy, and it contains the same antioxidants, bromelain, potassium and manganese that raw pineapple does. But pineapple juice has a high sugar content, with 25 grams of sugar in one cup compared to 16 grams in one cup of pineapple fruit.

The sexual benefits of pineapple could still be explored more. Some research suggests that the various nutrients and antioxidants in pineapple might improve blood flow, which helps erectile dysfunction. They might also increase the movement of sperm and help boost testosterone levels. But there aren’t quite enough conclusive studies yet to say that pineapple will definitely have these benefits.

So while pineapple may help you sexually, if you're struggling with erectile dysfunction, lack of libido or other sexual dysfunction, talking to a healthcare provider is your best next step. They can help you find the right treatment for your particular needs.

The one thing we can say is eating a healthy diet can help with sexual health, as well as conditions like erectile dysfunction — and with all the nutritional benefits of this tropical fruit, adding pineapple to your diet certainly doesn’t hurt. Maybe next time you’re at the grocery store, you’ll be inspired to put pineapple in your shopping cart.

12 Sources

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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  3. Chen, P., Bornhorst, J., & Aschner, M. (2018). Manganese metabolism in humans. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 23, 1655–1679. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29293455/
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.