Benefits of Pineapple Sexually

If you’re looking for ways to improve your sexual health, you may have heard that pineapple can benefit you in the bedroom. 

There’s no denying pineapple is a delicious food with extensive health perks. But are there any evidence-based benefits of pineapple sexually? Below, we’ll share how eating pineapple may support your sexual health due to the fruit’s variety of vitamins and antioxidant properties.

We’ll also look into whether pineapple’s benefits for men include improved erectile dysfunction (ED) and increased libido.

Before we get to the benefits of pineapple sexually, let’s look at what pineapple does for men’s well-being in general.

When part of a balanced diet, pineapple has extensive health benefits, which include increased energy levels, improved testosterone production, and a lower risk of heart disease.

Pineapples Are Nutrient-Dense

Pineapples are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re low in calories but packed with impressive nutrients like:

• B vitamins, which bolster energy levels

• Calcium, which supports bone health

• Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant important for many bodily functions, such as growth, iron absorption, and immune health

• Manganese, which supports your metabolism and offers antioxidant properties

• Heart-healthy magnesium

A cup of fresh pineapple chunks is also incredibly hydrating, as it’s more than 85 percent water.

Pineapple Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation and oxidative stress are bodily conditions that can damage cells and can eventually lead to diseases and illnesses. Antioxidants help prevent inflammation and ward off oxidative stress, which can help keep you healthy. The antioxidant properties of pineapples can also help support heart health and may help prevent cardiovascular disease, among other ailments and chronic diseases.

Nutrients found in pineapple may also lower your risk of cancer. 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. 

Bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce arthritis pain. However, more studies are needed to determine the effects of pineapple, not just bromelain, on arthritis.

With so many nutrients packed into this fruit, what does pineapple do for men sexually?

1. Improves Blood Flow

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

What does inflammation have to do with improved sexual health? In animal studies, reduced inflammation has been connected to improved blood flow. 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 in the body “tell” the blood vessels in your penis to relax. This increases the supply of blood to the 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, may potentially help with erectile dysfunction.

2. Increases Sperm Count and Health

What does pineapple do to your sperm? You may have heard that drinking pineapple juice improves the taste of your semen, but there’s not enough evidence to confirm this.

However, 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 and the fertilization process.

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

3. 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 healthy testosterone levels.

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

What does pineapple juice do for a man when it comes to his sexual desire and arousal? Unfortunately, there’s not enough research to know for sure.

However, some research on vitamin C shows promise. For example, an older 2002 study found that vitamin C supplementation led to higher intercourse frequency due to reduced anxiety, decreased prolactin, and increased oxytocin. However, the study involved high doses of synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It’s unclear if raw pineapple or pineapple juice would have the same effect.

It is worth noting that pineapple may have indirect effects on a man’s libido if it improves erection quality via better blood flow and increased testosterone.

It’s clear that pineapple is good for your overall health, and may even boost your sexual health. But you might be wondering what’s the best way to consume the fruit. Should you eat raw pineapple or drink pineapple juice? Does it matter?

Pineapple juice may be easier for many of us to buy, and it contains the same antioxidants, bromelain, potassium, and manganese as raw pineapple. However, fruit juice tends to contain more concentrated sugars than the fruit due to a lack of fiber. If you have the choice between juice or raw fruit, it’s typically best to opt for raw fruit.

As we said before, many men drink pineapple juice to make their semen taste better, but the jury’s still out on whether or not that works. For now, there are many other benefits of pineapple sexually worth exploring. Here’s what we know:

• Some research suggests that the various nutrients and antioxidants in pineapple might improve blood flow. Because better blood flow means better erections, the nutrients in pineapple may help with erectile dysfunction.

• Pineapple may support sperm health. There’s also research that the nutrients in pineapple might increase the movement of sperm and help boost testosterone levels.

• More research on the link between pineapple and sexual health is needed. There isn’t enough research yet to say that pineapple will definitely improve sexual function. So, if you're struggling with erectile dysfunction, lack of libido, or another sexual dysfunction, talking to a healthcare provider is your best next step. They can help you find the right treatment for your particular needs.

One thing we can say? Eating an overall healthy diet can help with sexual health, and the best foods for erectile dysfunction are healthy ones — and with all the nutritional benefits of this tropical fruit, adding pineapple to your diet certainly doesn’t hurt.

If it makes your semen taste better, well, that’s a bonus.