Fact Check: Can Pineapple Cure Stroke?

Amongst its various claims, the post-claims that the consumption of pineapple crown cure stroke. The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

This claim is FALSE. Pineapple cannot cure stroke.

What is Stroke?

According to The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted or there is sudden bleeding within the brain. Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke are the two types of strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blockage in the brain's blood supply prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells, leading to cell death within minutes. A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, results from sudden bleeding in the brain, which puts pressure on brain cells and leads to damage.

Stroke is a critical medical emergency that can lead to significant brain injury, long-term disability, or death. Stroke symptoms can vary widely, including sudden weakness to paralysis or numbness on one side of the face or body, a severe headache, difficulty seeing, and problems with speaking or understanding language. (1)

Johns Hopkins Medicine, classified stroke into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Around 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked or clogged and impairs blood flow to part of the brain. The brain cells and tissues start to die within minutes due to the absence of oxygen and nutrients. Whereas, around 13% of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. When an artery bleeds into the brain, cells and tissues do not receive oxygen or nutrition. Furthermore, pressure builds up in the surrounding tissues, causing irritation and swelling, which can lead to further brain damage. (2)

Symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke symptoms can arise suddenly and may vary from one individual to individual. Symptoms of the stroke include:

• Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination

• Problems with movement or walking

• Fainting (loss of consciousness) or seizure

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body

• Having trouble speaking or understanding

• Severe headaches with no known cause, especially if they happen suddenly (3)

Can Stroke Be Cured?

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that "Stroke cannot be cured but advanced medical and surgical treatments are available to help reduce the risk of future strokes." (3)

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is an important source of sugars, organic acids, essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber, contributing significantly to human nutrition. The fruit is also packed with health-boosting antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The chemical composition of pineapple—including sugars, organic acids, minerals, fiber, aromatic compounds, vitamins, amino acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids—varies considerably by variety. Fresh pineapple contains small but noteworthy amounts of vitamin A and flavonoid pigments like β-carotene, xanthin, lutein, and β-cryptoxanthin, all of which contribute to antioxidant activity and support vision. A ripe pineapple can provide approximately 16.2% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Pineapple is also among the few fruits abundant in the B-complex group of vitamins. (4)

Can Pineapple cure stroke?

There is no scientific supporting the claim that stroke can be cured by eating pinapples

Alhamdu Adamu et.al conducted a study and highlighted that bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, shows promise as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. It modulates inflammation, reduces oxidative stress, and supports neuronal survival. However, it was concluded that preclinical and some clinical evidence suggest benefits for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, It also emphasized the need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and safety, to fully establish its therapeutic potential. (5)

Another study conducted by Mehdi Foroughi et.al, published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine,  highlights the critical role of nutrition in stroke prevention and recovery. They conclude that a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, significantly reduces the risk of stroke and supports better outcomes post-stroke. The study emphasizes the beneficial effects of specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, in mitigating stroke risk factors and aiding in neurological recovery. However, the reviewer also emphasizes that current evidence supports the positive impact of nutritional interventions, but more high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish definitive dietary guidelines for stroke management. (6)

Rajendra Pavan et al.'s research on the properties and therapeutic uses of bromelain highlights its extensive benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid recovery from injuries and surgeries. The research indicates that bromelain effectively reduces inflammation related to conditions such as arthritis and sinusitis, enhances cardiovascular health by minimizing blood clotting and arterial plaque, and supports respiratory health. The authors also recommend additional research to fully confirm its clinical effectiveness. (7) Having said that there is no study or medical consensus that supports the claim of benefits of bromelain in stroke mamangement