Scientist reveals why your mouth REALLY tingles after you eat pineapple

A scientist has revealed why your mouth really tingles after you eat pineapple – and the truth may come as a surprise.

The unnamed expert, who runs US-based TikTok account SF Microscopy, took to the video sharing platform to make the revelations about the popular fruit.

He said that there are in fact ‘thousands of tiny needles’ that stab through cell membranes when you eat it.

And the clip left viewers stunned as many vowed to never eat pineapple again.

The unnamed expert, who runs US-based TikTok account SF Microscopy, took to the video sharing platform to make the revelations about the popular fruit

In the clip, which has so far been viewed more than 35.8 million times, the scientist can be seen holding a pair of forceps.

He collects some small samples of pineapple before placing them on a microscope slide to take a closer look.

The video then shows the results from the inspection in great detail – and it reveals dozens of small spikes.

The voiceover explains: ‘Why do our mouths tingle after eating pineapple? It’s because we are getting stabbed by thousands of tiny needles called raphides.

‘These crystals of calcium oxalate poke holes in your cell membranes causing irritation.’

And the expert concludes: ‘It won’t stop me from eating this delicious fruit.’ 

In the caption, he elaborated further and said: ‘One of my favorite fruits is pineapple, but every time I eat them, my mouth tingles. I read that the fruit contains raphides! 

‘Kiwis, grapes, taro, and yams also have large amounts of these crystals. 

He said that there are in fact ‘thousands of tiny needles’ that stab through cell membranes when you eat it

And the revelations left viewers stunned – as many vowed that they would never eat pineapple again

‘These needles serve as a defensive function against insect herbivores to deter them from eating the plant’s fruits and protect the seeds. 

‘The needles work with other chemical substances, like bromelain in the pineapple, to amplify the effects.’

Bromelain is a type of enzyme that dissolves the protective mucous that coats your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

This means that the sensation caused by the raphides – as well as the natural acids in the fruit – have more of an impact.

The revelations left his 76,000 followers stunned. 

One user wrote: ‘So basically while I’m eating my pineapple, my pineapple is eating me…’

Another added: ‘Never eating pineapple again bro.’

And a third joked: ‘This whole time I thought it was because I was mildly allergic.’