There is common perception that workers who work in harvesting and cutting pineapples will eventually lost their fingerprints. Supposedly, this is caused by the action of the proteolytic enzyme called ‘bromelain’ which, as an amino acid, dissolves them.
But is it true though? Can pineapples really cause you to lost your fingerprints?
Well, even though this particular pineapple property has been referenced by many authors and script writes of the crime world, it just isn’t true. The myth most probably originated from the fact that bromelain acts a meat tenderizer. But because bromelain has meat tenderizing properties, it does not mean it can erase fingerprints. If you remember, last time, when we wondered If We Cut Off Our Fingertips, Will They Look The Same As Before Once Healed?, we noted that unless the basal layer of the finger is there and not severely damaged, our fingerprints will always return. Therefore, there’s absolutely no way that bromelain will destroy your fingerprints as, even though they may be slightly damaged at times, they will always reappear.
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: Myth Or Fact: Is It True That One Dog Year Is Equal To Seven Human Years?
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture / Flickr
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
Sources: Diebtribes: The Pineapple Express | Why do pineapple enzymes tenderize steak — and your tongue?
