Pineapple and Bromelin

Pineapple and Bromelin

Pineapple Bromelain Why you need to know? Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples.... 08:19:00

Pineapple Bromelain

Why you need to know?

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples. A proteolytic enzyme, bromelain is believed to help with the digestion of protein.

According to some alternative medicine practitioners, some bromelain may be absorbed by the body intact, so it's also thought to have effects outside the digestive tract. In fact, bromelain is often marketed as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis.

Benefit of Bromelain

Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of taking bromelain in dietary supplement form. 

1) Surgery and Injuries

There is some preliminary evidence that bromelain supplements may reduce swelling, bruising, inflammation and pain after surgery and injury. Further evidence is needed.

2) Sinusitis

Bromelain has been suggested as a complementary treatment for sinusitis. Preliminary studies suggest that it may help reduce congestion, improve breathing and suppress coughing. 

3) Digestion

Proponents of bromelain claim that it may help with the digestion of protein and be useful for bloating, gas and other digestive symptoms and for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Bromelain is often used alone or in combination with other enzymes such as lipase, which digests fats, and amylase, which digests starch. There is little research, however, on the safety or effectiveness of bromelain for digestion.
Find out about other Digestive Enzymes and learn how they work.

4) Osteoarthritis

According to some alternative medicine practitioners, bromelain may help with mild pain associated with osteoarthritis. It's a common ingredient in nutritional supplements marketed as a natural pain remedy for arthritis. Large, well-designed studies are needed to see if it is effective and to find out about possible side effects. More osteoarthritis remedies.

5) Cancer

Bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes have been explored as a complementary treatment for cancer. Although there is some preliminary research, there isn't enough evidence at this time on the safety or effectiveness of bromelain for cancer. It should never be used in place of conventional treatment.

Read my other articles on remedies for cancer.

Using Bromelain

Bromelain is typically extracted from pineapples and made into capsule or tablet form.  

When used for as a digestive aid, bromelain is usually taken with meals. When used for inflammatory conditions, alternative medicine practitioners typically recommend taking bromelain between meals on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.