The 7 health benefits of bromelain

Bromelain refers to the two protease enzymes extracted from plants in the Bromeliaceae family, which includes pineapple . The presence of protease enzymes in pineapple was first detected in 1892 by Chittenden, who named Bromelain extract . Later, the term “ Bromelain ” was introduced, which defined any protease from any plant of the Bromeliaceae family.

What is:

Pineapple , a native to South America and a prized part of Hawaiian folk medicine, is one of the richest sources of the enzyme Bromelain . It is composed of various endopeptidases and compounds such as phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escarase and protease inhibitors. Typically, “ Bromelain ” sold in extract or supplement form refers to enzymes extracted from the stems of the pineapple, not the pulp of the fruit.

Used widely as a natural remedy to treat everything from indigestion to allergies, pineapple is not only packed with this enzyme, but also vitamin C , vitamin B1 , potassium , manganese and phytonutrients. While pineapple has many benefits, the real secret to its healing powers is definitely Bromelain .

How is Bromelain used for treatment? In the medical world, this fascinating compound has traditionally been used as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bloating agent. Research has also shown that pineapple has fibrinolytic, anti-edematous and anti-thrombotic properties, which means it helps in preventing blood clots, edema and swelling.

In the past, this enzyme was also used as a meat tenderizer, which is why it helps in relieving and relaxing tense, inflamed muscles and connective tissue. Additionally, recent studies have found evidence that this enzyme prevents lung metastasis, which suggests that Bromelain can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases, potentially including cancer.

A review of the scientific literature, which includes more than 1,600 articles evaluating the medicinal benefits of Bromelain , shows that it has been used to treat a wide range of health problems, including:

• Connective tissue injuries, such as ACL,
• sprained ankles
• tendinitis
• allergies
• Arthritis , joint pain, and osteoarthritis
• Digestive problems such as heartburn or diarrhea
• cardiovascular disorders
• Asma
• autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• inflammatory bowel disease
• Sinus infections, such as bronchitis and sinusitis
• Surgical trauma and slow healing of wounds or skin burns
• Malabsorption of drugs, especially antibiotics, and symptoms due to drug consumption

Bromelain sources:

There are three main ways to add Bromelain to your health regimen:

Pineapple core:

First, of course, eat the fiber-rich core of a  juicy, ripe pineapple . Bromelain is not found in significant amounts in other fruits, although pineapple is sometimes eaten alongside unripe papaya to increase absorption and provide the beneficial enzyme called papain.

Eating pineapple  (fresh or frozen) is the best way to consume natural Bromelain . It is found in all parts of pineapple , but most concentrated in the core. Keep in mind that the more ripe the fruit, the softer the core.

So keep your pineapple resting for another day or two – that way you won’t be gnawing on a hard trunk. Note that pineapple flesh is also good for you, but it doesn’t have the high bromelain content as the core. The core is where the greatest concentration is found.

Pineapple Juices:

Juicing the pineapple core or tossing it into a smoothie along with other vegetables like cucumber is an easy way to consume bromelain. Drinking fresh pineapple juice has been suggested as a powerful remedy against inflammatory diseases.

I recommend drinking 118 ml a day to prevent digestive problems and up to 236 ml to treat conditions like ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or constipation.

Bromelain supplements/extract:

Bromelain supplements are usually found in the form of a dry yellow powder, extracted from pineapple juice that has been subjected to centrifugation, ultrafiltration and lyophilization. Taking a natural Bromelain or proteolytic enzyme supplement with Bromelain can be very effective if you are treating a specific inflammatory or chronic disease.

If you are trying to improve digestion, you should take bromelain supplements with meals, but for all other health concerns, you should take it on an empty stomach.

Benefits of Bromelain :

1. Prevent cancer:

In studies, Bromelain has been found to have natural anti-cancer effects, including promoting cell death by apoptosis and preventing tumor growth. It has been shown in animal studies that it can induce the production of distinct cytokines, that it has antimetastatic efficacy, and that it inhibits metastasis by reducing platelet aggregation.

Studies have linked bromelain to increased protection against breast and lung cancer, and recently a peer-reviewed journal published results from a clinical study that suggested it affects malignant peritoneal mesothelioma — a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

According to the study, it was found that “The addition of bromelain significantly increased the clearance of cancer cells (cytotoxicity)… Bromelain has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of malignant cancer.”

2. Treat digestive disorders:

Why is Bromelain good for those suffering from indigestion or gastrointestinal upset? Because it is an enzyme that specifically helps in the digestion of proteins and has been found to help your body absorb nutrients and even medications more efficiently.

Studies suggest that it decreases colonic inflammation and reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that damage the intestinal lining. As it is very effective at healing tissues within the gastrointestinal tract, bromelain is beneficial for people with any of the following gastrointestinal problems:

• inflammatory bowel disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Dyspepsia or peptic ulcer due to heliobacter pylori infections
• colon cancer
• Constipation
• Crohn’s disease
• Asia
• Diarrhea

3. Accelerates recovery from surgery and injuries:

Bromelain ‘s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great natural alternative to pain relievers such as aspirin. A study that evaluated bromelain’s ability to treat patients who had an impact on third molar extraction found that it supported wound healing and helped decrease pain and swelling after patients’ operations.

Most patients undergoing this surgery experience significant post-operative symptoms, and unfortunately, antibiotics and pain relievers are not always effective in preventing infections or other discomforts during the healing process.

Of the 80 people who participated in the study, those who were prescribed bromelain reported “significantly less” postoperative pain, swelling, and even redness compared to the control group prescribed a generic pain reliever.

4. Fight Allergies and Asthma:

One journal highlighted the results of a study that investigated how bromelain affected rats suffering from asthma. The study produced some interesting results – for example, that bromelain reduces allergic sensitization and stops the development of other inflammatory responses that affect the airways.

These findings suggest that this enzyme helps in modulating the entire immune system. It can really help prevent allergies by addressing the root cause – an overactive and sensitive immune system.

It was observed in the study that CD11c (+) dendritic cells and DC44 antigen-presenting cells were kept away when supplemented with Bromelain , a sign that this enzyme is capable of attacking the cause of asthma and allergies.

This is why pineapple helps most people who suffer from symptoms such as stuffy/runny nose, itchy eyes, swollen lymph nodes, congestion and difficulty breathing.

5. Treats Sinus Infections:

To see if a daily dose of bromelain can help people with chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany took 12 patients who already had sinusitis and treated them with bromelain for three months.

They found the following benefits of Bromelain : Total symptom scores improved, total rhinoscopy scores improved, quality of life was increased, and there were no adverse effects reported. Since surgery can often be ineffective in treating sinusitis, this research brings a lot of hope to people who suffer from chronic sinus problems.

6. Decrease joint pain:

Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Bromelain is fantastic for reducing acute or chronic joint pain. One journal published a research study that evaluated 42 osteoarthritis patients with degenerative spine problems or joint pain.

Two 650 milligram capsules of Bromelain were given to patients two to three times a day on an empty stomach (depending on whether they had acute or chronic pain).

The researchers found that pain decreased by up to 60% in participants dealing with acute pain and more than 50% in those with chronic disorders. The researchers’ conclusion was that “bromelain has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and may provide a safer alternative or adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis.”

7. Accelerate weight loss:

Does research suggest that there is any link between bromelain and weight loss? Its effects on weight management and fat cells are still under research, but there is reason to believe that it may help with weight loss due to its anti-inflammatory effects, ability to reduce pain, and to improve physical capacity and endurance. digestion.

According to a 2017 article, “ Stem-derived Bromelain is used as an alternative anti-obesity drug.” Some studies have found that bromelain helps in the regulation of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase. It may also inhibit adipogenesis (cell differentiation that may contribute to the formation of fat cells) and reduce triglyceride accumulation.

Bromelain supplements and dosage :

How Much Bromelain Should You Take Per Day? The most commonly prescribed dosage ranges between 200 and 2000 milligrams per day (usually around 500 to 800 milligrams per day).

However, for many problems, many doctors may recommend other dosages. Below are suggested Bromelain dosages depending on the problem you are treating:

• To treat arthritis – 400 milligrams taken 1 to 2 times daily
• To help with allergies – 1,000 milligrams daily of Bromelain and Quercetin
• To prevent cancer – 2,000 milligrams per day, ideally taken with other proteolytic enzymes
• To improve digestion – 500 milligrams taken 3 times daily with meals; some people choose to mix bromelain powder in water and drink it before meals
• To aid recovery from surgery – 1,000 milligrams, 3 times daily, between meals

Bromelain should be taken on an empty stomach, unless you are taking it to improve digestion. Take with meals if using for digestive purposes. Bromelain is considered a natural supplement and not a medication, so it is not regulated by major food and drug agencies.

However, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA, 1994) allows the sale of dietary supplements containing bromelain, especially for use on wounds and skin burns.

In terms of where to buy it, look for Bromelain in health food stores. Some of the best bromelain supplements combine with other digestive enzymes, enhancing their effects.

For example, you’ll find amylase (an enzyme needed to properly digest glucose) in a digestive enzyme supplement, which also includes other important digestive enzymes.

Revenue:

To make the effects of Bromelain even more powerful, combine it with other anti-inflammatory compounds such as quercetin or cucumin (the active ingredient found in turmeric). Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found in beverages and foods such as red wine, green tea, kale and blueberries.

It helps fight free radicals and has antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic capabilities.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that is used medicinally as a natural alternative to, or in conjunction with, medications such as NSAIDs, antidepressants (Prozac), blood thinners (aspirin), arthritis medications, and even cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Making a smoothie with berries, pineapple , greens and turmeric is one way to get all these medicinal compounds together.

Side effects and precautions:

Bromelain is generally well tolerated and is unlikely to cause side effects. However, there are some cases where it is not safe to take this enzyme. As it helps to prevent blood clots, it is important to be very careful about taking extra pineapple or bromelain supplements if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

The same applies to surgery: Avoid taking it immediately after surgery unless you speak to your doctor first, as this can increase your risk of bleeding. Side effects that have been associated with this enzyme often include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, change in stool, and increased gas.

Bromelain allergy symptoms are possible and may include itching of the mouth or skin, developing a rash, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion and watery eyes.