Benefits of Bromelain

The world is divided into two sets of people - those who like pineapple on their pizza, and those who think pineapple on pizza is blasphemous. So, there’s team pineapple on pizza and team pizza shouldn’t have fruit. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, you gotta admit that pineapples are pretty special. Not only are they a very special kind of fruit (pineapples are multiple fruits consisting of coalesced berries, imagine that), they are also a combination of sweet, juicy, tangy, and everything yummy.

Digestive enzyme - Bromelain

There’s something else that makes a pineapple special - a super powered enzyme that is so unique, you can’t find it anywhere else but in the pineapple fruit. It is called Bromelain.

What is Bromelain?

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, proteolytic meaning it is a protein digesting enzyme. It is a natural enzyme that helps your body with digesting specific proteins. It can only be found in pineapples, specifically in the fruit’s flesh and its stem.

How is it good for you?

Bromelain has a lot of health benefits. Its main benefit is its ability to reduce inflammation. Bromelain aids digestion and absorption by breaking down proteins so that nutrients (and even meds) can be more readily absorbed by the body. It inhibits cytokines, a substance notorious for causing inflammation that damages gut lining and might even cause autoimmune diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Bromelain can also reduce the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Bromelain can help asthma and allergy sufferers, too. It can boost your immune system and help reduce swelling in the airways and nasal passageways. In line with the recurring anti inflammation theme, Bromelain can also help clear up your sinus congestion. Since sinus congestion is caused by an inflammation of the nasal passages, Bromelain’s anti inflammatory properties can help you breathe easier.

Bromelain's super powers

Aside from it’s anti-inflammatory properties, Bromelain can also balance the acidity of the stomach reducing the risk of heartburn and indigestion. It is also effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Bromelain’s super powers extend to healing the skin as well. A substance in Bromelain called echarase helps remove dead tissue and hasten healing. And finally, Bromelain can help protect your heart by reducing the risk of clot formation and blood platelet aggregation.

How to get more bromelain in your diet

The only way to get more bromelain is by eating more pineapples. Unfortunately, most of the super enzyme is concentrated in the stem. But, fret not, you’ll be able to get Bromelain from enzyme supplements in tablets, capsules, or powder form such as Fruitful Digest.