Bromelain: Properties and Benefits
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, found in both the stem and the fruit of pineapple plants. You can only get this from fresh pineapple, as heat can destroy it.
Benefits of bromelain for health
Arthritis and sinusitis
Bromelain is a supplement which is very popular in European countries. This is due to the fact that it’s used to treat the pain caused by arthritis and sinusitis. Certain studies have focussed on its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for reducing the effects of the aforementioned conditions.
Additionally, there are experts who say that bromelain can reduce coughing and decrease inflammation caused by hay fever. Some governmental bodies have approved this enzyme to treat ear, nose, and throat imbalances after surgeries, as well as the inflammation someone might suffer after a sinus infection.
Swelling and inflammation
Some people recommend bromelain to reduce swelling and speed up the healing of bruises produced by blunt trauma. It can also be used to reduce the pain following surgical operations. One study showed that 90 percent of people who took bromelain after an operation recovered much faster than the control group.
Stomach burning and digestion problems
Even by itself, this enzyme may be able to reduce swelling, gas, and other symptoms of intestinal irritation. Aside from that, when it’s combined with other enzymes, such as amylase, it’s much more effective at helping to digest carbohydrates. When paired with lipase, on the other hand, it can help to digest fats.
Second or third degree burns
Many studies have shown that bromelain can have a positive effect on burns, even second or third degree burns. This is thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which we previously mentioned. In a study using animals, it was shown that this substance could eliminate some of the dead tissue that’s created by third-degree burns.
General power to improve immune system functioning
Studies have also shown that this enzyme can stimulate immunological function. This ability is due to its tendency to stimulate certain hormones that help this system. Some studies have shown that it can be helpful to lessen some of the secondary effects of cancer resulting from a patient’s weakened immune system.
Bromelain for osteoarthritis and varicose veins
With this enzyme, you can reduce some of the lesser pains that come with osteoarthritis. That’s why doctors often recommend this as a supplement to deal with such pains. Additionally, alternative medicine uses it for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other ailments related to the veins.
Stomach acid
Aside from the other properties that we mentioned for the intestines and the stomach, this enzyme can also regulate stomach acid and the alkalinity of the small intestine. At the time of this writing, many different studies have demonstrated its powers for reducing and curing bouts of diarrhea produced by E. coli infections. E. coli is a microorganism that causes many stomach diseases.
Respiratory illnesses
Bromelain is also capable of treating these diseases thanks to its ability to reduce the accumulation of water in the lungs and to reduce mucus production. Due to these reasons, there are many experts who recommend that people who suffer from asthma or chronic bronchitis take it daily. They claim that there’s a marked improvement in people with these conditions who take the enzyme.
Platelet coagulation
A variety of studies made in laboratories have suggested that this enzyme can help avoid platelet coagulation. It will be a great achievement to finally prove these claims definitively. That’s because this knowledge would be of immense benefit for general heart health.
In conclusion, bromelain is an enzyme that contains a number of benefits for your body. Because of that, you can take it as a natural supplement to help prevent different diseases. On the other hand, if you’re already suffering from some of these illnesses, you can take it to supplement any treatments.
