Bromelain Benefits

Pineapple has been known for its medicinal properties from the days of yore. Fruit and stem of pineapple plants were used to heal wounds and reduce inflammation, whereas pineapple juice was known to cure all stomach related problems. After bromealin was first isolated in 1891, it was established that the stem of the pineapple plant contains a group of enzymes which have some significant medicinal properties. Bromelain is prepared mainly from the juice of the stem part of the pineapple plant and is actually a mixture of enzymes. Bromelain stimulates the chemical activities in the body and also helps to digest proteins.

Health Benefits

Increasing the intake of pineapple won't reap the same health benefits. Bromelain levels are higher in the stem of the pineapple plant, but the stem is not as tasty as the fruit, so if you can't eat the stem of pineapple you can easily avail the benefits from the different supplements available in the market. These benefits range from curing cardiovascular diseases to relieving muscle and joint pains. Let's find out the various benefits for different aspects of human health.

• It is extremely efficient to maintain heart health as it reduces the abnormal formation of blood clots and the occurrence of plaque in the arteries.
• It possess anti-coagulant properties which help in reducing the formation of coagulated blood clots in blood vessels thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.
• Being protein digesting enzyme it breaks down the proteins in swollen tissues, thus relieving muscle spasms.
• Due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain benefits arthritic patients. It increases absorption of sulfur and glucosamine which are important for repairing joints.
• In case of torn ligaments, it helps in speedy recovery by significantly reducing the swelling and pain.
• Skin diseases related to inflammation of skin or intense itching sensations like in pruritus can be effectively cured.
• It is also used in products made to cure skin burns as it gets rid of dead skin cells.
• Anti- inflammatory properties helps to get rid of accumulated mucus in the upper respiratory tract, thus reducing the risk of diseases like sinusitis and bronchitis.
• Enzymes can help to cure peyronie's disease, by breaking down the collagen which is responsible for formation of scar tissues.
• By breaking down the proteins in the stomach, it can help relieve abdominal pain and also cure gastrointestinal problems.
• Some studies have found that it can reduce the activity of cancer causing cells. In some animals bromelain was found to treat some bacteria and viruses effectively.
• A research also credited bromelain in being helpful for treatment against autoimmune disorders and also for treating urinary tract infections. Research for finding other benefits are still going on.

Side Effects

Though there are many benefits, it has some side effects if taken in large quantity. So take the supplements as advised by a dietitian or doctor. Some side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and increased heart rate. People with high blood pressure, bleeding problems, liver and kidney diseases should not consume bromelain. People who are allergic to pineapple should avoid the use. People should not take supplements when taking antibiotic and anticoagulant medications.

The recommended dosage, when used to treat inflammation, is 500 mg. When used as a digestive aid, the prescribed dosage is again 500 mg per day, while for arthritis patients it is 2500 mg per day (500 mg and 2000 mg doses, twice a day). But, in order to remain on the safer side you must consult the dietitian for appropriate dosage. Research is still going on not only to unravel more benefits, but also on how it works. We can just hope that, the research reaps benefits in the near future, so that we can use bromelain to cure some other health problems as well.