The bromelain or pineapple extract is a compound made up of proteases normally found in the pineapples. One of the most loved tropical fruits all around the world is the bromelain. The bromelain is widely known for its ability to aid in digestion and protein breakdown, but its use far transcends these functions and it can actually offer a lot more. You can easily find the bromelain in the market as a supplement and you can use it as an aid for disease treatments. The history of bromelain is highly linked to pineapples because it is the only major source for this group of enzymes.
The stem bromelain is widely available in markets because its extraction is cheaper and the stem is essentially a waste product of the plant. The extraction is done through lyophilization, ultrafiltration, or centrifugation. When the bromelain is mentioned or used in mainstream products, then it is probably this type of bromelain used. The fruit bromelain suggests that this type of bromelain offers a weaker digestive activity compared to stem bromelain, but it has better proteolytic activity. The fruit bromelain is not widely utilized because of its limited availability.
Generally, the bromelain is considered safe when it is not taken in large amounts. There is the possibility that some people can suffer from allergic reactions after taking bromelain, especially those who have pineapple allergies. In some studies is said that bromelain can have positive results on cancer because it can slow down metastasis. Cancer patients have shown improved appetite and reduced fatigue and other problems connected to cancer and these improvements were due to bromelain. People are using bromelain in cooking to soften meats. Nowadays, bromelain is sold as a meat tenderizer in powder form. Here are some health benefits of bromelain:
Promotes blood flow
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The bromelain can help in the promotion of healthy blood flow by reducing the platelet aggregation in the arteries and lowering the chances of clot forming. This can lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Relieves sinusitis symptoms
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the sinuses, which is usually caused by allergies, nasal problems or infections. The bromelain is known supplement for relieving sinusitis symptoms. Bromelain together with quercetin can help to alleviate the sinus inflammation, because the quercetin is functioning as antihistamine.
Speeds up wound healing
It has been shown that the use of bromelain in the post – surgery can help to promote the soft – tissue healing and reduce the bruising. People who took bromelain also had shorter wound healing time compared to people who did not take it.
Improves immune function
There are some studies in which are shown that bromelain can help to promote healthy immune system by regulating the numerous inflammatory proteins during the periods of cellular stress.
Reduces inflammation and swelling
The bromelain can help to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism and osteoarthritis. Also, the bromelain can help in the sprain and strain recovery by reducing the swelling and promoting the tissue healing. People who are taking arthritis medications can switch to bromelain for a more natural alternative.
Indigestion and heartburn
You should take bromelain if you have indigestion or bloating, because it can help to ease these two conditions. Especially it is helpful when it is taken with other supplemental enzymes.
Topical application for burns
There are some studies in which are shown that bromelain can help to remove the dead skin cells from third degree burns and it assists in burn healing in first and second-degree burns. If you have severe burns, then do not apply any bromelain ointment without talking with your doctor.
Soothing balm for insect bites and stings
You can apply bromelain directly to insect bites and stings because this can help to lessen the discomfort and inflammation.
