Pineapple and the Benefits of Bromelain
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  by Samantha Beckerupdated September 2008 Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with their juices, contain active enzymes that play an important role in digestion and building body structure. One that is particularly beneficial is bromelain. Bromelain is found in pineapple, and has been scientifically shown to have a variety of good effects. Bromelain, in pill form, has been used as a medicinal agent since 1957, and today is the topic of more than 250 research articles. One benefit heavily studied is its anti-inflammatory effects. Bromelain has been demonstrated to be just as effective as standard anti-inflamatory drugs such as dexamehtasone, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Positive results have occurred with 5 mg/day supplementation. Other benefits include: Assistance in digestion Prevention of swelling after trauma or surgery Inhibition of blood platelet aggregation Enhancement of antibiotic absorption Relief of sinusitis Inhibition of appetite Enhancement of wound healing Possible treatment of asthma In addition to these findings, scientists are now investigating anti-tumor properties of bromelain supplementation. In a paper published last year, a study on mice inoculated with several different cancer cells revealed that with the exception of melanoma, all tumor-bearing animals had a significantly increased survival probability after bromelain treatment. Even though the authors do not know the mechanism for the anti-tumor capabilities of bromelain, the results were positive and further research is warranted. Bromelain has also been shown to be safe. In a study reported in 2005 of 116 children being treated with bromelain for sinusitis, only one patient, who had a known allergy to pineapple, showed a mild allergic reaction. All others reported no side effects. Another study in 1997 administering 12 g/day of bromelain to men found no serious side effects. Most studies use bromelain in pill form. However, it is reasonable to assume that fresh pineapple or its juice has similar effects. If you decide to get more bromelain from fresh pineapple instead of supplements, be sure to eat it alone between meals. Since bromelain is an enzyme, it can be used up in digesting food. Pineapple is also an excellent source of manganese, important for energy production and antioxidant defenses. Get fresh Hawaiian pineapples shipped to your door here! 
Powerful food enzyme and digestive aid that is made from pineapple.
Anti-inflammatory - inhibits the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. 400 mg of high quality bromelain per capsule. Get Bromelain supplements here: Vitabase Health Supplements References: (1) Fitzhugh, David J. et al., “Bromelain treatment decreases neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation”, Clinical Immunology, 128, p66, 2008. (2) Murray, Michael, N.D., et al., “The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods”, Atria Books, New York, 2005. (3) Baez, R., et al., “In vivo antitumoral activity of stem pineapple (Ananas comosus) bromelain”, Planta Medica, 73, p1377, 2007. (4) Braun, J.M., et al., “Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain _POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany”, In Vivo, 19, p417, 2005. (5) Castill et al., 1997. Comment on this Article:  |
