Bromelain is considered as a proteolytic enzyme, which means that it’s a substance promoting the breakdown of protein. Thanks to bromelain, protein in the food you eat can be reduced to into smaller units referred to as amino acids that can be easily used by the body for muscle building and repair, as well as for the production of protein-based chemicals like neurotransmitters. However, there are numerous other benefits that this incredible enzyme brings, thanks to its remarkable ability to control inflammation.
Impressive amounts of bromelain can be found in pineapples, in particular the stem as well as the juicy part of these very popular tropical fruits. It’s for this reason why including pineapples in your everyday diet may help make the body’s assimilation of protein more effective, and also help ward off inflammatory issues such as swollen joints, heart disease and even cancer. Bromelain is also said to have fat-busting properties.
For so many years now, the very powerful enzyme has been employed for various medicinal purposes. Since large amounts of bromelain for dealing with a host of diseases need to be consumed and it’s impractical to eat gazillions of pineapples on a daily basis, bromelain is available in supplement form. It’s not unlikely for you to come across the said enzyme in the form of powder, tablets and capsules.
Now that you are more familiar with bromelain, it’s time to get to know some of the most incredible health benefits it’s known to offer, such as:
Management of Various GI Tract Problems
Bromelain is not only very good at promoting better digestion of protein, but also treating an assortment of issues that have something to do with the GI tract. For instance, this super enzyme is proven effective against the likes of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Bromelain is also known to be beneficial for individuals who are having bouts of dyspepsia as well as constipation.
Prevention of Lung Cancer
Experts say that bromelain may help prevent and treat lung cancer because of its ability to encourage increased rate of cancer cell death. Studies have also shown that the enzyme is effective against malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the peritoneum which is the wall surrounding the abdominal cavity.
Treatment of Sinus Infections
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain is regarded as one of the most effective remedies for sinus infections. In fact, researchers from the University of Cologne in Germany found out that participants who had chronic sinusitis saw considerable improvements of the symptoms after 3 months of being treated with bromelain.
Remedy for Joint Pain and Inflammation
One of the most popular medicinal properties of bromelain is its effectiveness in warding off painful and swollen joints, courtesy of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory abilities. Experts found out that the incredible enzyme can put an end to the deterioration of cartilages, thus keeping the joints pain- and inflammation-free. Unlike NSAIDs, bromelain won’t leave you with unfavorable side effects such as nausea, dizziness and headaches.
Inhibition of Blood Clot Formation
Bromelain is scientifically-proven to help keep the blood flowing through the veins by thinning it. Unless you have bleeding disorders wherein the blood is unable to clot, bromelain can be effective in preventing unnecessary blood clot formation. You don’t want to have a blood clot in your veins because it may travel and cut off blood supply to your heart or brain, which may cause a heart attack or stroke!
Elimination of Parasitic Worms in the Gut
Aside from breaking down hard-to-digest protein, bromelain is also capable of wearing out the protective substances secreted by tapeworms and other parasites that love to thrive in the intestine. With those defensive barriers out of the picture, digestive enzymes are given the opportunity to zap those creepy crawlers.
