Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found only in fresh pineapples in the fruit, skin and stems. It is a mixture of several natural compounds that are proteolytic enzymes which break down protein into amino acids (the basic building blocks) so that they can be used throughout the body to build new proteins.
Bromelain is useful for treating inflammation and swelling and reducing scar tissue especially after surgery or any other type of injury. It can also reduce blood clots and provides pain relief from arthritis and can help reduce knee pain, as well as reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever.
A recent study in Taiwan found that regular consumption of ineapples helped to reduce floaters in the eyes by 70% after three months. Bromelain does this as it searches out dead protein cells and eliminates them.
Topically, bromelain can be used to treat second- and third-degree burns.
Natural source of bromelain
- Pineapple (fresh).
NOTE: Tinned pineapples lose their bromelain because of the heat treatment.
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Bone and joint disorders (arthritis)
- Hay fever
- Heart disorders
- Nerve disorders
- Pain and inflammation
- Skin disorders (burns)
- Stroke
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