Best Bromelain Benefits for your Health
Bromelain which is extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant is beneficial for the heart, skin, joints, and stomach. Read on, to find out some remarkable bromelain benefits. Pineapple has been known for its medicinal properties from the days of yore. The 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 bromelain was first isolated in 1891, it was established that the stem of the pineapple plant contains a group of enzymes that 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. Before checking out the bromelain benefits, you may like to read more on bromelain uses.
Bromelain Health Benefits
Increasing the intake of pineapple won’t reap the same health benefits as that of bromelain. 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 the pineapple you can easily avail the benefits of bromelain from the different bromelain supplements available in the market. Bromelain’s benefits range from curing cardiovascular diseases to relieving muscle and joint pains. Let’s find out the various bromelain benefits for different aspects of human health.
- Bromelain 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 possesses anti-coagulant properties which help in reducing the formation of coagulated blood clots in blood vessels thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Being a 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 patients with arthritis. Bromelain increases the absorption of sulfur and glucosamine which are important for repairing joints.
- In the case of torn ligaments, it helps in speedy recovery by significantly reducing swelling and pain.
- Skin diseases related to inflammation of the skin or intense itching sensations like pruritus can be effectively cured by bromelain.
- It is also used in products made to cure skin burns as it gets rid of dead skin cells.
- Anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain help to get rid of accumulated mucus in the upper respiratory tract, thus reducing the risk of diseases like sinusitis and bronchitis.
- Enzymes in bromelain can help to cure Peyronie’s disease, by breaking down the collagen which is responsible for the formation of scar tissues.
- By breaking down the proteins in the stomach bromelain can help relieve abdominal pain and also cure gastrointestinal problems.
- Some studies have found that bromelain can reduce the activity of cancer-causing cells. In some animals, bromelain was found to treat some bacteria and viruses effectively.
- Research also credited bromelain as being helpful for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and also for treating urinary tract infections. Research for finding other bromelain benefits is still going on.
Bromelain Side Effects
Though bromelain benefits are many, it has some side effects if taken in large quantities. So take bromelain supplements as advised by a dietitian or doctor. Some side effects of bromelain include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. People with high blood pressure, bleeding problems, and liver and kidney diseases should not consume bromelain. People who are allergic to pineapple should avoid the use of bromelain. People should not take bromelain supplements when taking antibiotics and anticoagulant medications. Read more on bromelain’s side effects.
The recommended dosage of bromelain, 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 an appropriate dosage. Research is still going on not only to unravel more bromelain benefits but also to how bromelain 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.
