7 Bromelain Health Benefits & Uses

Bromelain health benefits largely surround its ability to fight inflammation. But what is bromelain? Simply put, bromelain is an enzyme that can be found in the stem or core of a pineapple. Many people enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of a pineapple, though many are turned off from its porcupine-like exterior. Believe us, it's worth cutting into a fresh pineapple in order to soak up the benefits of bromelain! However, it's important that the pineapple is fresh and not canned. The canning process kills of much of the nutritional benefits of pineapple, including bromelain. Studies have shown that bromelain has the ability to treat many health issues. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain health benefits include the ability to treat digestive disorders, decrease joint pain, fight allergies and even help prevent cancer. Learn more about this unique enzyme by reading the list of benefits, as outlined below.

What is Bromelain?

So, what is bromelain exactly? Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that boasts many medicinal benefits. That's one way to explain it, but to understand it a little more, it may be helpful to understand how bromelain can benefit your health. Bromelian health benefits include the ability to soothe and relax tense, inflamed muscles in the body, which can be helpful in treating injuries and conditions like arthritis. It can also be used to treat allergies, indigestion, joint pain and more, thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Bromelain Health Benefits

1. May Help Prevent Cancer

What is bromelain good for? Cancer-prevention is one answer to that question. Indeed, research suggests that bromelain health benefits may include the ability to help prevent cancer. This is because bromelain is able to induce the production of cytokines that inhibit the development of cancer. Studies have shown a link between bromelain and increased protection against breast cancer and lung cancer. (1)

2. Helps Treat Digestive Disorders

Bromelain health benefits include the ability to treat indigestion and other digestive disorders. It helps the body digest proteins and better absorb the nutrients from the food that you eat. Studies have shown that bromelain can decrease inflammation in the colon and help treat ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, Crohn's disease and diarrhea.

3. Supports Quick Recovery From Surgery and Injuries

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain health benefits include the ability to promote faster healing from surgery and injuries. Bromelain works as a natural alternative to pain medication, by decreasing swelling and reducing pain. Studies have shown that surgery patients treated with bromelain experienced significantly lower post-operation pain, swelling and redness, compared to those treated with a generic painkiller. Furthermore, bromelain encourages blood flow. As such, many women have used pineapple to help with conception. The idea is that the promotion of blood flow extends to the uterus, which can reduce inflammation and help a woman fall pregnant. Furthermore, bromelain acts like a blood thinner, which may help implantation. However, as mentioned above, it must be fresh pineapple, preferably the sections that come from the core.

4. Fights Allergies and Asthma

Research has shown that bromelain health benefits include the ability to fight allergies and asthma. According to a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, bromelain was able to reduce allergic sensitization and prevent the development of inflammatory responses in mice suffering from asthma. The research suggests that bromelain can help prevent asthma and seasonal allergy symptoms by getting to the root of the problem. It helps to prevent an inflammatory response in a hyperactive, oversensitive immune system. (2)

5. Helps Prevent and Treat Sinus Infections

Bromelain health benefits include the ability to help prevent and treat sinus infections. Researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany found that bromelain was able to help patients suffering from chronic sinusitis by reducing their symptoms and improving their overall quality of life. (3) If you are prone to chronic sinus infections, you may want to take a hard, long look at your diet. Eating foods that are inflammatory may be contributing to your issue. Try incorporating fresh pineapple into your diet to help keep the sinus infections at bay.

6. Helps Decrease Joint Pain

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain health benefits include the ability to decrease joint pain. In a study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, researchers treated osteoarthritis with two 650-milligram capsules of bromelain 2-3 times per day. The patients experienced up to a 60% decrease in acute pain, and more than a 50% decrease in chronic pain. Yet another reason to include plenty of pineapple in your diet!

7. May Support Weight Loss

What is bromelain good for when it comes to weight loss? It turns out, bromelain can help in weight loss in numerous ways. Fpr example, research suggests that bromelain health benefits may include the ability to prevent the formation of fat cells and aid in weight loss. Furthermore, bromelain's ability to fight inflammation, reduce joint pain and aid in digestion help improve the body's physical capabilities. According to a 2017 study, bromelain may even work as an anti-obesity alternative medicine. (4) Also, when you're trying to lose weight, it can be hard to resist sweet treats. Help address those cravings by eating weight-loss friendly pineapple.