Dietary supplements of Bromelain provide several health benefits. Extracted from pineapples, this ingredient has a very long medicinal history. Although found in every part of the pineapple, the maximum concentration is found in the stem. The supplement is normally available in powder form. If you are still not sure why folks use this excellent product, here are the main health advantages of Bromelain.
Bromelain Is a Fine Digestive Enzyme
Of course, Bromelain is probably one of the best protein-digesting enzymes available. Proven to help your body digest food and absorb nutrients more efficiently, Bromelain works very well for treating problems in the gastrointestinal system. While most of the enzymes are generally noted to be poorly absorbed, it was proven that Bromelain is the most absorbed enzyme that helps avoid and treat a number of problems related to inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and irregularity.
Joint Support
Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help alleviate severe or chronic joint pains. Indeed, it has been reported that supplementation with Bromelain can significantly benefit people who have osteoarthritis, particularly those with degenerative spine or painful joints in the body, and can reduce their pain by up to 60% in acute cases and more than 50% in chronic conditions.
Bromelain has been proven to boost joint health and improve their overall functioning. It achieves this by breaking down proteins associated with inflammation, hence reducing swelling and consequently the related pain that many people feel in their joints. This would be particularly helpful for individuals suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis in which inflammation is a major part of what generates the pain and causes damage to the joints.
Moreover, bromelain displays extra advantages through the increase in bioavailability and action of other co-supplements targeted to support joints. Taken together, these substances act synergistically to cause even more drastic pain relief and reinforcement for joint health.
Not only does Bromelain display anti-inflammatory properties, but it also exhibits some antioxidant effects. As such, it serves to protect the tissue of joints from the free radicals-induced oxidative stress, which normally causes damage. As it reduces oxidative stress, Bromelain helps to prevent the degradation of the joints in the first place and, therefore, conditions such as osteoarthritis are not given a chance to fully establish themselves.
Bromelain and Recovery
People undergoing and recovering from an operation can successfully use bromelain health supplements. Bromelain could be very useful in significantly decreasing the amount of pain and swelling experienced after an operation due to the anti-inflammatory components that make it a brilliant, all-natural alternative to typical medication. By obstructing particular pro-inflammatory metabolites that accelerate and exaggerate the inflammatory process, Bromelain can be employed for sporting injuries, traumas, arthritis, and other forms of swelling.
Reduces Chronic Sinus Inflammation
This is a very annoying problem for many: sinus inflammation. Inflammations of the sinuses could be caused by infections, allergy, autoimmune problems, or even toxic exposure. Bromelain has been shown in studies to help patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Twelve patients with chronic problems following sinus surgery were studied. The patients were administered 3000 mg of bromelain per day for three months. All patients demonstrated improved symptoms. Good tolerability, improved symptom control, and improved quality of life were the results.
Potential of Bromelain for Cardiovascular Health
Research shows that bromelain may have a promising role in heart health. It could inhibit the aggregation of platelets and the buildup of fibrin and possibly prevent blood clots. This would reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke. According to some research, bromelain might also help in maintaining a healthy heart by thinning the blood and breaking down arterial plaque. Although more research is required, these findings raise bromelain as a potential ally in maintaining cardiovascular wellness. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you’re on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
Photo Credit: “Pineapples” by Zoom Health
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This post was originally published in 2017. It was last updated in August 2024.