Central and South America have used pineapple for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat indigestion. Bromelain, first isolated from the pineapple plant in the late 1800s, is an extract with properties that may help with many health conditions. The German Commission E approved bromelain to treat swelling and inflammation following surgery, especially sinus and nasal swelling, according to the University of Maryland.
Identification
Pineapple was found in pre-Incan ruins but today Hawaii is the leading producer of the fruit. Common varieties of pineapple have a golden-yellow knobby diamond patterned skin. Sword-like leaves adorn the crown of the oblong fruit. An average sized pineapple weighs between 2 and 5 lbs. but they can reach 20 lbs. in weight. There are slight variations in flavor depending on the variety but all ripe pineapple is juicy and has a tangy sweet-tart flavor.
Nutrients
Pineapple is a very nutritious fruit and low in fat, calories and sodium. A ¾ inch slice of pineapple has 83 calories with only 0.2 g of total fat. Pineapple is a good source of fiber and contain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Especially rich in antioxidant vitamin C, pineapple also contains vitamins A, K folate and B vitamins, according to to U.S. Department of Agriculture National nutrient database.
Pineapple Extract
Bromelain extract is a complex mixture of substances obtained from both the fruit core and stems of pineapple. These extracts have been used as a key component in dietary supplements. Bromelain may have a wide variety of health benefits. In addition to being effective in reducing inflammation associated with infection and injuries, pineapple extract may aid in digestion, help heal burns and assist in the treatment of bronchitis, pheumonia and urinary tract infections, says the University of Maryland. According to Medline Plus, bromelain is possibly effective for relief from pain and knee function associated with arthritis but says there is insufficient evidence to support other uses.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Researchers at Duke University found that bromelain might have the ability to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's Disease. Findings, published in "Clinical Immunology," 2008, concluded bromelain reduced production of several pro-inflammatory chemicals that play a role in the progression of IBD and suggested that bromelain treatment could be of benefit to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Bromelain has been found particularly effective in reducing inflammation associated with infection and symptoms of arthritis. A 2002 study at the University of Reading, UK examined the effectiveness of bromelain on osteo and rheumatoid arthritis patients with symptoms of mild acute knee pain. The findings, published in "Phytomedicine," concluded that bromelain might be effective in alleviating physical symptoms and improving general well-being in adults suffering from mild knee pain.
Considerations
Experts at the University of Maryland say that although bromelain is found in pineapple, there is insufficient amounts to have a medicinal effect. Bromelain supplements are available in tablet or capsule form for oral use. Medline Plus advises safety concerns with bromelain including allergic reactions, increased risk of bleeding during and after surgery and interaction with drugs and herbal supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- Food Dictionary: Pineapple
- USDA: National Nutrient Database:
- MedlinePlus: Bromelain
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Research Shows Promise of Pineapple Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- PubMed.gov: Bromelain Reduces Mild Acute Knee Pain and Improves Well-Being in a Dose-Dependent Fashion in an Open Study of Otherwise Healthy Adults: Walker AF, e al; 2002
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