Q. What is Bromelain ?
A.Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem. People use it for medicine. Bromelain is used for reducing swelling (inflammation), especially of the nose and sinuses, after surgery or injury. It is also used for hay fever, treating a bowel condition that includes swelling and ulcers (ulcerative colitis), removing dead and damaged tissue after a burn (debridement), preventing the collection of water in the lung (pulmonary edema), relaxing muscles, stimulating muscle contractions, slowing clotting, improving the absorption of antibiotics, preventing cancer, shortening labor, and helping the body get rid of fat. It is also used for preventing muscle soreness after intense exercise. This use has been studied, and the evidence suggests bromelain doesn’t work for this. Some people use a product (Phlogenzym) for arthritis (osteoarthritis) that combines bromelain with trypsin (a protein) and rutin (a substance found in buckwheat). Bromelain used in this way seems to reduce pain and improve knee function in people with arthritis.

Q.How does Bromelain work ?
A.Bromelain seems to cause the body to produce substances that fight pain and swelling (inflammation). Bromelain also contains chemicals that interfere with the growth of tumor cells and slow blood clotting.

Q.Why do people take bromelain?
A.Bromelain seems to reduce inflammation, at least in some cases. When taken along with trypsin and rutin, bromelain appears to help with osteoarthritis, relieving pain and improving joint function. Studies have also found that bromelain might help with knee pain not caused by arthritis, sinus infections (especially when paired with antibiotics), recovery from surgery (like sinus surgery), and colitis. As a cream, it might help relieve rashes and burns. Researchers have looked at bromelain as a treatment for other conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and urinary infections.

Q.Can you get bromelain naturally from foods?
A.Bromelain comes from the stem and fruit of the pineapple.

Q.What are the advantages of Bromelain ?
A.The advantages are as follows:
Delicious and Versatile: Most people eat food for the taste and texture and don’t think too much in terms of advantages or disadvantages. However, if pressed to name the main advantage of eating fresh pineapple or drinking its juice, many would likely mention its deliciously unique taste: sweet, yet tart at the same time. Pineapple is relatively high in fructose -- or fruit sugar -- compared to other fruits, but it also contains sour compounds such as malic acid and citric acid. Some varieties of pineapple, particularly Kona Sugarloaf from Hawaii, are cultivated to have more fructose and less acid. Pineapple’s sweet and sour taste makes it a versatile fruit that complements most meats, salads, dairy products and desserts.
Nutritional benefits: Another benefit of eating pineapple is that it’s a good source of certain vitamins and minerals. Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C with almost 80 milligrams of it per cup, and a good source of magnesium, potassium and some B vitamins such as folate. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is an elastic-like material in skin and other connective tissues, whereas magnesium is needed for strong bones and relaxed muscle tone. Folate is especially important for pregnant women because it prevents certain spinal defects in newborns.
Digestive benefits: Fresh pineapple is a rich source of bromelain, an enzyme that reduces protein into smaller building blocks called amino acids. Consuming pineapple just prior to or during a protein-rich meal can help with its digestion in your stomach and small intestine. Bromelain also makes pineapple juice a good tenderizer and marinade for beef, chicken and fish. Pineapple is not a great source of dietary fiber, but it contains about 2.3 grams of it per cup, which is less than 10 percent of the daily recommended amount. Dietary fiber promotes cardiovascular health by keeping blood cholesterol and sugar levels in check, and it stimulates regular bowel movements.

Q.What are the Disadvantages of Pineapple ?
A. The Disadvantages of pineapple are as follows:
The high fructose content of pineapple may not be beneficial for diabetics or people trying to lose weight. For example, 1 cup of sweet pineapple contains up to 84 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Another disadvantage of eating pineapple is that it commonly irritates the mucous membranes inside the mouth. The high acidity combined with bromelain can cause little ulcerations or canker sores to form on your tongue or surrounding areas. If your mouth is especially sensitive to pineapple, consider buying the Kona Sugarloaf variety or blending the fruit in a smoothie with yogurt, which should neutralize the malic and citric acids.