Need something besides hot cocoa to warm you up? Even though pineapple might be the last thing you are thinking about during these dreary winter days, a little bit in your life might summon some tropical warmth.
As a family, we usually eat pineapple in the summer when the fruits are front and center in the produce section, but lately we can’t get enough of it. One of my kids will beg borrow and steal to eat a can of pineapple. Digestive distress is common with this kid, so I’m ok with them eating it often.
Pineapple has so many benefits, it might be a good staple in your kitchen, even during these winter months.
Aids digestion
Did you know that pineapple contains a resilient enzyme called bromelain? An enzyme is a chemical substance that causes specific reactions in the body. Bromelain is a strong enzyme that performs a variety of functions in the body.
An especially resilient enzyme, “Bromelain can be absorbed in human intestines without degradation and without losing its biological activity” (Pavan, 2012). Bromelain has also been shown to reduce inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Boosts immunity
Bromelain has the potential to break down the bonds created by COVID-19 virus, ultimately limiting the virus’s potential to spread through the body. In the treatment of rhinosinusitis—which is inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses—bromelain is “considered an attractive candidate in therapy. It is believed that bromelain may reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory agents during rhinitis and mucus secretion and aids its drainage” (Hikisz, 2021). Bromelain can also aid in complete recovery in children with sinus infections compared to other treatments.
Bromelain has similar positive effects of anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects. In Europe, bromelain is approved for treating surgical wounds and post-op trauma.
Bromelain also has the capacity to fight and kill certain breast cancer cells. Research shows the bromelain has anti-cancer properties when used along with medication in leukemia and gastrointestinal cancer patients.
Supports cardiovascular health
Research shows that pineapple “is a potential candidate for cardioprotection against hypercholesterolemia,” (Seenak, 2021) most likely because of its resilient enzymatic activity through bromelain.
Relieves pain
Bromelain can also relieve pain through smooth muscle contraction and blood vessel dilation.
Use Caution
Take note that a lot of these studies extracted and isolated bromelain, most of the time in a powdered form. In these cases, bromelain is considered a controlled substance that should be treated similarly to medication. Please DO NOT supplement with bromelain unless properly advised by a healthcare professional or licensed practitioner. Also, there is more bromelain the stem of pineapple in the fruit.
Nevertheless, eating pineapple as a whole food has significant health benefits. I didn’t even mention the fiber and antioxidants. It also tastes great! So eat up. It might even make you feel like you’re at the beach.
References
Hikisz, Pawel; Bernasinska-Slomczewska, Joanna. (2021). Beneficial Properties of Bromelain. Nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/12/4313.
Pavan, Rajendra; Jain, Sapna; Kumar, Ajay. (2012). Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Biotechnol Res Int. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3529416/.
Seenak, Porrnthanate et al. (2021). Pineapple consumption reduced cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in high cholesterol diet-fed rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33827626/.
Varilla, Carolina; Marcone, Massimo; Paiva, Lisete; Baptista, Jose. (2021). Bromelain, a Group of Pineapple Proteolytic Complex Enzymes (Ananas comosus) and Their Possible Therapeutic and Clinical Effects. A Summary. Foods. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34681298/.
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