Bromelain, also known as bromelase, is an active ingredient extracted from the pineapple stem and found in small amounts in the pineapple flesh.
The pineapple belongs to the botanical family of bromeliads, hence its name.
More than just an active ingredient, bromelain is a natural blend of proteolytic enzymes, enzymes that help break down proteins into smaller pieces (amino acids and peptides).
This has the effect of facilitating digestion and improving the turnover of proteins in the body.
What are the benefits?
According to the scientific literature, bromelain has many health benefits and is highly regarded for its interesting therapeutic properties at various levels of the body:
- Immunity: Bromelain boosts the body's overall immunity.
- Healing: Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore have a positive effect on wound healing. Several clinical trials have reported faster rates of reduction in swelling and bruising in people supplemented with bromelain. Bromelain would also have a beneficial effect on oedema following surgery and trauma.
- Osteoarthritis: Bromelain would have a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cardiovascular health: Bromelain has been shown to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease by preventing platelet aggregation and the formation of a "plug" in the vein or artery that can cause arterial thrombosis or embolism.
- Constipation: Bromelain naturally speeds the elimination of stomach contents (gastric emptying).
- Cellulite: Bromelain has anti-edema and anti-inflammatory properties. For these reasons, it has been attributed anti-cellulite properties. However, no studies have shown a link between bromelain intake and cellulite reduction.
- Cancer: Bromelain has been suggested to have anti-cancer properties. Bromelain has the ability to interfere with the main pathways that cause cancerous tumours to progress. In fact, inflammation plays an important role in the development of cancer. Because bromelain has anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing chronic inflammation has been shown to reduce cancer progression. In addition, bromelain would promote the death (apoptosis) of cancer cells.
For maximum effectiveness and increased absorption into the bloodstream (bioavailability), it is advisable to choose a high quality, titrated, organic bromelain-based supplement.
What are the dangers?
Although bromelain has many benefits, it is important to respect the recommended dosage.
If the dosage is too high, side effects may occur (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).
In addition, due to its anticoagulant action, it is necessary to be aware of its association with anticoagulant drugs.
Recommended doses range from 125 to 500 mg, taken 1 to 3 times a day.
In addition to the dosage of bromelain, it is important that its enzyme activity is high enough.
This is expressed in GDUs (Digestive Unit of Gelatin).
The dosage of bromelain therefore varies according to the reason for its use (oedema, digestive disorders, etc.).
Warning: this product is not recommended for people who are allergic to bromelain.
It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6, people with renal or hepatic insufficiency, or people with coagulation disorders.