The efficacy and function of bromelain

Bromelain is a substance extracted from the fruit stem and other parts of pineapple. It has high medicinal and nutritional value and can be taken as a health supplement. Bromelain has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, helps improve the body's immunity, and has a digestive effect, so it is suitable for people with indigestion. Bromelain also has side effects and is not suitable for pregnant women and patients with hypertension.

Introduction to Bromelain

Bromelain, also known as bromelain, is extracted from the stems, leaves and skin of pineapples and is a pure natural plant protease obtained through refinement, purification, concentration, enzyme immobilization and freeze-drying. It has the appearance of light grey powder, a molecular weight of 33,000 and an isoelectric point of 9.55. The best quality bromelain is obtained by processing the middle stem of pineapple, filtering and concentrating it using ultrafiltration, and then freeze-drying it at low temperature. The products have been widely used in food, medicine and other industries. In the past, Taiwan's production of bromelain was ranked first in the world, and Taiwan can be said to be a pioneer in enzyme research.

The efficacy and function of bromelain

1. Help digestion. Bromelain can adapt to various extreme pH values ​​in the digestive tract and maintain an effective active state. It can assist in the digestion of various protein-containing foods both in the stomach and in the intestines. Therefore, bromelain can be used as a digestive enzyme supplement (as a substitute for those who are deficient in pepsin and trypsin).

2 Many proteases in anti-inflammatory bromelain have the function of inhibiting cells from producing inflammatory mediators, which can further block the pathway of inflammation. In addition, bromelain also has the effect of relieving muscle soreness without the side effects of drugs.

3 Prevent cancer There are two factors with anti-cancer effects in bromelain. One factor can inhibit the transformation of cell lesions into cancer cells; the other factor can stimulate the function of the immune system, allowing it to find cancer cells and kill them. Therefore, while inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it can also activate immune cells, enhance immunity, and strengthen the body's resistance to cancer.

4. Promote wound healing. If too much lipid peroxide accumulates in the body, it will hinder the metabolism and regeneration ability of skin cells. Enzymes can remove lipid peroxides in the human body and inhibit the formation of lipid peroxides. Therefore, bromelain can remove wound eschar, promote skin regeneration, and reduce the occurrence of wound infection.

5. Prevent cardiovascular diseases. The coagulation function of fibrin is originally indispensable to the human body because it can prevent excessive bleeding when injured. However, if the fibrin content is too high, it will cause the blood to become thicker and even form blood clots, leading to diseases such as thrombosis or stroke. Bromelain can break down fibrin, promote blood circulation, prevent blood coagulation and thrombosis, and thus prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Bromelain side effects and precautions

Although bromelain supplementation is generally safe, there have been rare reports of vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and abnormal bleeding.

In addition, since there is not much relevant safety information, for the sake of safety, pregnant women, people with bleeding problems, high blood pressure, liver disease or kidney disease are recommended to avoid taking bromelain. Also, people who are taking anticoagulant medications should avoid consuming bromelain (Ref.12).