Bromelain is a complex of enzymes that is only found in the core and the stems of pineapples. As a commercial supplement it is marketed as a digestive enzyme because of its ability to break down protein into amino acids by breaking the peptide bonds in protein.

Bromelain is also absorbed from the digestive tract into the blood stream and can provide other benefits besides aiding digestive health. Research shows evidence that bromelain is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. In Germany  (a much more natural remedy friendly country than the USA), bromelain is actually approved and administered to help treat the after effects of sinus and nose swelling after operations or injury.

Digestive Benefits of Bromelain
Some people with digestive problems who take bromelain find it a great benefit. Armed with the right information, people who take this include the elderly with weak digestion, heartburn sufferers and people with irritable bowel syndrome. Bromelain supplements are often combined with other digestive enzymes such as amylase (digests carbohydrates) and lipase (digests fat) to provide a more comprehensive digestive remedy. Sometimes you can also find bromelain coupled with another protein digesting enzyme called papain, that is extracted from papayas. This is a potent combination for those who only have problems digesting proteins.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Bromelain
The anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain are not limited to Germany! Where it is an accepted main stream aid to inflammation that doctors actually prescribe! The studies show that bromelain does indeed help with some of the painful symptoms of inflammatory conditions without many of the side effects that drugs can deliver.

Because bromelain needs to reach the blood stream to be effective for aiding inflammatory conditions, drinking pineapple fruit juice recipes may be a better alternative than bromelain extract supplements. When a nutrient is consumed along with other nutrients that come naturally with a fruit its bio-availability is always better. In other words, more of it reaches the blood stream during digestion. Pineapple juicer recipes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, another proven and effective anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin C has been shown to be especially potent at helping with the pain of osteo-arthritis knee in the elderly; particularly at daily doses of 500mg or more in the form of real foods as opposed to supplements.

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