Advantages of Pineapple
Pineapple is thought to offer particular health advantages because of the presence of bromelain and other bioactive substances in it.
Verifying the potential impacts of pineapple is challenging due to the paucity of research on the fruit.
On bromelain, a little more research has been done. According to these research, bromelain may be beneficial for burns, discomfort, inflammation, stiffness in the muscles, and digestive issues. However, other research has shown contradicting findings.
The sections below summarize a portion of the research that is currently accessible on pineapple and bromelain.
Potentially Enhance Digestion
Digestion is said to benefit from pineapple consumption. Its fiber content and digestive enzyme content could be the cause of this.
In one experiment, pineapple juice made from the peels and stems improved the prebiotic activity of a human GI tract model. Pineapple juice was linked to higher levels of probiotics (commonly known as “good bacteria”) in the GI tract by supporting the activity of prebiotics, which may enhance gut health and digestion.
A possible balancing impact of pineapple on the gut flora was discovered through a mouse study. The digestive enzymes in bromelain were blamed for the favorable outcomes.
While studies conducted in labs and on animals can be useful, human research on the effects of pineapple and bromelain on digestion is still required.
Might Reduce Pain
Bromelain has been used in complementary and alternative medicine for pain management.
There’s proof that bromelain improves circulation and lowers inflammation at the site of damage, which lessens pain. It’s believed to work via the pain-measuring hormone bradykinin.
According to other studies, bromelain may be helpful in treating pain associated with a number of illnesses, including osteoarthritis, neuropathy (pain in the nerves), and sports injuries.
For post-operative pain and inflammation, bromelain may also be beneficial. According to research, bromelain lessens pain and swelling following surgery.
All things considered, more extensive research is required in this field to learn more about how bromelain may lessen different kinds of pain.
Could Aid in Fatty Liver
The condition known as hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, is linked to fatty liver disease. Pineapple could lower this danger.
A rat study found that pineapple possesses cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant qualities.
For eight weeks, the rats in the study were fed a diet high in cholesterol along with pineapple. Rats fed pineapple showed lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in their blood and livers than rats fed a regular diet. In general, pineapple was linked to fewer fatty liver features.
Studies on animals and in the lab have produced comparable findings. Regretfully, there are currently no human research on pineapple’s effects on fatty liver.
Results from other lab and animal research have been comparable. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any human research done on pineapple for fatty liver yet.
The aforementioned study was carried out on animals, hence the findings should be regarded as preliminary.
Potentially Enhance Vascular Health
Your body’s vascular system is made up of your blood vessels, which include capillaries, veins, and arteries. Maintaining healthy vessels is crucial for blood flow and circulation.
Pineapple can help blood arteries become less clogged with lipids and cholesterol, which can enhance vascular health.
In one study, rats on a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks had fewer structural alterations in their aortas due to pineapple consumption. Due to less blood vessel tension, rats that ate pineapple were also found to have improved vascular function.
According to the results of another rat study, pineapple has lipid-lowering and antioxidant qualities that are beneficial to vascular health.
Again, though, very little is known about how pineapple affects human vascular health. Although the outcomes of these rat trials are encouraging, further investigation is required.
Potentially Lower Inflammation
Studies conducted on animals and in labs suggest that pineapple may lessen inflammation.
Many research conducted in test tubes have revealed that the bioactive compound bromelain, which is contained in pineapples, inhibits inflammation. Scientists aren’t clear how bromelain accomplishes this, though.
Rats that consume pineapple have also been linked to decreased inflammation.
In one study, rats were given a high-cholesterol diet along with pineapple for eight weeks. In rats on a high-cholesterol diet, the pineapple decreased inflammatory markers that would typically be observed. Based on these findings, pineapple might have a heart-protective benefit.
More investigation is needed to demonstrate that these effects can also occur in people, not only rats.
Pineapple Safety
Although it’s generally thought to be harmless, certain folks may need to limit or avoid pineapple entirely.
An allergy to pineapple or to the bioactive component bromelain is conceivable, however uncommon. If you have a pineapple or bromelain allergy, stay away from them.
If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, hives, or itching indicative of a severe allergic response, get medical help right away.
You may encounter adverse consequences from eating pineapple or bromelain even if you are not sensitive to them. This could be particularly valid if you own an excess of. Overconsumption of bromelain might result in the following symptoms:
- Vomiting and nausea
- The diarrhea
- Palpitations in the heart
- Upset stomach
- Appetite decline
- Headache
- Pain in the muscles
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling sleepy
- Sluggishness
When taking bromelain when nursing or pregnant, exercise caution. The safety of bromelain during pregnancy and lactation is uncertain.
There could be interactions between amoxicillin and bromelain.Additionally, there is worry that bromelain and blood thinners can interact, but further study is required to validate this possibility.
For pineapple or bromelain, there can be extra safety measures and interactions. Before utilizing pineapple or bromelain, make sure to see a healthcare professional, especially if you are taking any medications or have a medical condition.
