ALL FOR THE LOVE OF PINEAPPLE- BROMELAIN
Pineapple contains Bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme that
naturally helps break down foods so they are easily digestible.
Bromelain also helps clear mucous and infections in the
sinus
Bromelain
is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples.
Called a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain is believed to help with the digestion
of protein.
Some
bromelain appears to be absorbed by the body intact, so it's also thought to
have effects outside the digestive tract. In fact, bromelain is often marketed
as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis. It's one of
the most popular supplements in Germany, where it is approved by the Commission
E for the treatment of inflammation and swelling of the nose and sinuses
due to surgery or injury.
Bromelain
is typically extracted from pineapples and made into capsule or tablet form.
Because it's able to digest protein, bromelain is available in some grocery
stores as a meat tenderizer. A topical form of bromelain is also being explored
experimentally for burns.
When
used for as a digestive aid, bromelain is usually taken with meals. When used
for inflammatory conditions, practitioners typically recommend taking bromelain
between meals on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
Why Do People Use Bromelain
1) Surgery and Injuries
There is
some evidence that bromelain supplements may reduce swelling, bruising,
inflammation and pain after surgery and injury. In Germany, bromelain has been
approved for these uses by the Commission E since 1993. Large, well-designed
studies are needed, because not all studies have confirmed these results.
2) Sinusitis
Bromelain
has been suggested as a complementary treatment for sinusitis. Preliminary
studies suggest that it may help reduce congestion, improve breathing and
suppress coughing. It's approved by the Commission E as a complementary
treatment for nasal and sinus swelling and inflammation after ear, nose and
throat surgery. A review of three small but well-designed previously published
studies found that bromelain may help relieve sinusitis symptoms.
3) Digestion
Bromelain
is a popular natural digestive aid due to it's ability to digest proteins. It's
used for bloating, gas and other digestive symptoms and for conditions such as
irritable bowel syndrome. Bromelain is often used alone or in combination with
other enzymes such as lipase, which digests fats, and amylase, which digests
starch. There is little research, however, on the safety or effectiveness of
bromelain for digestion.
4) Osteoarthritis
Bromelain
may help with mild pain associated with osteoarthritis. It's a common
ingredient in nutritional supplements marketed as a natural pain remedy for
arthritis. Large, well-designed studies are needed to see if it is effective
and to find out about possible side effects.
5) Cancer
Bromelain
and other proteolytic enzymes have been explored as a complementary treatment
for cancer. Although there is some preliminary research, there isn't enough
evidence at this time on the safety or effectiveness of bromelain for cancer.
It should never be used in place of conventional treatment.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Some of
the more common side effects of bromelain include indigestion, nausea and
diarrhea. Other side effects may include vomiting, increased heart rate, drowsiness
and abnormal uterine bleeding or heavy menstruation.
Bromelain
has resulted in allergic reactions and asthma symptoms, including breathing
problems, tightness in the throat, skin hives, rash or itchy skin. People with
allergies to pineapples should avoid bromelain. Allergic reactions may also
occur in people with allergies to latex, carrot, celery, fennel, rye, wheat,
papain, bee venom or grass, birch or cypress pollens.
People
with peptic ulcers should not use bromelain. People with other digestive
disorders should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using
bromelain.
Theoretically,
bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people with bleeding disorders
and those taking medication that can increase the risk of bleeding should only
use bromelain under the supervision of their physician. It should not be taken
two weeks before or after dental procedures or surgery.
The
safety of bromelain in pregnant or nursing women, children or people with liver
or kidney disease isn't known.
Possible Drug and Herb Interactions
People
taking "blood-thinners" (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication),
such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix),
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil),
naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use bromelain under a physician's
supervision. It should also be used with caution by people taking herbs and
supplements that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding, such as ginkgo
biloba and garlic.
Studies
suggest bromelain may also increase the absorption of other medications, such
as:
·
amoxicillin,
tetracycline and other antibiotics
·
chemotherapy drugs
such as 5-fluorouracil and vincristine
·
"ACE
inhibitor" blood pressure medications such as captopril (Capoten) and
lisinopril (Zestril)
·
medications that
cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam
(Valium), some antidepressants, narcotics such as codeine, and barbituates such
as phenobarbitol.
PINEAPPLE SALSA
Ingredients:
1cup fresh or
1 can pineapple chunks
1 onion (diced)
1 Red bell pepper (diced)
1 Green bell pepper (diced)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons coriander leaves (chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 jalapeno pepper (optional)
salt (to taste)
Step 1: Combine pineapple, red bell pepper, onion, and green bell pepper in a bowl and mix.
Step 2: Add in cayenne pepper, coriander leaves, and lemon juice. Mix well. Let refrigerate until ready to serve.
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