Bromelain is an enzyme that works to break down the protein in food. It can be found in pineapple and pineapples and is often extracted to make bromelain supplements which help with sinus inflammation, swelling, joint pain, and digestion, among other benefits.
The way bromelain breaks down protein is by breaking down the bonds in these proteins into smaller components known as amino acids. This makes protein more easily digestable for your body.
Bromelain has benefits that go beyond digestion, however. It’s thought to have anti-inflammatory effects, in particular on sinuses and nasal cavities. For this reason, some people use it to help reduce nasal swelling, allergic rhinitis, and excess mucus.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities, bromelain is also commonly supplemented for combating arthritis, psoriasis, and joint pain symptoms. This makes it useful for both people who had an injury and those who suffer from ongoing, chronic inflammation.
- But to stay within the scope of this article, bromelain is best-known for its ability to break down protein. It is known as a protease enzyme which breaks down bonds in proteins to render them into smaller molecules which are easily digestible. If you’re someone who has problems with digestion and the inability to absorb nutrients efficiently, bromelain is one of the first supplements you may want to try.
Additional benefits include:
- Easing stomach pain and cramps
- Improves skin healing
- Promotes gum healing thought to help ease the stomach spasms and cramps that are often associated with irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to that, bromelain improves stomach function and relieves stomach pain.
The process through which bromelain works is called proteolysis, breaking down proteins into smaller parts. Bromelain can even assist in wound healing by reducing swelling and pain associated with the injury.