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Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples. It’s a very effective meat tenderizer and an ideal marinade. This enzyme is believed to help with the digestion of proteins. Some bromelain appears to be absorbed by the body intact. However, like other enzymes, it is highly heat sensitive. Once cooked the enzyme lose its potency and doesn’t work anymore.

Bromelain is often marketed as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis. Some advertisements for the supplement claim that it can digest fat and can cause weight loss without diet or exercise. It’s also sold as a supplement to alleviate diabetic neuropathy. It’s one of the most popular supplements in Germany. Is this true? Or is it another fairy tale?

The History Behind Bromelain

Bromelain was used hundreds of years as a folk medicine to aid digestion and treat inflammation. The pineapple was one of the fruits that Christopher Columbus brought back to Spain with him in 1493. By 1600, this exotic fruit’s popularity was widespread in Europe.

Cancer Research

A small clinical trial was conducted on 16 breast cancer patients in Germany. The results revealed that it has a stimulatory effect on the immune system. But the study didn’t measure bromelain’s effect on survival.

There is no scientific data regarding bromelain’s ability to improve survival rates or quality of life among breast cancer patients. However, some studies show that bromelain reduced undesirable effects of some chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, it was discovered to act as a blood thinner which could enhance the effect of aspirin and other blood thinning drugs.

Results of laboratory studies revealed that bromelain extract induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells and hastened the maturation of monocytes of the immune system. Moreover, laboratory studies show that bromelain inhibits inflammation in melanoma.

These enzymes look promising! Nonetheless, there is a need for standardized extraction so that active ingredients are always the same from different bottles or supplements. If you’re taking any bromelain supplements inform your doctor since bromelain can interact with your current cancer medications or treatment.

Bottom line

If you’re fighting cancer, continue with your diet of 5 to10 servings of veggies and fruits every day, where you can included pineapple into. You can’t go wrong to exercise daily for 30 minutes to improve your chances and stay with our standard cancer care.