Pineapple Bromelain

Pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain- which breaks down protein.

Derived from the stems of pineapple, Bromelain is a natural digestive enzyme derived from the stems of pineapple. As a natural digestive enzyme, Pineapple Bromelain helps digest protein in the gastrointestinal tract. In general, enzymes break down the nutritional components of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, making these nutrients available for the bodys energy needs, cell growth and other vital functions.

Pineapple Bromelain is present in all parts of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), but the stem is the most common commercial source, presumably because it is readily available after the fruit has been harvested. Pineapples have had a long tradition as a medicinal plant among the natives of South and Central America.

However, just eating pineapple will not give you a great deal of extra bromelain, because it is most highly concentrated in the stem, which is not nearly as tasty. Pineapple juice can thus be used as a marinade and tenderizer for meat.

Pineapple Enzyme Bromelain

The bromelain breaks down in the canning process, thus canned pineapple can generally be used with gelatin. The enzymes in pineapples can interfere with the preparation of some foods, such as jelly or other gelatin-based desserts. These bromelain enzymes can be hazardous to someone suffering from certain protein deficiencies or disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.