Bromelain is a protein digesting enzyme found in pineapple. The purpose of the enzyme is to break down the plant proteins within the cells as a function of the fruit ripening. Other fruits also contain similar enzymes, but in pineapple the enzymes are in particularly high concentrations. Humans can take advantage of bromelain because it has been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activity. The anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain relate to its ability to activate some potentially damaging inflammatory mediators, whilst inhibiting others, shifting the balance of inflammation towards a healthy regenerative state. Its ability to break down blood clots and reduce thrombosis and platelet aggregation likely relates directly to its proteolytic activity. Eating pineapple provides a significant amount of bromelain, but this comes with the addition of the sugar in the fruit, and some might not want to eat large amounts of fruit to benefit from the effects of bromelain. Therefore supplements of bromelain are one solution that may provide all of the benefits without any additional energy.
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