Does Pineapple Have Medicinal Effects?

[Guest guest]

Today's QuestionPineapple is one of my favorite fruits, but when I eat too much,

my tongue starts to tingle. What's going on? Also, I hear that pineapples have

medicinal effects. Really?

 

-- Anonymous

Today's Answer(Published 07/18/2000)Pineapples are delicious, and they're good

for you, too. They are a good source of fiber, manganese (a mineral which aids

digestion), and bromelain (a group of anti-inflammatory enzymes). I wouldn't

worry too much about the tingling you feel in your tongue when you eat

pineapples. It probably means you have a mild allergy to bromelain. Some people

develop a rash and/or itching in response to the enzyme. You certainly don't

have to give up eating your favorite fruit, but do try to limit your intake to

an amount that doesn't bring on the tingling.

Even though the bromelain in pineapples may be responsible for your tingling

tongue, this group of enzymes has quite a long list of health benefits:

 

Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment

for severe bruises and hematomas. It can promote the healing of injuries

(including sprains and strains) and relieve pain, swelling, and tenderness.

 

 

Studies have also shown that bromelain can reduce postoperative swelling,

particularly the kind women experience after having episiotomies during

childbirth.

 

 

It can also help relieve symptoms associated with sinusitis.

 

 

It increases absorption of the antibiotic amoxicillin.

 

 

When it's combined with antibiotics and trypsin (an enzyme), it can also help

control the symptoms of urinary tract infections.

 

 

Other studies have suggested that bromelain can help relieve symptoms of

rheumatoid arthritis.

 

 

Results of several clinical trials indicate that bromelain acts as a blood

thinner and can help relieve the symptoms of angina and thrombophlebitis.

 

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme, so it isn't essential to human health. For this

reason, there is no such thing as a bromelain deficiency. Personally, I prefer

getting bromelain by eating fresh, ripe pineapple -- but taking it as a

supplement is fine. You can get bromelain supplements in health stores. Although

you may see recommendations to take 3,000 MCU (milk clotting units) daily, I

recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three times a day. Take it on an empty

stomach at least ninety minutes before (or three hours after) eating.

 

http://www.drweil.com

 

 

 

 

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