Pineapple

What is it

Pineapple, scientific name Ananas comosus, is a plant of the bromeliad family, native to the tropical forests of Central America and now cultivated in almost all countries with tropical and subtropical climates.

It uses the fresh fruit and the stem, rich in enzymatic components known as bromelain.

Activities

It is a plant very rich in enzymes and organic acids to which we owe most of the activities.

Bromelain, consisting of a set of enzymes, gives pineapple digestive characteristics since it is able to degrade even very complex proteins.

In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous action, especially on soft tissues, and has mucolytic activity.

Organic acids (citric, malic and oxalic acid) confer a diuretic action that actively fights fluid retention.

If you want to know more about how to deal with edema and hematomas, read this in-depth article.

Why is it used

It is used both to relieve digestive problems of any origin, and in the treatment of cellulite for its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

It is also used to treat sinusitis in children: in several studies it has been shown to be effective and to have no relevant side effects.

How to use it

The most widely used formulation is the nebulized dry extract and titrated in enzymatic units (minimum 150 gdu/g).

You can take about 10-13 mg per kg of body weight, twice a day before or after main meals, depending on whether you use it as an anti-inflammatory or as a digestive.

Since it is effective even in small doses, it is recommended to start with the minimum dosage and possibly increase it later. There are no specific dosages recommended for children.

Effects

To those who are hypersensitive, pineapple can give allergic type reactions. Usually the event is more common in people allergic to bee venom, latex, papain, pollen and grasses. In such individuals, therefore, it is recommended to use it with caution.

The most common adverse events are stomach pain and diarrhea. More rarely, vomiting, irritation of the mucous membranes and menstrual disorders were observed.

Precautions

Pineapple extract is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation because there are not enough safety studies: there is a theoretical risk of bleeding that could cause uterine bleeding.

Interactions

Pineapple extract may interact with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding such as certain NSAIDs, warfarin, heparin, antiplatelet agents.

It should be used with caution in combination with herbs and supplements with anticoagulant activity, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic.

It also seems to be able to increase the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and tetracyclines.

Nutritional values

100 g of pineapple contains: