Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme mixture derived from the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. Many enzymes are broken down in the stomach, but the digestive enzyme bromelain is resistant to acidic conditions. Eating pineapple will not give you sufficient levels of bromelain to reap its benefits, that’s why many people find supplements useful.

This digestive enzyme has shown health benefits at doses as low as 160 milligrams (mg) a day. Research suggests doses of 750 to 1000 mg a day achieve effective levels in the body. This is usually split into more than one dose, such as 500 mg taken twice daily.

Potential health benefits can be:

• Helping those that suffer from cardiovascular disease including asthma
• Has anti-inflamatory properties which can aid those that suffer from osteoarthritis
• If used topically, it can be used to treat burns

It can be taken orally as a pill/ capsule but can also be used topically.