Dr. Oz: Pineapple Benefits
Dr. Oz talked about the benefits of pineapples for bruising, swelling, and pain. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain. Pineapples have been used for centuries to help digestion and treat inflammation. Today, we know it’s the bromelain that gives the fruit its healing properties. Bromelain is concentrated in the stem. It can relax muscles, reduce swelling, and soothe minor burns. You can eat pineapple or take bromelain as a supplement to reap the benefits.
Dr. Oz talked about the health benefits of the enzyme bromelain, found in pineapples, which can help treat joint pain, swelling, minor burns, and bruising. (Imageman / Shutterstock.com)
Dr. Oz talked to Dr. Pina LoGuidice, who said many studies show that bromelain is very effective as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It also doesn’t have side effects on the stomach and nervous symptom you see in other pain relievers.
Dr. Oz: Bromelain for Bruising and Swelling
If you have bruising and swelling, the best way to take bromelain is a supplement. Dr. LoGuidice also recommends her patients keep it in their medicine cabinet, because you never know when you might need it.
Dr. Oz showed an animation of a person running and stumbling, spraining their ankle. When you sprain your ankle, the blood vessels get larger and fluid is released, causing irritation, redness, and swelling. Bromelain helps the body remove the fluid and the swelling.
If you take bromelain as a supplement for bruising and swelling, take about 500 milligrams three times a day. If it doesn’t go down in a couple of days, increase it to 1,000 milligrams three times a day. If you’re on antibiotics, blood pressure medication, or a blood thinner, talk to your physician before taking it.
Dr. Oz: Bromelain to Treat Burns
If you have a minor burn, you can use bromelain cream. The cream helps your body remove the damaged tissue and repair the skin. After putting the cream on, cover it with gauze. Treat the burn with the bromelain cream until it’s healed.
Dr. Oz: Bromelain for Joint Pain
Dr. LoGuidice also said bromelain can help treat joint pain. The best way to use it for joint pain is to eat 1/2 cup pineapple every day. Not only will you get the bromelain, you’ll also get vitamin C, which increases collagen and helps the joints be stronger.
Irene Vandersteen says
does bromelain also help for lost off bone mass in the gums, I lost my teeth when I was 30, and now have no gums left on the bottom, they put 2 post in, but lost one, and now they put an other one in, had to go deeper to find bone, and built up bone mass, it is now in the healing process and do not know what my next move is.