What is Bromelain?

11/7/2018

Last week we looked at pineapple and the nutritional differences between canned and fresh and mentioned that bromelain was only present in fresh pineapple. But what is bromelain?

• Bromelain is an enzyme mixture that breaks down proteins.

• Pineapple is the only natural food source of bromelain. Amounts are highest in the stem.

• It’s also available as a supplement and can be taken orally or used topically.

• Bromelain is typically taken for a short period of time to promote healing after surgery or trauma.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and bruising. It's helpful in breaking up scar tissue as well.

• Pineapple can be used as a powder or in marinades to tenderize meat, but don’t marinate for more than a day, as the bromelain’s ability to break down proteins is strong and will turn the meat to mush if left for too long. Several hours is ideal.

• This breakdown of proteins is why your mouth feels scorched after eating pineapple. The bromelain is destroying the tender insides of your mouth! The difference is your mouth’s cells regenerate, while a marinating cut of meat won’t regenerate.

• Temperatures of 150 degrees or more neutralize bromelain, stopping the tenderizing process.

SOURCES:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/pineapple-enzyme-tenderize-steak1.htm
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/bromelain

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Amanda is a mother of three (10, 7, and 5) and has been married for 14 years. My weight loss journey started July 17, 2008, one day after my daughter's first birthday. Tipping the scales at 235 pounds at 5'3, being an over weight, over tired, out of shape role model no longer appealed to me and I knew it was time for a change. Three pregnancies later, I had lost a total of 105 pounds. I had run 2 marathons and dozens of half marathons. Something was missing. I was thin, but I wasn't fit. I wasn't healthy. I could feel it in my insides. I was 136 pounds and a size 8. Something didn't add up. I got my certification in personal training, nutrition, weight management, and dove into supplementation and whole foods. 90 days later, I gained 10 pounds and lost two pants sizes (8 to a 4).

Continuing on this path, all of my clients wanted to know how I was doing it. I always dreamed of creating a business that truly added value to people and improved their health. My husband, Grant, and I decided it was time to take that leap.

December 9, 2016, Simply Prepped Meals was born. Based around the mission of providing whole food based nutrition to people's doorsteps, we set out to create a new idea that fast food didn't have to be expensive or bad for you. Six months later, we built our permanent location in Cynthiana, IN. Then, January 2, 2018, we entered into a partnership with the YMCA of Southern Indiana to continue spreading the word of meal prep and eating with purpose.

Amanda coaches individually as well as continues to drive their business. Any questions about personal coaching can be directed to her at [email protected]

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