Pineapple tree (Ananas comosus) is a xerophytic plant; it can survive in an environment with little water, such as a desert or an ice- or snow-covered region. It is native to South America: North of Brazil, Central America and the Caribbean. It is known primarily for its edible fruit, which has a very pleasant smell when it is ripe.
Due to its proteolytic properties (it can breakdown proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids), pineapple juice can be used to tenderize meat; therefore its juice is not recommended in desserts with gelatin. The physicochemical properties of this tasty fruit strongly resemble those of citrus fruits, and cooks use it the same way, as an accompaniment to meat, fish or dessert. But most of the health benefits are obtained when consumed raw, according to research on fresh pineapple and cancer.
Pineapple is a very rich food when consumed fresh. It is very rich in manganese, containing mainly bromelain, which has many health benefits on blood circulation and cardiovascular disease. In all parts of pineapple found the enzyme bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that digest protein (proteolytic). This is why the fruit has been known and used for centuries in Central and South America to treat indigestion, reduce inflammation and prevent certain cancers. This also the reason behind certain claims, such as “pineapple enzyme cancer treatment”, you find on the internet.
Pineapple and Cancer, What Studies Find?
Clinical observations and several studies based on animals and cell models suggest that bromelain releases a protein that has a direct effect on cancer cells and their microenvironment. Therefore, it acts as a “selective cytotoxicity” to destroy malignant cells. But although you can get a small amounts in the juice sold on the market, it is mostly found in the stem and the fruit of the pineapple. It is therefore more beneficial for patients to buy and eat the fruit fresh at home.
In a study that compared the effect of bromelain to that of a chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorouracil, researchers realized, according to the tests carried out on the animals, that anti-cancer effect of bromelain is greater than that of 5-fluorouracil. Moreover, the enzyme is a natural compound; it has a property that only natural compounds may have: selective cytotoxicity, which can kill cancerous cells without affecting healthy cells, as the case of chemotherapy. In short, bromelain and cancer cells are ‘enemies’.
Nevertheless, although pineapple is a powerful anticancer fruit, it is also important for you to have a balanced diet, and consume especially raw foods that help the body to produce enzymes. Increasing your intake of other non GMO fruits and cruciferous vegetables is ideal. Berries of all types – blueberries, blackberries, strawberries – are great choice.
The Experience of Candice-Marie Fox with Pineapple and Thyroid Cancer
Candice-Marie Fox is a former supermodel who was diagnosed with a serious form of thyroid cancer a few years ago. She rejected the conventional medical treatments recommended by her oncologist and decided to go natural. She reported to have successfully eradicated the cancer by eating three pineapples a day. She states:
“When the doctors told me I would have to have chemotherapy I accepted it, but I didn’t feel good about it. It just didn’t sit well with me and I didn’t have peace about it. Then I began to study the effects that chemotherapy would have on my body and immune system, which explained my instinctive resistance. I remember thinking to myself, there’s got to be another way…”
She also said to The Daily Mail, “Like pineapple, kiwi and papaya – I found out that the bromelain eats away at a particular protein layer of the cancer in six months… the disease has gone, I am healed and I am grateful to have had a cancer that has made me the person I should be.”
Indeed, Candice-Marie was right. She has changed her diet and lifestyle in addition to eating the fruit. Her meals now consist mostly of pineapple, grapefruit, lemons, apples, kiwis and bananas. In addition to daily meditation, she also has removed all things she considered “toxic” in her life: chemicals, unhealthy stress, alcohol, meat, and others.
Precautions
Pineapple consumption causes the release of histamine in the body. In some people, this can cause the appearance of mild reactions, such as hives. It is important to note that these reactions are not allergic, but rather a food intolerance. Stopping the consumption of the fruit will stop the symptoms. The actual pineapple allergy is rare, although cases have been observed. Cross-reactivity is also possible with latex and pollen. People allergic to these two compounds may demonstrate hypersensitivity to pineapple and other fruits, such as kiwi and banana.
Individuals Intolerant or allergic to pineapples should avoid not only the consumption of the fruit, but also taking bromelain supplements. In case you experience any allergic reaction, it is recommended for you to consult an allergist to determine the cause of the reactions and tell you what precautions to take.
References
- Gorinstein S, Zemser M,et al.Comparative content of total polyphenols and dietary fiber in tropical fruits and persimmon. J Nutr Biochem. 10, 367-371. 1999. Ref Type: Journal (Full)
2. Szeto YT, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Total antioxidant and ascorbic acid content of fresh fruits and vegetables: implications for dietary planning and food preservation. Br J Nutr. 2002;87:55-59.
3. Maurer HR. Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001;58:1234-1245.
4. Ortega EV, Vazquez MI, et al. Most common allergens in allergic patients admitted into a third-level hospital. Rev Alerg Mex. 2004;51:145-150.
5. Reindl J, Rihs HP, et al. IgE reactivity to profilin in pollen-sensitized subjects with adverse reactions to banana and pineapple. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2002;128:105-114.
6. Chobotova K, Vernallis AB, Majid FA. Bromelain’s activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives. Cancer Lett 2010;290:148-56.
7. Brien S, Lewith G, et al. Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med2004;1:251-7.