Family:

Bromeliaceae

 

Part Used:

Fruit and leaves.

 

Energetics & Taste:

Sweet, sour, and cooling/hydrating.

 

Habitat:

Native to South America and cultivated in the tropics worldwide.

 

Key Benefits:

Pineapple is rich in the enzyme bromelain and high in vitamins A and C, contributing to its numerous health benefits. The unripe and ripe fruit can improve digestion, relieve gas and bloating, and stimulate appetite. Bromelain, an antibacterial enzyme, helps reduce acne caused by bacteria. “In a 12-week study, 11 participants who used a pineapple extract cream twice daily experienced significant reductions in skin irritation, melasma (sunspots), and oil production compared to a placebo”. The vitamin C in pineapple also boosts collagen production, which is beneficial for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and damaged skin.

Additionally, bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin redness and irritation. It also acts as a keratolytic, exfoliating the skin by removing dead cells and smoothing its surface. Another study showed significant improvement in individuals with the skin disorder pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) after using bromelain for just three months.

 

Contraindications:

None known.