3. Aids digestion
Pineapples aid digestion through a set of enzymes called bromelain. Bromelain breaks down protein molecules into smaller building blocks that include amino acids and peptides.
Once broken down, parts of the protein are more easily absorbed by the small intestine. The enzyme is also used in commercial meat tenderizers because of its impressive ability to break down proteins.
Although this makes digestion easier for everyone, bromelain’s effect can be especially helpful for people with pancreatic insufficiency.
That condition occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes, and studies show that patients experienced improved digestion when bromelain was added to their normal digestive enzyme supplement.