The Perfect Pineapple Prescription

And just like that it’s winter in the tropics with the arrival being marked by the sound of….coughing! This year in clinic I’m seeing more and more coughs that simply won’t give up. Keeping us awake, our family awake and making the neighbour’s dog bark in the middle of the night.
There’s plenty that can done but I really want to highlight a fruit we have in plentiful supply up here that is not only tasty but has the ability to help with our coughs. The pineapple, prickly and crowned with spikes, is the tastiest way I know to beat a cough! 

​Here’s how! Pineapple contains bromelain. In fact, it’s one of the richest sources of bromelain. Bromelain is a protein digesting enzyme that research shows to be an anti-inflammatory. This makes it perfect for those persistent coughs as well as sinus and hay-fever. Because it also has immune modulating properties and some anti-bacterial properties it is incredibly useful to support the immune system in its time of need. It even has the added benefit of increasing the absorption of anti-biotics should you need them.
Some of you will have noticed that I said anti inflammatory and straight away be thinking ‘what else is it good for?’. And indeed, you should as studies show it is also useful in cases of arthritis. I’m starting to feel like the Danos direct guy because truly…wait…there’s more! Post surgery ask for some pineapple because bromelian has been shown to reduce the number of days you experience post-surgical pain and inflammation. And bromelain can be useful for bout so diarrhoea as well. 

​Finally, pineapple contains an awesome amount of vitamin C making it a super anti-oxidant to mop up any free radicals in the body looking for cells to cause trouble with. It’s also the clean up crew!
The only question left is…when can you get some?!