Pineapple for Digestive Health

Research suggests that pineapple may offer digestive health benefits through two distinct mechanisms: the proteolytic enzyme bromelain and the fermentable fiber found in the fruit's flesh. A rat study found that bromelain extract helped restore bowel function after abdominal surgery by reducing inflammatory signaling, while a laboratory fermentation study indicated that pineapple fiber, like other tropical fruit fibers, is broken down by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids considered beneficial for colon health. The available evidence comes from animal and laboratory studies rather than human clinical trials, which meaningfully limits what can be concluded about real-world digestive benefits for people. Additionally, a 2024 analytical study raised product quality concerns, finding that commercial pineapple bromelain supplements often contain largely inactive enzyme, suggesting that the theoretical benefits of bromelain may not reliably translate through available supplement products.