Pineapple contains high levels of vitamin C, manganese, and the protein-digesting enzyme bromelain. Bromelain helps break down dietary proteins, making it useful for digestive comfort, especially after meals heavy in meat or other protein. The fruit's vitamin C and bromelain also support normal immune function and can ease muscle soreness that follows intense exercise.
People eat the fresh fruit or take it as a powder or bromelain extract. When targeting digestion, take the supplement on an empty stomach. For general nutrition, take it alongside food. Watch for allergic reactions if you have a known pineapple or bromelain sensitivity. Because bromelain can affect blood clotting, speak with a doctor before using high-dose supplements if you take blood-thinning drugs.