If you think that pineapple and red onions don’t go well together, we may change your mind. First, consider the word symbiosis, because things often work better and stronger when they are together than they do when separate. This article shows that extracts of pineapple (bromelain) and onion (N-acetylcysteine or NAC) both work to reduce gastrointestinal cancers. In fact, they yield better results when together.
Bromelain powdered extract contains a large amount of digestive enzymes and has been previously shown to be anticancer. NAC is the precursor of the important detoxifying enzyme glutathione. Both are inexpensive and safe.
A number of gastrointestinal cancers in cell culture were tested against the anticancer effect of a combination of NAC and bromelain. Together, they were able to prevent cancer cell growth and actually increase the death of cancer cells. Furthermore, nearly all combinations of concentrations of the two had stronger anticancer effects than did either of the two alone.
CONCLUSION: Bromelain and NAC each have a number of anti-cancer properties of their own. However, they appear to have an even stronger effect in treatment of GI cancers together. That is symbiosis!
NOTE: Read on for a recipe that gives even more evidence for the benefits of the combination of pineapple and onion.
Pineapple Red Onion Salsa
- 2 cups fresh chopped pineapple
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 large tomato diced
- 1 small clove diced garlic
- 1 jalapeno, chopped finely (optional)
- ½ diced red onion
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Simply chop your ingredients and add them to a food processor. Then give the salsa just a quick pulse until it is blended yet still chunky – you definitely do not want a puree. After blending, refrigerate for a few hours and serve.
Summary #982. nutrientmedicine
PMID: 25425315.