don't protease me

I stumbled upon a bit of information that is definitely worth sharing. It seems that pineapple can be hazardous to those diagnosed with EDS. More specifically the proteolytic enzyme bromelain that is found in the fruit and in higher concentrate in the stem. At first glance you might think that bromelain is the magic cure for many of the problems associated with EDS. Do a quick web search and you will see a laundry list of ailments it can be taken for and more than one advertisement that promotes the pill form of bromelain as a cure for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. What they fail to mention is that bromelain is a protease enzyme....a protein digesting enzyme. EDS is a defect of the major structural protein in our bodies known as collagen. Duh! Even the pineapple growers of Hawaii list a warning on their web site against eating pineapple if you have EDS or a number of other ailments. Take note that meat tenderizer is made from bromelain too and similar enzymes can be found in papaya, mango,and kiwi fruit.
You can still eat pineapple if you follow one rule. Only eat it if it has been canned. Seems the heat from the canning process kills the enzyme. Good to know I can still have pineapple upside down cake. A small but tasty victory!