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Enzymes are proteins that help speed up metabolism, or the chemical reactions in our bodies.
They build some substances and break others down. All living things have enzymes. Our bodies
naturally produce enzymes. But enzymes are also in manufactured products and food.
The enzyme pepsin, for example, is a critical component of gastric juices, helping to break down
food particles in the stomach. Likewise, the enzyme amylase, which is present in saliva,
converts starch into sugar, helping to initiate digestion. In medicine, the enzyme thrombin is
used to promote wound healing.
Enzymes are commonly named by adding a suffix “-ase” to the root name of the
substrate molecule they will naturally be acting upon. For example, Lipase catalyzes the
hydrolysis of lipids, they break down the molecule with the help of water; Sucrase
catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose
Digestive enzymes are proteins your body makes to help break down
the food you eat into usable nutrients that are absorbed from the
digestive tract and used throughout the body.* Here are 10 cool facts
you may not know about enzymes!
1. Enzymes play an important role in every function in the human
body. The protein-based substances are involved in eating,
digestion, breathing, kidney and liver function, reproduction,
elimination and more.
2. Several places in your digestive system secrete enzymes. They
include the mouth, stomach, pancreas and cells of the small
intestine—even your gut bacteria secrete digestive enzymes.
3. Enzymes help with nutrient absorption. They help break down
foods in the digestive tract by breaking apart the bonds that hold
nutrients together—nutrients that will be absorbed so the body
can use them for energy and other important functions.
4. Different types of enzymes for different types of foods. Proteins,
fats and carbohydrates are the most basic foods the body breaks
down and absorbs; the enzymes protease, lipase and amylase are
made by the body for this purpose.
5. Diet and lifestyle make a big difference. A healthy diet and
exercise will help promote healthy enzyme production in the
body.
6. Humans used to get a LOT more enzymes from their diet. In the
past, humans consumed plenty of raw foods to help re-supply the
digestive tract with beneficial enzymes, but today most of the
foods we eat are cooked or heavily processed—both of which
deplete natural enzymes. What’s more, because even the raw
foods we eat are typically transported and refrigerated, their
natural enzyme content is lowered even further.
7. Enzyme production decreases with age. As we age, our bodies
produce less protease, lipase and amylase, which means
digestion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates may be impaired as
we get older.
8. There are several digestive enzymes the human body
lacks. These include cellulase and phytase, the enzymes needed
to break down cellulose (plant fiber) and the phytates/phytic acid
found in beans and legumes. Because of this deficiency, many
people have trouble breaking down starchy beans, legumes and
nuts to absorb their beneficial nutrients.
9. Plant-derived enzymes are effective over a broader pH range in
the body. For this reason, a plant-based digestive enzyme
supplement is often recommended to help break down a wide
variety of foods—including proteins, fats, dairy, carbs and
sugars.*
10. Kids benefit from enzymes too! Taken with meals, enzymes
are great way to support digestive health and help little tummies
break down a broad range of foods.*
by Renew Life
Posted in:Probiotics and HealthDigestive EnzymesGeneral
HealthDigestive Health
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