Digestive Enzymes

See also :

• Enzymes
• Proteolytic Enzymes

Types of Degestive Enzymes

• protease : Proteases split complex proteins into their essential amino acid building blocks, which can then be absorbed as nutrition for virtually all functions in the body.
• Papain is a kind of protease which comes from papaya, is so effective in digesting proteins that it is often used as a meat tenderizer.
• Amylase breaks down carbohydrates like starch and glycogen into simple sugars that the body uses for fuel. They can also help reduce food cravings and increase blood sugar
• Lipase breaks apart the fats you consume from meats, poultry, dairy products, oils and nuts, and promote healthy fat utilization. Lipases are needed to assimilate fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, and they help reduce cholesterol and support weight loss as well.
• Cellulase : Cellulases break down fiber (cellulose) into smaller components that promote intestinal and cardiovascular health. The body doesn’t produce cellulase, so it’s vital to get enough through dietary or supplemental sources.
• Lactase breaks down lactose, the milk sugar found in all dairy products, so it can be a big plus for anyone with lactose intolerance.
• Bromelain, which comes from pineapple, is a miracle enzyme. It digests protein. It burns 900 times its weight in fat. And it's amazingly beneficial for the body as a whole once it gets into the bloodstream -- particularly in terms of reducing inflammation and swelling in joints.
• Pancreatin
• Pepsin
• Invertase is a carbohydrate that targets sugars like sucrose and maltose, and is especially useful for people with sugar intolerances.
• Maltase targets carbohydrates including malt and grain sugars as well as simple and complex sugars.
• Glucoamylase breaks apart polysaccharides which are long-chain carbohydrates, and is particularly beneficial as a digestive aid.
• Alpha-galactosidase : This carbohydrase is especially useful for digesting raw vegetables and beans. It targets carbohydrates like raffinose and stachyose.
• Phytase helps break down carbohydrates like phytic acid that are predominant in leafy foods, and helps with the absorption with minerals.
• Pectinase is named for its role in breaking down the carbohydrate pectin which is found in many fruits and vegetables.
• Hemicellulase targets polysaccharides which are carbohydrates found in plants, and is another very useful enzyme for people who have trouble digesting vegetables of any kind.
• Xylanase : This enzyme is another form of hemicellulase which contributes by breaking down soluble fiber in the diet.
• Beta-glucanase : This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates like glucan found in oats, barley, and wheat. It is recommended for people who have problems digesting grain-based foods.