Glucoamylase

Glucoamylase (also known as amyloglucosidase) is a type of digestive enzyme that cleaves or breaks off a free glucose molecule from the complex sugar-based chains that form starch or from the simpler sugar, maltose. The glucose that is freed can then be used as a source of energy for the body. Glucoamylase helps to break down starch that occurs naturally in most vegetables that we eat (in very high amounts in common foods like potatoes, corn, rice, and wheat) or is added as filler or processing additive in many prepared food products. It is a specific type of amylase (starch-digesting enzyme) that our bodies produce in the mouth and pancreas, but it may also be derived from non-animal sources. Glucoamylase is often described separately from amylase because it digests starches in a particular way, removing free glucose molecules from the end of the starchy chains rather than simply breaking these longer chains simply into smaller chains. It is part of an extremely important group of enzymes that allow us to absorb nutrients and create energy from some of the most common plant foods that we eat.
See also :

• Digestive Enzymes
• Amylase

Health Benefits and uses of Glucoamylase are

Every day, human beings eat large amounts of starches, and while these carbohydrates have some nutritional value, they cannot be absorbed or digested by the body without the help of enzymes. Glucoamylase is one type of enzyme that can break down these starches into glucose, which is absorbable and usable. This helps take the heavy load off of our digestive processes, reducing many common digestive upsets such as heaviness, lethargy, bloating, gas and loose stools. Here are some of the health benefits of Glucoamylase.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome : This enzyme, when combined with other enzymes has been shown to aid in easing the negative effects of irritable bowel syndrome. This double-blind, crossover study shows the efficacy of enzymes such as glucoamylase in optimizing digestion. Participants who ate a high-calorie, high-fat meal took digestive enzymes, and other placebo group participants did not. Their gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded over a period of 17 hours, and it was found that people taking the enzymes had statistically significantly reduction in bloating, flatulence, and the sensation of fullness.
• Digestive Upset & Gastrointestinal Issues : Another double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial found that enzymes containing glucoamylase helped decrease negative digestive upset in a group of hospital patients who had gastrointestinal troubles, over an 8 week period. The enzymes helped the patients reduce such common symptoms as nausea, vomiting, gas, heartburn, bloating and loss of appetite.
• Autoimmune Conditions : Studies show that glucoamylase combined with other enzymes can also lower autoimmunity responses. In the case of autoimmune diseases, antigens and antibodies, when not cleared out over time, can create tissue damage in the body. This can lead to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and some types of kidney disease. Some research suggests that enzymes can influence the immune system in beneficial ways.
• May Help Digestive Organs : Studies on animals show a clear link that supplemental enzymes reduce the load on digestive organs. Animal experiments show that enzymes create healthier intestinal brush borders and better nutrient absorption capacities in turkeys, mice and pigs.
• May Help Balance Blood Sugar : A recent 2009 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, laboratory studies found that glucoamylase plays a key role in starch digestion and in balancing blood sugar around meals in mice.
• May Help Reduce Food Allergies : Preliminary research suggests that enzymes like glucoamylase may help reduce food allergies. Specifically, carbohydrates like glucoamylase were beneficial in lowering allergies to several different foods.