Pectinase

Commonly found in many fruits such as bananas and apples, pectinase plays a key role not only in the digestive processes, but also, and perhaps more importantly, in total physical well-being and anti-aging.
Pectin is a type of fiber that makes up the cell wall of many types of fruits and vegetables. It is composed of long polysaccharides that form a gelatinous substance in the center of the plant cell wall and between plant cells. It occurs primarily in the non-woody parts of plants, which, of course, are the parts that most likely to be consumed.
Pectin is a part of our diet not only because of its presence in the fruits and vegetable, but it is also used extensively as a gelling and thickening agent in processed foods, particularly as a thickener in jams and jellies. Pectinase, along with cellulase and hemicellulase, helps with the digestion of plant based foods, increasing their nutritional and prebiotic value.
During the ripening process plants generally use pectinase to hydrolyze (break down) some of the pectin in and between the cell walls making the cell walls weaker, and therefore soft and edible. This means that when you test an apple or tomato at the grocery store or, even better, before plucking it out of the garden, you are actually checking in part to see if pectinase has become more active indicating that the fruit is ripe and ready to eat.
See also :

• Pectin
• Digestive Enzymes

Health Benefits and uses of Pectinase are

• Promotes Growth and Health of Intestinal Microbiota : Animal research using apple pectin, a widely used type in food processing, demonstrated impressive affects on beneficial gut bacteria including an increase in production of specific short chain fatty acids that provide ideal pH conditions for these bacteria. This is particularly promising since the human gut contains the same type of beneficial bacteria as noted in the research.
• Provides Fuel for Colon Lining : In addition to helping provide a hospitable environment for beneficial bacteria, fatty acids like butyrate help to provide a large percentage of the fuel necessary for the colon. This can positively influence mucosal blood flow, intestinal motility, and the permeability of the gut. Maintaining these aspects of intestinal health are paramount to guarding proper absorption and helping to reduce the threat of absorption of potential allergens through the gut.
• Increases Digestibility and Absorption of Plant-Foods : Animals studies show that adding pectinase to livestock feed can aid the digestive process in animals, allowing them better access to nutrients and minerals.