The Importance of Enzymes & Foods That Contain Natural Digestive Enzymes

We have been hearing people talking about enzymes, but do you know what it means to each of us? 

Let's say that enzymes serve as the body's labor force to perform every single function required for our daily activities. They are required to keep us alive! To a considerable extent, enzymes are responsible for your health. Enzymes are needed for every chemical reaction in your body and are connected to every organ in your body. They run all of your life processes. They are catalysts required by your body to digest food and ensure the delivery of vitamins and minerals. They work within the cells to regulate detoxification and produce energy.

Enzymes from a plant-based source become active when they enter the body, whereas animal sources are only active within the small intestine in an alkaline setting. Ideally, an enzyme product would include the following: peptidase, papain, amylase, lactase, malt diastase, bromelain, cellulase, lipase, betain, and pancreatin. These enzymes ensure the assimilation of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and can help the body by supporting gall bladder function, reducing inflammation, decreasing lactose intolerance, and aiding general indigestion.

Here are 10 foods that contain natural digestive enzymes: 

1. Pineapple

Pineapples contain a group of digestive enzymes called bromelain, which helps break down proteins into amino acids. Bromelain is also available as a supplement.

2. Papaya

Papayas contain the digestive enzyme papain, which breaks down proteins into building blocks, including amino acids. Make sure to eat papayas ripe and uncooked, as high heat can destroy their digestive enzymes.

3. Mango

Mangoes contain amylase's digestive enzyme, which breaks down carbs from starch (a complex carb) into glucose and maltose. Amylase also helps mangoes ripen.

4. Honey

Honey contains a variety of digestive enzymes, including diastase, amylase, invertase, and protease. Just make sure to purchase raw honey, as it is not exposed to high heat. Processed honey may be heated, which destroys digestive enzymes.

5. Banana

Bananas contain amylases and glucosidases, two enzymes that digest complex starches into easily absorbed sugars. They are more active as bananas ripen, so yellow bananas are much sweeter than green bananas.

6. Avocado

Avocados contain the digestive enzyme lipase, which breaks down fat molecules into smaller fatty acids and glycerol. Although the body makes lipase, consuming avocados or taking a lipase supplement may ease digestion after a high-fat meal.

7. Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit contains the digestive enzyme actinidain, which helps digest proteins. Moreover, consuming kiwifruit may ease digestive symptoms like bloating and constipation.

8. Ginger

Ginger contains the digestive enzyme zingibain, which is a protease. It may aid digestion by helping food move faster through the digestive tract and boosting the body's production of digestive enzymes.

9. Apricot

Apricots contain invertase, a digestive enzyme that helps break down the stone fruit's sugar and deliver quick energy to your body's cells. 

10. Mushroom

Mushrooms are another great source of digestive plant enzymes. A popular mushroom full of enzymes is shitake mushrooms. The mushrooms contain lignocellulolytic enzymes, which help with glucose digestion.

When are enzyme supplements needed?

If your body doesn't make enough digestive enzymes, it can't digest food well. That can mean stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, or other painful symptoms.

Some digestive disorders prevent your body from making enough enzymes, such as:

Lactose intolerance. When your small intestine doesn't make enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the natural sugar in milk called lactose, with a shortage of lactase, lactose in dairy products that you eat travels straight to your colon instead of getting absorbed into your body. It then combines with bacteria and causes uncomfortable stomach symptoms.

Conclusion 

Enzymes are crucial for good health. Your body produces them. You can also get them in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. They're also available in supplements. If your body still makes the digestive enzymes you need, then taking a supplement of them won't help or hurt your health—it'll just lighten your wallet. 

If you have a chronic disease such as cancer or your doctor has told you that you lack certain nutrients, then be sure to discuss whether to take supplements and what kind you should take.