Natural Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes are protein molecules that act as catalyst to carry out multiple metabolic activities. They breakdown complex molecules of the body into simple substances. Complex molecules like proteins, fats and carbohydrates are broken down by the enzymatic action into simple substances, that can be excreted by the body easily. The digestive enzymes present in our body is also found in vegetables and fruits. The class of digestive enzymes occurring naturally are known as natural digestive enzymes. Consumption of these foods assist the digestive system of our body to break down other compounds inside the body.

The benefits of digestive enzymes are mainly associated with metabolic activities. The digestive enzymes are broadly categorized into three groups. They are mentioned below.

• Proteolytic Enzymes: The enzyme protease helps to breakdown protein into amino acids.
• Amylolytic Enzymes: The enzyme amylase helps to degrade carbohydrate and starch molecules into simple sugars.
• Lipolytic Enzymes: The enzyme lipase helps in degradation of fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol.

Apart from the main groups there are other categories of natural digestive enzymes, that help in multiple activities. They are enlisted below.

• Cellulase
• Lactase
• Invertase
• Bromelain
• Somazyne
• Amyloglucosidase
• Maltodextrin
• Acid Proteases
• Papain

These enzymes enhance metabolism and help in proper digestion of food. It also eliminates stomach pain, bloating, abdominal cramps and indigestion. It also helps to reduce weight by breaking down fat molecules. The best ones are present in certain food varieties, which when consumed affects the activity of the digestive system by increasing absorption, utilization and assimilation of food. It helps to reduce toxic effects of certain foods by eliminating free radicals from body. Some enzymes also have an anti-oxidant activity that purifies blood. You shall come to know about them in the following content.

Foods with Natural Digestive Enzymes

Vegetables and fruits that contain digestive enzymes must form a part of regular diet. When consumed with other foods, they catalyze the digestion process. The natural enzymes are equally powerful as chemical tables or syrups containing digestive enzymes. Therefore, increased intake of these substances is capable of maintaining normal metabolic activity of body. People who suffer from health disorders can increase the intake of such foods laden with such enzymes.

Papaya
Papaya is a natural source of protease enzyme. The enzyme present in the pulp of papaya fruit is papain. Papain is also known as cleansing enzyme as it improves texture of skin. This enzyme is found abundantly in the latex of the tree. The latex is toxic to health. Therefore, the enzyme is extracted by industrial process and is commercially sold as tablets. It's also used to tenderize meat. It's a digestive aid tablet that helps to breakdown a protein rich meal. However, eating too much papaya elevates the level of papain in body that can further be harmful to the body. The side effects can be indigestion, nausea, bloating and diarrhea.

Kiwifruit
The proteolytic enzyme present in kiwifruit is known as actinidin. Kiwifruit is popularly known as Chinese gooseberry that helps in digestion of protein rich foods. The activity of actinidin is similar to that of bromelain and papain enzyme. It acts as a catalyst for protein digestion. The goodness of kiwi fruit is not much explored as people might have allergic reaction associated with actinidin. It can also cause diarrhea and nausea. Consume only if you are not sensitive to actinidin.

Pineapple
Pineapple is a great source of enzyme bromelain. It's a protease enzyme that helps in breakdown of protein molecules. Fresh pineapple pulp is a natural source of bromelain. However, herbal companies that sell this product perform extraction of enzyme from pineapple parts and are sold as tablets or pills. Many organic food stores supply pineapple products containing bromelain to cure arthritis. It also acts as an antioxidant for body.

Although enzymes like catalase and pectinase are present in potatoes, tomatoes and apples, they are not of much digestive aid. The natural digestive enzymes present in aforementioned list of foods, are often utilized for digestive-enzyme therapy. Intake of these foods in moderation is very useful for people suffering from indigestion, constipation and gastritis disorders. Digestive enzymes side effects are observed only when they are consumed in excess, everyday. Sprouts, nuts and beans also contain beneficial digestive enzymes. To get maximum benefits, consume the fruits and vegetables either raw or boiled.