FOODS THAT CONTAIN NATURAL DIGESTIVE ENZYMES-min

FOODS THAT CONTAIN NATURAL DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

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We often wonder how our bodies are affected by the foods we eat. Various foods contribute differently to the nutrition and nourishment of our bodies. Were here to discuss food and natural digestive enzymes.

Digestive enzymes refer to proteins that break down food molecules into a smaller building block that enable easy absorption through the gut lining, providing energy for repair and growth. Digestive enzymes are essential since they help break down proteins, vitamins, carbs, and fats into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. There are three digestive enzymes; Amylase is responsible for breaking down carbs like starch into simple sugars. Lipases break down fat into glycerol molecules and three fatty acids while Proteases break down protein into amino acids. Some enzymes are also made in the small intestines, which include maltase, lactase, and sucrase.  Consuming food with high digestive enzymes improves digestion. The following are foods that contain natural digestive enzymes.

Mango

Mango is an edible stone tropical fruit. It contains an amylase enzyme that breaks down carbs from starch into maltose and glucose. The amylase enzyme in mangoes becomes active when it ripens. This adds flavor to mangoes when ripe. The salivary glands and pancreas also produce amylase enzymes. It is always recommended to chew food completely so that the amylase enzyme breaks down carbs for easy digestion and absorption.

Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is low in calories and hasimpressive nutrients. Pineapples contain both vitamin A and K, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. Pineapples contain enzymes called bromelain. These enzymes are proteases that break down into amino acids. These acids help in the digestion and absorption of proteins. Bromelain is used as a topical medicine, as an ingredient used in cosmetics and meat tenderizers. Bromelain is purchased in powder form and can also be used as a health supplement to people who have problems in the digestion of proteins. Individuals with pancreatic insufficiency are recommended to take bromelain and pancreatic enzymes supplements to increase the rate of digestion.

Pawpaw

Pawpaw, also known as papaya, is a tropical fruit with plenty of digestive enzymes. It contains folate, copper, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Pawpaw contains proteases that are essential in the digestion of proteins. Unlike pineapples, it contains a different type of proteases known as papain. Taking pawpaw helps ease digestive discomfort such as bloating and constipation. Papain is also used as a meat tenderizer and digestive supplement. Store pawpaw in a cool place since when exposed to heat, digestive enzymes can be destroyed. Semi-ripe or unripe pawpaw is not recommended to pregnant women since it might stimulate contractions.

Bananas

Bananas contain glucosidases and amylases that break down complex carbs such as starch into sugars that are absorbed easily. These enzymes break starch into sugar when the banana starts to ripe. Health benefits of bananas include; bananas help in digestion and beat gastrointestinal problems, It’s a good source of energy. They also help in the formation of collagen and protection of cells against radical damage and as a source of fiber that boosts digestive health. Additionally, it helps in the healthy growth of gut bacteria.

Honey

Honey is a delicious, viscous food substance made by honey bees. Bees produce honey from plant secretions or secretions of other insects that are sweet by water evaporation, regurgitation, and enzymatic activity. This sweet liquid is rich in digestive enzymes such as Diastasis, which breaks down starch into maltose, Amylase that breaks starch into glucose and maltose. In contrast, Proteases break down proteins into amino acids, and Invertases that break down sucrose into glucose and fructose. To obtain healthy digestive benefits, purchase raw honey because processed honey is exposed to heat which destroys important digestive enzymes.

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant whose roots traditionally treated various health conditions and as a spice. Ginger contains proteases zingibain that digests proteins into their building blocks. Ginger helps the food move faster through the stomach by increasing concentrations and stimulating the body’s production of enzymes such as amylases and lipases. Zingibain is commercially used in making ginger milk curd. Moreover, ginger helps in the treatment of vomiting and nausea.

Avocados

Avocados are unique since they contain low sugar and high healthy fats. They contain digestive enzymes such as lipase. They help digest fat molecules that break them into smaller molecules such as glycerol and fatty acids that make them easier to absorb into the body. The pancreas often makes lipase. However, taking lipase as a supplement helps ease digestion, especially after the consuming a high-fat meal. Avocado also has polyphenol oxidase, which turns green avocados to brown when exposed to oxygen.

Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit is a source of protease called actinidain that helps digest proteins and is used to tenderize tough meat. Like bananas and mangoes, kiwifruit contains enzymes that ripen the fruit. Adding kiwifruit to the diet improves the digestion of gluten, soy protein, and beef isolates in the stomach. It is also proven that kiwifruit reduces bloating, relieves constipation, and reduces bloating.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to thin yogurt obtained from kefir grains. These grains contain lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and lactic acid bacteria. During fermentation, natural sugars in milk are digested by bacteria into carbon dioxide and organic acids. Conditions created by this process helps add enzymes, nutrients, and bacteria growth. Kefir contains numerous digestive enzymes such as lipase, lactase, and proteases. Lactase improves the digestion of lactose in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Conclusion

Many organs work together to make up the digestive system. These organs break down liquids and food into simpler fats, carbs, proteins, and vitamins. The nutrients are transported across the small intestine to the bloodstream hence providing energy for repair and growth. Other sources of food with natural digestive enzymes include; sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. Without enough digestive enzymes, the digestive system is unable to digest food particles properly. These enzymes can be obtained through natural food or supplements. If the body cannot produce sufficient digestive enzymes, it can lead to digestive problems such as lactose intolerance.  

Crystal Kadir

MS, Durham University
GP

The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.

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