Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down larger molecules like fats, proteins and carbs into smaller molecules that are easier to absorb across the small intestine. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, the body is unable to digest food particles properly, which may lead to food intolerances.Digestive enzymes can be obtained from supplements or naturally through foods. One can get sufficient amounts of enzymes by incorporating more raw foods into the diet. Raw foods are rich in enzymes that would otherwise be lost during the cooking process
Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes include
pineapples, papayas, ginger, mangoes, honey, bananas, avocados, kefir,
sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit etc. Adding any of these foods to diet may
help promote digestion and better gut health.
Twelve Foods
That Contain Natural Digestive Enzymes
Many organs work synergistically to make up the digestive system. These organs take the food and liquids one eats and break them down into smaller molecules, such as proteins, carbs, fats and vitamins. The nutrients are then transported across the small intestine and into the bloodstream and then to the individual cells which convert them into heat, energy, growth and repair.
Digestive enzymes are necessary for this process, as
they break down large molecules like fats, proteins and carbohydrates into
smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed.
There are three main types of digestive enzymes:
Proteases: Break down protein into
small peptides and amino acids
Lipases: Break down fat into three fatty
acids plus a glycerol molecule
Amylases: Break down carbohydrates like
starch into simple sugars
Enzymes are also made in the small intestine,
including lactase, maltase and sucrose.
If the body is unable to make enough digestive
enzymes, food molecules cannot be digested properly. This can lead to digestive
disorders like lactose intolerance. Thus, eating foods that are high in natural
digestive enzymes can help improve digestion.
Here are 12 foods that contain natural digestive enzymes: 1. Pineapple,
2. Papaya, 3. Mango, 4. Honey, 5. Bananas, 6. Avocados, 7. Kefir, 10. Miso, 11.
Kiwifruit, 12. Ginger.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacterial organisms
that live within the digestive system. Probiotics are essential for
supporting immune health, because the majority of the immune system (up to 75%)
is found within the digestive tract. If your digestive system is
functioning optimally, it will be easier to maintain a healthy immune system as
well. In addition, Probiotics are helpful in increasing immunity cells and
maintaining the function of the immune system. Probiotics also help the body
produce and absorb vitamins and minerals.
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir,
sauerkraut and kimchi are rich in probiotics, because the fermentation process
gives probiotics the optimal environment to grow. Some other great
probiotic foods include kombucha and tempeh.
Probiotic powerhouses to include in your diet:
·
Kefir: A probiotic
cultured drink, kefir contains multiple strains of bacteria and yeast. Kefir is
rich in minerals and vitamins, particularly the B vitamins and vitamin K
·
Sauerkraut: Easy to make at home, this fermented cabbage
dish has been around for centuries. It is high in fibre, as well as vitamins A,
C, K and various B vitamins. It is also a good source of iron,
manganese, copper, sodium, magnesium and calcium
·
Miso: This
traditional Japanese paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains
consisting of millions of beneficial bacteria. It is rich in essential minerals
and a good source of various B vitamins, vitamins E, K and folic acid
·
Kimchi: Spicier than sauerkraut, kimchi is also a form
of fermented cabbage and other vegetables. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C
and minerals such as iron, calcium and selenium
·
Lassi: Made
from soured milk, lassi has been drunk as a pre-dinner yogurt drink for
centuries. They are a popular way of achieving probiotic bacteria
·
Kombucha:
A fizzy, fermented black tea. Yeast turns
sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, and bacteria called acetobacter convert
the alcohol into acetic acid, giving it a sour taste. Watch out for sugar in
shop-bought kombucha, you’re better off making it at home
·
Tempeh:
another
version of fermented soy beans, tempeh is
a rich protein source, so a good choice for vegetarians
·
Bread: Some breads, such as sourdough are
made from dough that is fermented
·
Yogurt:
Lactobacilli
bacteria convert lactose sugar in milk into glucose and galactose, which break
down further into lactic acid, giving yogurt its sour taste. Live bacteria
remain in the yogurt and provide a valuable contribution to gut microflora
Enzymes and Probiotics
Enzymes and probiotics are both
essential for digestive health and total body wellness. Enzymes and
probiotics work well together to help alleviate occasional gas, bloating and
discomfort. Look for a formula that blends together a variety of digestive
enzymes and probiotics and is active
across the pH levels of
the digestive system.
Differences Between Digestive Enzymes
and Probiotics
Enzymes are
biologically active proteins while probiotics are living bacterial organisms.
Enzymes are
present throughout the body while probiotics are concentrated in the digestive
system.
Enzymes can be
naturally produced in the body but probiotics cannot be.
Enzymes are the
energy for all life functions
Enzymes can be
produced by probiotics as their food source.
Both work in the
digestive system and support immune health
Enzymes also work
in the metabolic processes in the body.
Both can be
incorporated into diet.
Look for raw
foods rich in enzymes
Opt for fermented
foods thriving with probiotics.
Both enzymes and
probiotics can be added through natural supplements.
Digestion can take up to 80% of the body’s
energy, leaving only 20% left for metabolic enzymes that support every other
function, such as immune health. The more the body needs to work at digestion,
the less the metabolic enzymes are produced.