John Myers
Enzymes perform essential tasks in the body, they influence the flow properties of the blood as well as our digestion. Read what proteins can do and how you can benefit from them with every meal.
What are enzymes and how do they work?
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate or enable biochemical processes in the cells of the body. They are therefore also referred to as biocatalysts. This makes them vital for all functions of the body, from breathing to digestion. You have probably encountered some enzymes such as gamma-GT and creatine kinase in your blood test results. Their content in the blood serum allows conclusions to be drawn about the health of the liver and heart. With regard to food intake, enzymes have the task of breaking down the nutrients from the food and making them usable. The first digestive enzymes act as part of the saliva in the mouth: This is why extensive chewing is so important for digestion. Enzymes are also used in the production of food, for example in fermentation or baking.
These foods contain the most enzymes
Because of their use in the food industry, enzymes are found in almost all processed products, not just protein sources. Milk and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, bread and baked goods, meat and sausage products, and confectionery are at the top of the list of foods rich in enzymes. Pineapples, bananas, bean sprouts, papaya, mangoes, grapes, melons, apples, kiwis, avocados, ginger, and sauerkraut are naturally rich in enzymes. The bromelain in pineapple and the proteases in papaya are said to have various positive effects on health. They are said to have anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and digestive effects. These enzymes are available in tablet or capsule form. Whether and to what extent their claimed modes of action occur is scientifically controversial. It is a fact that the vital substances contained in pineapple give it healthy properties. However, the enzymes in pineapple do not boost fat burning, as is often claimed.
These enzymes help with digestion
If some meals are difficult for you in the stomach, enzymes can certainly help. This works quite naturally when it comes to breaking down alcohol: various biocatalysts in the liver transport high-proof alcohol out of the body. If you have eaten high in protein or eat a lot of protein as part of a low-carb diet, the enzyme pepsin supports the splitting of the nutrient into the smallest building blocks. Lipases help digest fat, and amylases help digest carbohydrates. So a fruit plate with pineapple and papaya or desserts with avocado are not a bad idea for dessert after a heavy meal.
