Biology- Criteria D

Introduction (Enzymes)

Enzymes are biological molecules (typically proteins) that significantly speed up the rate of virtually
all of the chemical reactions that take place within cells. They are vital for life and serve a wide range
of important functions in the body, such as aiding in digestion and metabolism.

Some enzymes help break large molecules into smaller pieces that are more easily absorbed by the
body. Other enzymes help bind two molecules together to produce a new molecule. Enzymes are
highly selective catalysts, meaning that each enzyme only speeds up a specific reaction.

The molecules that an enzyme works with are called substrates. The substrates bind to a region on
the enzyme called the active site.

Food enzymes

Enzymes are enabling various industries to guarantee the quality and stability of its products with
increased production efficiency. They also help provide environment-friendly products to consumers
thanks to using less energy, water and raw materials and generating less waste.

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.

Enzymes are essential for healthy digestion and a healthy body. They work with other chemicals in
the body, such as stomach acid and bile, to help break down food into molecules for a wide range of
bodily functions.

Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes.

1.Pineapples

Pineapples are a delicious tropical fruit rich in digestive enzymes. In particular, pineapples contain a
group of digestive enzymes called bromelain. These enzymes are proteases, which break down
protein into its building blocks, including amino acids. This aids the digestion and absorption of
proteins. Bromelain can be purchased in powdered form to help tenderize tough meats. It’s also
widely available as a health supplement to help people who struggle to digest proteins.

2.Papaya

Papaya is another tropical fruit that is rich in digestive enzymes. Like pineapples, papayas also
contain proteases that help digest proteins. However, they contain a different group of proteases
known as papain. Papain is also available as a meat tenderizer and digestive supplement.

3.Mango
Mangoes are a juicy tropical fruit that is popular in summer. They contain the digestive enzymes
amylases — a group of enzymes that break down carbs from starch (a complex carb) into sugars like
glucose and maltose. The amylase enzymes in mangoes become more active as the fruit ripens. This
is why mangoes become sweeter as they start to ripen.

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. Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes include pineapples, papayas, mangoes, honey,
bananas, avocados, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit and ginger. Adding any of these foods to
your diet may help promote digestion and better gut health.

Enzymes create chemical reactions in the body. They actually speed up the rate of a chemical
reaction to help support life. The enzymes in your body help to perform very important tasks. These
include building muscle, destroying toxins, and breaking down food particles during digestion.

Digestive enzymes speedup reactions that break down large molecules of carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats into smaller molecules the body can use. Without digestive enzymes, animals would not be
able to break down food molecules quickly enough to provide the energy and nutrients they need to
survive.

The role of Enzymes in the Digestive System: Chemical digestion could not take place without the
help of digestive enzymes. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
Digestive enzymes speed up chemical reactions that break down large food molecules into small
molecules.

Enzymes are globular proteins that control biological reactions. Digestive enzymes speed up the
breakdown (hydrolysis) of food molecules into their 'building block' components. These reactions
occur outside of the cells lining the gut.

Digestive enzymes are proteins your body produces and uses to break down your food into energy
and nutrients. They differ from probiotics, which are bacteria or yeasts that offer health benefits,
and prebiotics, which are fibers and other non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of
healthy gut bacteria. Specific types of enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins or fats. Digestive
enzymes are released and mix with your food throughout digestion, starting in the mouth and
continuing in the stomach, pancreas, liver and small intestine.

When your body doesn’t produce enough of certain digestive enzymes, undigested compounds can
make their way into your large intestine and cause unpleasant symptoms — such as the gas some
experience after eating beans — or rob your body of essential energy and nutrients.

Many forms of digestive enzyme supplements are widely available over the counter, and they are
mostly considered to be safe when taken as recommended. Some studies have suggested that
bromelain, a digestive enzyme supplement made from pineapples, interferes with platelets in the
bloodstream.