What exactly are enzymes?
Enzymes are molecules of protein that work as catalysts. Enzymes are known for speeding up the chemical reactions in your body, but will not be depleted during the process.
Enzymes are essential in just about all biochemical reactions. These reactions move along much faster with enzymes present.
Digestive enzymes are necessary for the digestive process, as they help break down fats, proteins, and carbs into small molecules that your body can easily absorb.
What are the main types of digestive enzymes?
Here are the three main types of digestive enzymes:
- Proteases- Responsible for breaking down protein into peptides and amino acids
- Lipases- Responsible for breaking down fat into three fatty acids and a glycerol molecule
- Amylases- Responsible for breaking down carbs into simple sugars (ex. starch)
What are some foods with digestive enzymes?
- Pineapples- Pineapples contain bromelain (proteases), a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.
- Papaya- Papaya contains papain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein into building blocks such as amino acids.
- Mango- The digestive enzyme amylase which is responsible for breaking down carbs into simple sugars.
- Honey- Raw honey is comprised of a medley of enzymes, including diastase, amylase, invertase, and protease.
- Bananas- Amylases and glucosidases are the two enzymes that can be found in bananas which digest starches into absorbed sugars.
- Avocados- Avocados contain lipase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol.
What are the side effects of digestive enzymes?
- Difficult breathing or talking
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Tightening of chest
- Hives/Rash
- Itchiness
- Swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Wheezing
Is there a drink with digestive enzymes?
Yes! Kill Cliff RECOVER has a specialized enzyme blend that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Not only does it contain multiple digestive enzymes, but RECOVER is also a sugar-free naturally-sweetened drink that is filled with electrolytes to bring you back to full speed and replenish your energy after a long workout or a long night out.
Here are some of the digestive enzymes RECOVER contains and their purpose.
- Bromelain: Enzyme found in pineapples to help reduce inflammation.
- Lipase: Enzyme that performs an essential role in the digestion of dietary lipids (fats).
- Amylase: Digestive enzyme that helps convert starch and glycogen into simple sugars.
- Protease 4.5: Digestive enzyme that helps breakdown proteins and toxins.
- Invertase: Enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of sucrose.
- Beta-Glucanase: acts as intestinal fiber which helps reduce high serum cholesterol levels.
