We all know that food gives us energy, but did you know that there are a few important or hidden elements that are working hard to make it happen? What if we told you that without them, you wouldn't be able to get any nutrition or energy, even if you ate well all day? These elements are known as "digestive enzymes." They play a pivotal role in making your digestive system function smoothly. So, where does DigeZyme® fit in? Well, it happens to be one of those important enzymes that are taking over the supplement market and the main component in many vegan protein powders, and for good reasons. In this blog, we’re going to take a deep dive into its functions and the role they play in our bodies. Keep scrolling to learn more.
What are Digestive Enzymes?
Before explaining DigeZyme®, let’s first understand what digestive enzymes are. While food acts as fuel for our bodies, it has to first go through a lot of processing before the body can actually use this energy. For example, when you eat a sandwich or an apple, you chew these foods and break them into smaller pieces, in your mouth. From here, the macro (major) nutrients are further broken down into smaller (micro) nutrients at various stages until the food reaches the intestines. They are then converted into a form that can be absorbed by the body at the cellular level. The unwanted material that cannot be broken down is further eliminated by the intestines. This entire process of digestion starts in the mouth, takes place in the stomach and intestines, and is aided by digestive enzymes. There are more than 500 digestive enzymes in the body, and the production of these enzymes is endogenous (made inside the body).
Few main types of digestive enzymes and their sites of production.
- Amylase: They are produced in the salivary glands of the mouth and help digest starches (carbohydrates).
- Pepsin: They are produced in the stomach and help digest proteins and peptides.
- Trypsin: They are produced in the pancreas and help digest proteins and peptides.
- Gastric lipase: They are produced in the stomach and aid in the digestion of lipids (fats).
How do these Digestive Enzymes Function?
Digestive enzymes do not start acting on the food as soon as it’s consumed. They need favorable conditions to function. Digestive enzymes are present in the gut but are activated only once the pH of the system is acidic enough due to the presence of gastric acid and gastric juices. Anything that inhibits the production of these gastric acids affects digestion and absorption of essential nutrients from the food we eat.
What Happens When You Lack these Digestive Enzymes?
Ever notice when you strain your black tea after boiling, the tea powder is retained in the strainer while the filtered tea is poured out? Well, if the strainer is defective (has big pores), the tea powder simply passes through the strainer, and we are unable to retain the tea powder.
Similarly, in the absence or ineffectiveness of digestive enzymes, the nutrients simply pass through the gut system without getting absorbed, thus giving us no nutritional benefits.
Only eating a well-balanced or high-protein diet will not be sufficient unless all the nutrients from this healthy or high-protein diet are well absorbed into your system.
What you feed your body also needs to reach the cellular level for you to be able to derive maximum nutrition and energy from it.
Where can you find these Digestive Enzymes?
Apart from internal production, digestive enzymes are also present in many food items like pineapples, raw honey, bananas, avocadoes, kiwi, ginger, mangoes, papaya, etc. Adding these food items to your diet, especially a plant-based diet, on a regular basis may help your digestive system function better.
What is DigeZyme®?
Different digestive enzymes are produced at different sites by their respective glands. DigeZyme® is a combination of these digestive enzymes that help in the digestion of foods by breaking down complex food molecules into simple, absorbable forms. This ensures maximum retention of nutrients and their benefits. DigeZyme® has been proven to be instrumental in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
DigeZyme® is a blend of 5 specific enzymes, all of which have a function of their own:
a-Amylase - Converts carbohydrate starch into simple sugars that provide energy.
Protease - Breaks down proteins into amino acids. This helps boost immunity and has other health benefits.
Lipase - Breaks down fats and glycerol into fatty acids. This helps us by providing cushioning for the organs and healthy skin.
Lactase - Breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into simple sugar-glucose and galactose. It helps people with lactose intolerance to digest milk.
Cellulase - Breaks down cellulose from plants and fruits. It makes these nutrients available for absorption.
What are the Benefits of DigeZyme® in Protein Supplements?
Some vegan protein powders or protein supplements also include DigeZyme® to ensure better breakdown and absorption of the nutrients as well as a wholesome experience of better digestion. A lot of organic protein powders (soya, pea, almond, rice, potato proteins, etc.) contain protein and phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. DigeZyme® can digest these plant components and cellulosic material more efficiently since it contains cellulase and protease respectively. So, DigeZyme® is the best multi-enzyme blend for both dairy and plant protein-based products.
If you're looking for vegan protein powders with this ingredient, look for ones that have a complete amino acid profile as well as digestive enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of complex protein molecules, allowing for optimal absorption. Best of all, you can find plenty of flavored proteins that are not only beneficial to the body but also delicious.
DigeZyme®-enriched supplements are especially beneficial for those who:
- Lack in sufficient production of these enzymes in the body
- Are on a high-protein diet
- Have gastric troubles like gas/ bloating/acidity/acid reflux/constipation
- Low immunity
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Aids in malabsorption syndrome
- Have difficulty digesting foods like some proteins and sugars like lactose, casein, and gluten
Who will Benefit from Protein + DigeZyme® Supplementation?
People who need additional proteins. Sometimes, having just a high-protein diet could be insufficient. You may need to ensure that what you are feeding your body is also being absorbed, in order to get the best health outcomes. Proteins can be harder to digest at times. A high protein diet could also cause flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation among people who have a sensitive gut.
DigeZyme® breaks proteins down into amino acids before digestion, which aids in increasing muscle protein synthesis. The greater the protein synthesis, the greater the muscle growth. This is why vegan protein powders with DigeZyme® can be beneficial for those who hit the gym or exercise regularly.
While vegan protein powders are the main component in diets for sports, their benefits are not limited to only those who exercise. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, senior citizens, patients recovering from illnesses, people with the leaky gut syndrome, people experiencing various food intolerances, and even healthy adults can benefit from these supplements. Continuous use of DigeZyme® may also reduce the toxicity induced in the body as a result of poor digestion.
Like any other nutrient, your body gets an extra supply of digestive enzymes with vegan protein powders, which may help improve the body’s immunity.
Wrapping Up
Everyone, including you and me, who wants to increase their protein intake but is limited by time or resources can benefit from DigeZyme®-enriched vegan protein powders. Keep in mind, though, that a high-protein diet may not be suitable for all individuals, and everyone’s experience could be different. Kindly consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
References
Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What's the difference? - Mayo Clinic
Enzymes: What Are Enzymes, Pancreas, Digestion & Liver Function (clevelandclinic.org)
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