The optimal functioning of our digestive system is pivotal for our holistic well-being. Our body needs some digestive enzymes to carry out effective and smooth digestion. Digestive enzymes are produced and secreted by the gastrointestinal system to degrade fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to accomplish digestion and, afterwards, the absorption of nutrients. Our body produces digestive enzymes naturally to break down food. However, sometimes enough enzymes are not produced. Certain food essentials are known to compensate for the requisite digestive enzymes naturally.
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In this blog, we will take you through the 12 food essentials that are natural carriers of potent digestive enzymes . Stay tuned!
• Ginger
Ginger is well-known for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Ginger contains a protein-digesting enzyme, zingiberene, which is present in ginger roots. This type of protease helps to clear the obstructed GI tract. Ginger also is known for its nausea-managing properties.
• Pineapple
Pineapple contains protein-digesting enzymes called bromelain. It is a family of enzymes that includes peroxidase, cysteine proteinases, proteolytic enzymes, and acid phosphatase. Pineapple is an excellent meat tenderizer. Pineapple is also known for its exceptional digestion-promoting abilities.
• Raw Honey
Raw honey is a nutrient-dense food item that contains a huge variety of enzymes, such as amylase, invertase, diastase, and protease. Amylase breaks down starch, diastase digests starch, protease breaks down protein, and invertase breaks down sucrose. These enzymes aid in the digestion process . Besides, raw honey is also known to work efficiently in managing a host of skin problems.
• Banana
Bananas are rich in potassium and fibre. Banana contains natural digestive enzymes amylase and glucosidase. These enzymes help to break down complex starch into sugars. Eating a banana daily can prove to be a good source of natural digestive enzymes . This will enhance your digestion and keep your gut healthy.
• Papaya
Papaya is an enzyme-rich fruit. Papaya contains a protease-rich enzyme called papain. It helps to break down protein into amino acids. It also contains chymopapain, glutamine, acyltransferase, and glycyl endopeptidase. Adequate consumption of papaya can help ease bloating, symptoms of IBS, constipation, and bloating.
• Avocado
Avocado helps in the digestion of high-fat meals. Avocado contains lipase, which is required for the digestion and easy absorption of fats. Avocados can reduce symptoms of inflammation and indigestion.
• Kiwi
Kiwi is known for its potent digestive properties. Kiwi contains a cysteine protease enzyme known as actinidin. The addition of kiwi to your daily diet can help improve the digestion of meat. It also aids in symptoms of bloating and constipation.
• Mango
Mango is the king of fruits in India. It provides a good dose of natural digestive enzymes. It contains amylase that breaks down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Thus, improves digestion. Due to the presence of amylase, mango gets sweeter with age.
Apart from the above-mentioned food items, certain fermented food items are also known to be rich in natural digestive enzymes .
Fermented Food Items Containing Natural Digestive Enzymes
• Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage with a sharp sour taste. The fermentation adds to the digestive enzymes present in the sauerkraut. These enzymes manage the digestive system effectively. Sauerkraut is an excellent source of probiotics . Hence helps to build strong immunity and gut health.
• Kefir
Kefir is a milk-based fermented product. It contains various digestive enzymes like lactase, lipase, and protease. Kefir is known to help with lactose intolerance. Kefir is healthy for digestion and is gut-friendly.
• Miso
Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and contains several digestive enzymes . These digestive enzymes include lipase, protease, lactase, and amylase. Miso is a fermented product and hence contains a good source of probiotics. Miso is known to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and also aids digestion in the small intestine.
• Kimchi
Kimchi is also a fermented Korean food item. The fermentation process produces various bacteria, which produce beneficial digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes include protease, amylase, and lipase. Kimchi aids in digestion and in lowering cholesterol. This fermented cabbage is also a good source of probiotics .
Wrapping Up
Our holistic physical and cognitive wellness is directly linked to our nutrition profile. Including natural digestive enzyme-rich food essentials in our daily food routine can help our digestive system function seamlessly. Better gut health can help us keep several primary and secondary healthcare concerns at bay and help manage them efficiently
We at Healthyr-U, have been instrumental in ensuring 360-degree health and wellness for people of all ages. Check out our digestion-aiding supplements and more, and connect with our experts to dive deep.
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