
10 Best Digestive Enzymes
Many whole foods can naturally supply and boost your enzymatic reserves with the best digestive enzymes. Nature has an innate intelligence and has provided everything to us if we choose to pay attention and educate ourselves we will be able to take advantage of these digestive enzymes that nature has to offer.
Of all foods, raw vegetables and fruits are more plentiful. Raw consumption is to preserving and getting the most benefits as any heating/cooking above 47.2 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill most of these beneficial enzymes.
Here are the 10 best digestive enzymes & foods that contain them :
1. Papaya
Enzyme(s): papain, chymopapain, glycyl endopeptidase, and glutamine cyclotransferase.
- Great for breaking down protein
- Eases constipation, bloating, heartburn, and IBS symptoms
2. Pineapple
Enzyme(s): bromelain, which consists of enzymes that include peroxidase, acid phosphatase, cysteine proteinases, and proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes.
- Great for breaking down proteins into amino acids
- Helpful towards cardiovascular, respiratory, bone, and digestive health
3. Avocado
Enzyme(s): lipase (the enzyme that breaks down dietary fat). Lipase is produced by the body, but again if you can use nature to help you digest your high-fat meals, then you won’t have to tap into your reserves.
- Can help you feel less full and bloated. Lipase is also beneficial against indigestion and flatulence
- Avocado is known to support the immune system. Avocado is a great alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance
4. Kiwi
Enzyme(s): actinidin, is a cysteine protease enzyme aiding in the digestion of protein. Actinidin also increased the rate of absorption of protein.
- Kiwi has been shown to not only aid digestion, but prevent bloating and the feeling of fullness
5. Bananas
Enzyme(s): amylase and glucosidase.
- Amylase is great for digesting carbohydrates.
- They are a great source of dietary fiber, which for your gut bacteria, as the fiber is great food for your microbiome (mentioned above)
- Glucosidase is a great enzyme for normalizing blood sugar levels. For this reason, it has been highly looked into for managing diabetes.
- Bananas are full of antioxidants
6. Raw Honey
Enzyme(s): diastase, amylase, invertase, and protease
- Diastase is great for digesting starch, amylase breaks down starch into sugars, invertase breaks down sucrose, and protease is used for protein breakdown into amino acids
7. Kefir
Enzyme(s): lipase, protease, and lactase
- Kefir is a fermented yogurt made with goat’s milk or coconut milk
- Great for people that are lactose intolerant
- Full of healthy probiotics, which are primordial for gut health
8. Sauerkraut
Enzyme(s): lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus Plantarum:
- It is made with raw, organic shredded cabbage which is fermented
- One of the healthiest enzyme-rich fermented foods
- Full of probiotics which are known to alleviate many digestive discomforts
9. Mango
Enzyme(s): amylase helps breakdown complex carbohydrates in the forms of glucose and maltose – They are also known to improved starch and protein digestion.
- These enzymes tend to become more potent as this fruit ripens, so you should always seek sweet, ripe mangoes
10. Ginger
Enzyme(s): protein-digesting enzyme zingibain
- This tuber’s (root) claim to fame is attributed to its antiemetic (anti-nausea) ability
- Ginger is known to enhance peristaltic movement (stomach contraction), which is the essence of moving food through your digestive tract
Are Enzymes Right for You?
Depending on your age, condition, and afflictions, this can be a case per case. There may be underlying diseases or conditions which are causing you the above-mentioned conditions. So before you go out and grab a bottle of enzyme supplements or start gorging on copious amounts of pineapple, always consult your physician.
None of this information is intended to replace the professional advice of any medical physician.
However, if you suffer from the occasional bloat or lethargy, adding an enzyme-rich diet of raw fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods to your lifestyle may help to alleviate these minor afflictions and improve your overall gut health, boost your energy levels, and improve your overall wellbeing.
If you find it difficult to eat enough raw fruits and vegetables, you may consider researching and taking digestive enzyme supplements.
Like all supplements, the selections are overwhelming and can be frustrating, so try to stick to organic whole fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, if you are going to take the easy way out and settle for a supplement, please make sure you choose a broad-spectrum enzyme supplement.
Are you currently taking a digestive enzyme supplement?
Have you noticed any benefits or changes?
Please share your experiences with us and leave us any comments or questions!
To your health.
On behalf of the team at Life Inspired by Nature.