Our body is an incredibly complex and efficient organism that contains countless substances necessary to perform certain crucial tasks. Within the repertoire of our body, enzymes play an important role in maintaining our health.
Enzymes are substances that perform a huge number of functions. In the case of proteolytics, these are responsible for processing food, particularly protein. This enzyme can be found both in the body, as in certain foods and finally, in certain supplements.
Consuming proteolytic enzymes as a dietary supplement has gained popularity in recent years for its apparent benefits for digestion and the general health of the organs of the digestive system.
Guide to proteolytic enzymes
1. What are proteolytic enzymes?
Proteolytic enzymes are substances also known as peptidases, proteases or proteinases , produced by the stomach and pancreas and responsible for participating in the digestion process, cell division, blood clotting and protein recycling, among other processes. However, not only animals have these types of enzymes, since plants also depend on these types of substances for their proper growth, development and defense against insects.
2. What are the best sources of proteolytic enzymes?
2.1 Organism
The main proteolytic enzymes that can be found in our digestive system are pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. These are responsible for processing proteins from foods such as eggs or meat to transform them into amino acids.
2.2 Food
The most common food sources of proteolytic enzymes are papaya and pineapple. Papaya contains papain or papaya proteinase I, and you can obtain it by consuming its leaves, roots, or fruit. On the other hand, pineapple contains bromelain, present in the fruit, skin and juice of this plant. You can find these enzymes also in yogurt, kiwi, asparagus, etc.
2.3 Supplements
They are available in capsules, flours and tablets. These types of supplements can contain a single enzyme or a combination of animal and plant enzymes. It is important that the product contains the grammage per capsule, or per serving.
3. Benefits of proteolytic enzymes
3.1 Impact on digestion
Among the properties that have been attributed to the consumption of proteolytic enzymes we find the apparent improvement in digestion.
Certainly, taking supplements of this type has been of great help for people with enzyme deficiencies, but it has also proven useful for healthy people who suffer from abdominal pain, chest burning, loss of appetite, etc.
3.2 Has anti-inflammatory properties
Taking proteolytic enzyme supplements appears to effectively treat many inflammation-related conditions and symptoms. In fact, some studies indicate that it may be more effective than aspirin.
In treatments for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and sinusitis, different types of enzymes have been used and proven as natural anti-inflammatories as well as pain relievers.
3.3 They allow faster muscle recovery
Animal studies have shown that papain and bromelain, for example, enhance and accelerate the creation of new tissue when applied directly to the skin. Additionally, taking proteolytic enzyme supplements after surgery has shown a positive impact on recovery time.
Additionally, supplementation with proteolytic enzymes appears to reduce muscle soreness caused by intense physical training, and even allows for faster recovery.
3.4 Serves as a treatment for irritable bowel
People who suffer from irritable bowel or inflamed colon can use this type of supplement. Symptoms such as heaviness, intestinal constipation, recurrent gas, or abdominal pain appear to be reduced by taking proteolytic enzymes.
3.5 They have anticancer properties
Few studies have been done on this last aspect, but the truth is that proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain and papain seem to have preventive effects on colon and stomach cancer, since they somehow seem to inhibit and destroy cancer cells in these areas.
4. How to take proteolytic enzymes
To start consuming proteolytic enzymes it is important that you define your source, natural or through supplements. Then, you must locate a brand with a good reputation, which gives the client all the possible knowledge about weight, recommended dose, number of enzymes contained, potency, and so on.
Finally, always consult a doctor before beginning a supplementation regimen.
Conclution
Now that you know more about proteolytic enzymes , it is time for you to decide if this type of substance will be your ally to improve your digestive health, reduce inflammation and muscle pain and countless other properties.
You can perfectly add foods rich in proteolytic enzymes to your diet or perfectly take capsules, always under the supervision of a professional.
References
- Kubaka, J. Proteolytic Enzimes: How They Wotk, Benefits and Sources. For Healthline [Revised March 2018].
