Enzymes: 9 High-Enzyme Foods & Functions

Enzymes are proteins in the body that can alter the way chemical reactions are handled.

Digestive enzymes (breakdown and digests food) are a common type, although there are several different types of enzymes in the body. An enzyme-rich diet can help with increasing stamina and energy, improve skin health, support weight loss, and promote general overall health. Nearly 2,500 different enzymes appear in food sources and act as antioxidants or help with digestion.

1 – Catalase

Catalase is a common antioxidant enzyme and is easily sourced from most types of living organisms (animals, vegetables, and fruit). It is readily found in young sprouts in high concentrations. This enzyme has the ability to convert hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water.

2 – Glutathione peroxidase

The glutathione peroxidase is an enzyme that helps to catalyze the breakdown of hydroxyperoxides.

3 – Lipase

Lipase benefits the body by breaking down digested fats and making it easier to absorb in the intestines. Many different plants include this particular type of enzyme.

4 – Nuts and seeds

Most of the natural, raw food comes complete the enzymes to help with efficient digestion. Seeds and nuts come with a nigh concentration of lipase that is a type of enzyme effective at breaking down fats or lipids. Avoid roasting the nuts or seeds as this can result in destroying the essential enzymes.

5 – Papayas

Papaya contains a protein-digesting enzyme known as papain. This protein-cleaning enzyme has the potential to help heal burn wounds and reduce inflammation. A tropical fruit like papayas contain a high concentration of the enzyme called papapin. Eat the fruit raw to get a reliable intake of this systematic and potent enzyme. Plus, this enzyme is also available in chewable supplements to provide a simple option to increase the dietary intake.

6 – Pineapple

An enzyme commonly found in the pineapple is Bromelain. This type of proteolytic enzyme is beneficial for its ability to help break down and digest proteins. Other uses include acting as an anti-inflammatory and using as a topical solution for burn wounds or skin debridement. A further benefit is the ability to slow or inhibit the development of tumor cells. A rich source of Bromelain comes from the pineapple stem. The stem is edible, but doesn’t provide the most pleasant taste. A small amount of Bromelain is detected in the actual fruit. Plus, this enzyme is available in supplement form and store-bought from most good health food suppliers.

7 – Saccharidase

The enzyme known as saccharidase benefits the system by making it easier to digest carbohydrates. Although, by cooking certain foods that contain saccharidase, the enzyme is likely to be destroyed.

8 – Sprouts

Sprouts are loaded with healthful nutrients and include significantly more active enzymes than other nutrient-dense food like fruit and vegetables. The enzymes are more active after germination, which is achieved by soaking the dry seeds in water until they start to sprout. Once sprouted, the enzymes are live and deliver a potent health benefit for all-round well-being and proper digestion.

9 – Superoxide Dismutase

Young sprouts include the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in quite large amounts. This type of antioxidant is helpful for protecting human cells against superoxide radicals or similar toxic substances.