What is the Maltase Enzyme?

Maltase is a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme that cleaves the bond linking the two parts of the maltose sugar molecule. Maltose is a naturally-occurring sugar that is produced as the body breaks down starches from long chains into shorter molecules using the amylase enzyme and also in germinating seeds as preparation for sprouting. It is also a by-product of heating sugar during various cooking processes, specifically during carmelization at higher temperatures in which the the sugar present in food turns brown.

Maltase breaks down the disaccharide maltose in to two glucose molecules, which are easily oxidized by the body for energy. In simple words, maltase is an important part of the enzymatic process that our bodies use to effectively digest starches and sugars present in grains and other plant-based foods we eat daily.

This enzyme is synthesized in the lining of the intestinal wall and used with the cells inside our mucous membranes. Beginning in the oral cavity, maltase works with other carbohydrate-digesting enzymes to break down starches and complex sugars into simpler, more-digestible pieces. This process is reduced or temporarily halted during the more acidic phases of digestion in the stomach but is resumed in the relatively neutral pH of the small intestine where maltase is again secreted. The vegetarian supplement form of this enzyme is produced by a natural fermentation process of Aspergillis oryzae.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Maltase”

What is Lipase?

Lipase is an essential enzyme for the digestion of fatty (lipid) substances either in the diet or as a part of normal human metabolism. It is responsible for breaking down (hydrolyzing) fats into smaller components that can readily be absorbed through the intestines.

Computer-generated image of a type of pancreatic lipase (PLRP2) from the guinea pig. source

This process occurs as lipase acts as catalyst during hydrolysis in which solid fats and oils are disassembled into their components, yielding monoglycerides, diglycerides, glycerol, and free fatty acids.

Basically this means that it can take a triglyceride molecule, the basic fatty unit found in food, and strip off the fatty acids, leaving either none, one, or two fatty acids attached to the glycerol backbone. This enzyme is produced mainly in the pancreas except in the case of disease and digestive imbalance as discussed below. While excess amounts of poor quality fat in the diet can be a precursor to health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer, we do need some good forms of fat for the functioning of every cell and organ system in the body.

In fact, all of our cells are actually using lipids (fats) to create their structure and protection. And so, just as we must concern ourselves with getting proper amounts of healthy fats, we must also make sure that we have the good pancreatic enzymes that can absorb this fat along with many fat-soluble nutrients including vitamins A, D, E, and K. This is the role of lipase. And, without this enzyme, we are left with some of the typical types of digestive upset such as indigestion and heart burn.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Lipase”

What is Invertase?

Invertase is a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme that splits sucrose (common table sugar) into its component parts, glucose and fructose. It is generally derived from a beneficial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and then purified to be used either by itself or as a part of a multi-enzyme formula. Combined with other carbohydrases, it enhances the overall digestion of starch, sugar and other carbohydrates.

Invertase’s ability to break down (hydrolyze) the bond between fructose and glucose makes it a vital part of the digestion of complex sugars into blood sugar (glucose) which can be used as a ready fuel source by the body. It is also known as beta-fructofuranosidase and may be listed under this name on some product labels and scientific literature.

Invertase is one of the essential enzymes nature uses to help us digest sugars. Commonly found in bee pollen and yeast sources, invertase plays a key role not only in digestive processes, but also, and perhaps more importantly, in overall human disease prevention, physical rejuvenation and anti-ageing processes. As we age, we have less access to this natural enzyme, resulting in a reduced ability to extract the vital nutrients from the food we eat. It can also slow our digestive process, as sugars and starches are such a big part of most American diets. And, while some forms of sugar and carbohydrates are good for the body, they cannot be absorbed or digested well without the help of the invertase enzyme.

It is also created naturally by bees, who use its ability to hydrolyze the sugars in raw nectar to create the delicious honey that we eat. Honeybees produce massive amounts of the enzyme as it breaks the bond between glucose and fructose, adding hydrogen and hydroxide. In contrast to many other enzymes, invertase has the distinct ability to remain active within a wide range of pH levels.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Invertase”

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The recent tragic earthquake and nuclear power plant meltdown brought up many concerns involving radiation levels in Japan, and the entire globe. Here at Global Healing Center, we are committed to educating and helping individuals reduce radiation exposure caused by nuclear fallout, as well as everyday exposure to harmful electromagnetic frequencies.

Harmful Effects of Radiation Exposure

There are multiple harmful effects of radiation, and sadly many of them go unnoticed in the body for some time.

Low level exposure, overtime, can lead to major digestive imbalance, blood alteration and even the destruction of many cellular structures in the body’s key organ and tissue systems. Common signs of low level radiation exposure include symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, scalp tenderness, scalp discoloration and dry/itchy skin. In extreme cases, lower doses of radiation may also cause brain damage, memory problems, mood changes and reduced listening capacities, psychomotor abilities and information processing times. All good reasons to consider protecting oueselves from this type of exposure.

Continue reading: “13 Natural Remedies For Radiation Exposure”

What Is Bromelain?

Bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme complex found in the fruit and, in higher concentrations, in the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is able to hydrolyze or break down a wide variety of protein types in a range of both acid and alkaline environments.

Originally isolated in the late 1800s, bromelain can play a key role in digestion, and perhaps more importantly, its properties have prompted many practitioners to use it as an agent in wound healing and the prevention of infection and inflammation for decades.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Bromelain”