Favored by vegetarians, plant-based enzymes are extremely efficient at breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Because plant-based enzymes are more concentrated, you will require fewer of these enzymes to get digestive benefits.
There are three main types of digestive enzymes:
- Proteases: Break down protein into small peptides and amino acids
- Lipases: Break down fat into three fatty acids plus a glycerol molecule
- Amylases: Break down carbs like starch into simple sugars
Plant-based enzymes are functional over a range of pH levels and temperatures, meaning they are able to function well throughout your entire digestive system. They’re able to start working quickly, allowing your food plenty of time to be well digested before it enters your small intestines. This greatly improves the chances of nutrients being absorbed and used as nutrition.