Phytase is a phosphatase enzyme that catalyzes, or kickstarts, the hydrolysis of phytic acid, also known as phytate. Phytic acid is a form of indigestible phosphorus that’s present in plant-based foods such as cereal, wheat, and various grains. Roughly two-thirds of the phosphorus present in plant foods is bound in the form of phytic phosphate. Through the hydrolysis reaction, phytase liberates phosphorus so that the body can use it. (more…)
Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria that is found in soil and the gut of humans and some types of animals. Bacillus subtilis is commonly included in probiotic supplement formulations. It's a useful and beneficial probiotic that supports digestion, enzyme production, immune and digestive system health. Below are the main health benefits of this specific probiotic strain. Gut Health and Strain Survivability The main health benefit of Bacillus subtilis is its ability to help balance the gut, a trait it shares with other probiotics. Bacillus subtilis is a robust […]
Nattokinase is a powerful proteolytic, or protein-digesting enzyme, and is most well known for its benefits to cardiovascular health. Traditionally, nattokinase was extracted from natto, a fermented soybean dish from Japanese cuisine and culture. The organism that produces nattokinase is made by a fermentation process which incorporates the bacteria Bacillus subtilis. It was discovered in Japan by research scientist Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi who was looking for a natural remedy for dissolving blood clots related to heart attacks and stroke. (more…)
Lipase is an enzyme that’s produced by the pancreas. It helps digest fats to unlock the fat-soluble nutrients, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, that they contain. Since many people consume less-than-optimal amounts of fat-soluble nutrients, it is essential to digest and absorb the ones we do consume as efficiently as possible. In addition, the common effects of indigestion, which include bloating, abdominal discomfort and gas, can result from inefficiently digesting fat as a result of inadequate amounts of lipase in the body. Here we’ll describe those and other […]
Xylanase (pronounced zy-lan-ase) is a naturally-occurring enzyme that can have beneficial impacts on human health and digestion.[1] Fungi and bacteria produce xylanase, and it's produced by insects, crustaceans like snails, and even seeds.[2] Mammals, including humans, do not produce xylanase, but some of our gut bacteria do. Scientifically speaking, it is an enzyme that breaks down xylan, a type of hemicellulose, by cleaving the molecule’s beta 1,4 backbone into a simple sugar called xylose. Xylan is the second most common polysaccharide in nature and is a component of plant cell […]
