As you age, the enzymes in your body decrease, which makes the process of digesting foods more difficult. In fact, cells of elderly people have lost 90 percent of their original enzymatic content, according to GrowWheatGrass.com. Wheatgrass contains three main digestive enzymes--amylase, protease and lipase-- to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Amylase
Amylase processes carbohydrates, like starches, into blood sugar, also known as glucose. Carbohydrates supply energy to the body---especially the brain and nervous system. They are obtained mostly from plant sources, with the exception of milk and milk products, states certified nutritional consultant Phillis A. Balch in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The amylase enzyme in wheatgrass breaks down sugars like fructose in fruit, galactose in milk and maltose in beer. Amylase also processes carbohydrates such as starchy vegetables, legumes and whole grain breads, according the National Institutes of Health.
Protease
Protease breaks down protein into single amino acids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Amino acids are building blocks for protein, which is needed for body growth, development and energy. Protein is also crucial for the manufacture of hormones, antibodies, enzymes and tissues. The protease enzyme found in wheatgrass may help you digest protein from food sources such as meats, dairy, corn, nuts, seeds, wheat and beans.
Lipase
Lipase is an enzyme found in wheatgrass that helps digest fats---preventing the accumulation of fats in organs and arteries. Fat is a necessary dietary component for growth, and is---according to Balch---the most concentrated source of body energy. Fats are composed of three types of fatty acids: saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. A majority of foods contain all three fatty acids, however, one usually appears dominant. Saturated fats come mostly from meat and dairy products; whereas, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are found in oils like soybean, sunflower and canola oil.
References
- Grow Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass Juice
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing ; Phyllis A. Balch, ; 2000
- Dynamic Greens: Enzymes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lipase
- Medline Plus: Carbohydrates
