Enzymes allow the body to properly digest food. They are commonly divided into three groups: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. Metabolic and digestive enzymes are produced by the body, but food enzymes can only be obtained by eating enzyme-rich foods. Generally, food enzymes are only required to break down the particular foods that contain them.
Bromelain
Bromelain is found in the stem and juice of the pineapple fruit. Bromelain is actually a combination of several enzymes that help digest protein, also known as proteolytic enzymes. Bromelain provides a variety of health benefits. Its most notable and effective use is the reduction of inflammation cause by injury or infection. It may also help relieve symptoms of sinusitis, indigestion, arthritis and infections. It is also available in capsule form.
Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is found in broccoli and young seed sprouts. When ingested, it circulates in the bloodstream and triggers an immune reaction to cancer-causing agents, or carcinogens. Therefore, although sulforaphane does not act on carcinogens directly, it is an important indirect trigger for phase-2 detoxification enzymes, which are already present in the body. Mature broccoli heads contain significant amounts of sulforaphane, although recent studies have found that sprouts contain the most concentrated levels.
Papain and Chymopapain
Papain and chymopapain are both found in the papaya fruit, as well as the latex produced by the plant. Although the plant contains more chymopapain, papain is the most concentrated and potent enzyme found in papaya. Papaya's papain content makes it an effective meat tenderizer. The enzyme is also used in beer brewing, wool and silk treatments, and rubber production. Papain may also be beneficial for the treatment of ulcers, diptheria, and surgery-related fever and inflammation. Chymopapain is sometimes used to treat slipped disks and pinched nerves.
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