Amylase is a protein is produced in the salivary gland and pancreas that creates various digestive enzymes and makes the metabolism function properly. Amylase helps the human body digest carbohydrates by converting starch and glycogen into simple sugars for digestion. As a result, the body gets more out of food, such as energy. The health benefits of amylase are numerous.

Advertisement
1.

How Does Amylase Work?

Amylase forms three very special starch metabolizing enzymes that speed up the digestive process: alpha, beta, and y-enzymes. The digestive process begins in the mouth; the enzymes in saliva break down food as you chew. In the acidic environment of the stomach, the enzymes from the pancreas break it down further before it works its way to the gut.

969062614

jarun011 / Getty Images

Advertisement
2.

The Health Benefits of Amylase

The enzymes that form because of amylase are essential. As well as aiding vitality, amylase also has a plethora of health benefits including immune system support and a lower risk of diabetes. Doctors can also monitor its levels to monitor pancreas function and identify problems with the organ, which are difficult to diagnose.

911852746

Shidlovski / Getty Images

Advertisement
3.

Diabetes

Keeping a healthy pancreas is important. People with type 2 diabetes tend to have lower serum amylase activity, likely due to high sugar levels. Because of this, some researchers refer to amylase as an anti-diabetes digestive enzyme. When doctors administer it to patients, amylase can lower overall blood sugar levels, which also reduces the strain on the pancreas.

688821366

Steve Debenport / Getty Images

Advertisement
4.

Digestion

The enzymes amylase creates are necessary to process starches. Starches form glucose, a sugar module the body uses to store and burn energy. Proper starch digestion involves a combination of the body's natural levels of amylase and the extent to which one chews their food. If food doesn't break down properly, the body has to do more work to extract the nutrients. Chewing thoroughly will not only give the amylase more time to process carbohydrates, but digestion will also be easier.

660262902

PeopleImages / Getty Images

Advertisement
5.

Energy Levels

Eating food is what creates energy in your body, which is usually why you feel sluggish if you're not eating enough. While glucose is the primary sugar molecule needed for energy production, you should obtain it from healthy sources. Amylase comes into the energy process when it breaks down starch and ensures nutrients don't go to waste. Good levels of amylase in the body can make you more energetic and prevent hunger pangs. The same process may also make it more difficult to overeat.

872677352

sompong_tom / Getty Images

Advertisement
6.

Stress

Stress is one of the worst things in the world for your health. Research has found connections between low levels of amylase and higher stress hormones. If you correct amylase count, you may also experience fewer mood swings. Due to this, the anxiety and depression that can come from high-stress situations may also lessen with time.

654187068

PeopleImages / Getty Images

Advertisement
7.

Autoimmune Diseases

Almost all healthy foods boost your immune system with their vitamins and nutrients. However, some of these foods can be dangerous for those with autoimmune conditions, particularly autoimmune pancreatitis or hepatitis. If you know what your triggers are, you can avoid those foods and try to supplement. Amylase can cut down on inflammatory molecules that trigger intense immune responses.

893470424

Zerbor / Getty Images

Advertisement
8.

Inflammation

Research shows that consuming supplements or food rich in amylase may have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping control swelling, inflammation, and irritation inside the body and on the skin. You can ease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, for example, by increasing the amount of amylase in your body.

856317742

Carlo107 / Getty Images

Advertisement
9.

Aging

Amylase production tends to decrease as we age. Some studies find that increasing levels may slow down the aging process somewhat. Furthermore, amylase can prevent oxidative stress. It remains unclear how or why amylase may be able to decrease the process of aging, and scientists are still studying to get to the bottom of it.

698892958

dolgachov / Getty Images

Advertisement
10.

Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is linked to low levels of amylase production. Eating a well-balanced diet with enough amylase is critical for both people who have cancer and people who don't. Amylase has been used as a holistic cancer treatment in an aim to detoxify the body but remains controversial; however, people who have cancer and are pursuing medical treatments such as chemo or radiation may benefit from amylase.

872191096

vadimguzhva / Getty Images

Advertisement
Did you find this page helpful?
YesNo
logo

Why Facty?

With a dedicated team of over 75, including writers, editors, and medical experts, we’re committed to bringing you the most comprehensive, up-to-date health information you can rely on.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Popular Now on Facty Health


Disclaimer

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.