Amylase: 5 Health Benefits

Amylase, protease and lipase are the three most vital digestive enzymes in the body. The body uses these enzymes to properly digest and break down food. Amylase in particular is responsible for helping the body process carbohydrates into simple sugars. Amylase health benefits include the ability to improve digestion, fight diabetes, provide the body with energy and monitor stress levels. Research has shown that amylase may also work as an alternative cancer treatment. As it turns out, this digestive enzyme has some pretty impressive health benefits. You can find amylase in raw fruits or veggies, royal jelly, seeds, nuts and legumes.

Amylase Health Benefits

1. Improves Digestion

Amylase health benefits include the ability to improve digestion. By processing starches in your diet, amylase aids in the digestive process. It helps the body absorb nutrients form the food you eat while breaking down carbohydrates. Amylase helps keep digestive problems at bay while ensuring that your body absorbs the nutrients from the food you eat. (1)

2. Provides the Body With Energy

Amylase health benefits include the ability to provide the body with a natural source of energy. It helps break down starch so the body can use it as fuel. Amylase plays an important role in breaking down high-starch foods like bread, grains, cereal, rice, pasta, beans, potatoes and corn. Without amylase, the body wouldn't be able to convert these carbohydrates into energy.

3. Helps Fight Diabetes

Amylase health benefits include the ability to fight diabetes. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, type 2 diabetes patients were found to have high blood sugar levels that correlated with low serum amylase levels. The study suggests that amylase plays an important role in maintaining the health of the pancreas. Low amylase levels have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes as well as metabolic syndrome. Amylase health benefits include the ability to reverse diabetes symptoms by reducing high blood sugar levels. (2)

4. May Work as an Alternative Cancer Treatment

Research suggests that amylase health benefits may include the ability to work as an alternative cancer treatment. Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez developed a holistic approach to cancer that combines nutritional supplements, coffee enemas, prescribed diets and pancreatic enzymes. His method focuses on detoxifying the body, correcting imbalances in the nervous system and supporting the natural immune system process. Studies have shown that pancreatic enzymes have anti-cancer effects on the body, suggesting that amylase health benefits may include the ability to protect the body from cancer. (3)

5. Can Help Monitor Stress Levels

Amylase health benefits include the ability to monitor stress levels. Chronic stress can take a dangerous toll on the body, leading to many health problems. Researchers measured salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol levels to determine if the two were linked. The found that amylase is sensitive to psychosocial stress. The results suggest that the enzyme may be helpful in measuring stress levels in humans, and detecting stress-reactive changes in the body.