Introduction
Have you ever wondered why we don’t have to chew starchy foods for a long time before swallowing? The answer lies in the enzyme present in our saliva that helps digest starch. In this article, we will explore this enzyme and its role in our digestive system.
What is Starch?
Starch is a complex carbohydrate that is commonly found in many foods like rice, potatoes, bread, and pasta. It is made up of long chains of glucose molecules that are difficult for our body to break down.
What is Amylase?
Amylase is an enzyme present in our saliva that helps break down the starch into smaller molecules. It is produced by the salivary glands and helps in the initial digestion of carbohydrates.
How Does Amylase Work?
When we chew starchy foods, the amylase in our saliva mixes with the food and begins to break down the starch into smaller molecules called maltose. This process is known as hydrolysis, where water is added to the starch to break it down. Once the starch is broken down, it can be easily absorbed by our body.
Why is Amylase Important?
Without amylase, our body would have a hard time digesting starchy foods. This could lead to digestive problems like bloating, gas, and constipation. The presence of amylase in our saliva ensures that we can easily digest starchy foods and get the nutrients we need.
Factors Affecting Amylase Activity
The activity of amylase can be affected by various factors like pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors. For example, amylase works best at a pH of around 7, which is the neutral pH of our saliva. However, if the pH is too acidic or too alkaline, amylase activity can be inhibited.
Health Benefits of Amylase
Apart from its role in digestion, amylase has some other health benefits as well. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help in the treatment of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and eczema.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the enzyme amylase in our saliva plays a crucial role in the digestion of starch. It breaks down the starch into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by our body. Without amylase, we would have a hard time digesting starchy foods and could face various digestive problems. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy level of amylase in our saliva for proper digestion.