Your Health In Mind

Your Health In Mind with Michael Storm and Dr. Dean Lloyd, November 26, 2025 Hour 2

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The function of digestive enzymes is to break down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable ones, enabling the body to use the nutrients for energy, growth, and repair. They catalyze the chemical reactions of digestion, converting complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Different types of enzymes, such as amylase for carbohydrates, protease for proteins, and lipase for fats, break down specific nutrients

Key functions:

  • Break down macromolecules:Digestive enzymes break down large, complex molecules found in food, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. 
  • Enable absorption:They transform these large molecules into smaller, soluble compounds that the body can absorb into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls. 
  • Provide energy and building blocks:Once absorbed, these smaller molecules are used as fuel for energy, and as building blocks for growth and cell repair. 
  • Speed up chemical reactions:As proteins, these enzymes act as catalysts, significantly speeding up the chemical reactions required for digestion. 
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