Diastase – Enzyme In Honey That Aids Digestion
As and when we regard honey as an eminent health food, it also emanates the focus on diastase, an enzyme that is present in honey that significantly helps in digestion.
Need For Enzymes
Enzymes are important for carrying out various vital functions in the human body. Amylase and glucoamylase are two such enzymes, which ideally help in the process of digestion. The human saliva is naturally equipped to produce adequate amount of these enzymes. However, when the presence of these enzymes becomes insufficient, it should be sourced from outside so that the process of digestion remains unaffected. Hence, there is the need for the enzyme diastase, which is in fact known in the scientific world by the name of alpha, beta or gamma – amylase.
Diastase as Enzyme Supplement
Diastase, which also happens to be the first enzyme ever discovered, is an excellent natural substitute for amylase. Essentially, Diastase refers to a group of enzymes that allow the breakdown of certain starches. The name ‘Diastase’ owes its origin to a Greek word diastatis, which simply means separation. Honey is a magnificent natural product which contains quite an amount of this beneficial enzyme. On the other hand, Diastase is traditionally extracted or separated from barley seeds, after beer mash has been mixed and heated. Besides, this yellowish-white, starch – breaking substance can also be extracted from a variety of other sources, including plants, milk and stevia.
Diastase and Honey
Also known as liquid gold, honey is a convenient and useful source of obtaining dietary diastase. Honey is a natural food product which is not only delicious but also offers a number of health benefits. Honey, especially in its raw form, comes loaded with a variety of enzymes, including diastase and invertase. Although their existence and amount varies among the various types of honey, but this is absolutely one diet ingredient which offers these enzymes in their purest and most beneficial form. You may consume honey as it is, or add it to a warm beverage, such as a glass of warm water, milk or even tea, for that matter.
Enzyme In Honey
Diastase is categorically one enzyme that is a support to digestion. But obtaining this from honey needs conspicuous care and concern. This is because lengthier the honey is ‘matured’ in the bee hive, higher is the content of diastase. Although, as a measure of quality, the average standards in the EU identify a minimum value of fifteen which is regarded necessary.
Health Benefits
Diastase remains immensely beneficial for a number of reasons, most of them pertaining to our health.
- Diastase helps in the digestion of various everyday dietary starches that we may consume, such as potatoes, grains, and cruciferous foods. It primarily functions by promoting a convenient breakdown and disintegration of starch, first into maltose and subsequently into sugar. This very process makes the starch and carbohydrates to be easily digested and therefore, easy on the stomach.
- It is for this reason that diastase is used to aid in a number of gastric functions, which might otherwise result in acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, chest burns, upset stomach, etc. These benefits are primarily what make honey, a good source of diastase, an ultimate stomach soother!
- People with pancreatic issues may also receive some relief with the regular use of diastase.
- Even those suffering from the initial symptoms of diabetes may consider supplementing their diet with a little bit of diastase.
- Besides, it is also effective in case of weight loss, boosts energy and looks after the health of our skin.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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Nice blogs, thank you!!:)