Plain and simple, the human body needs enzymes for every biochemical activity it goes through. Moreover, digestion is a top priority to our overall health which makes enzymes one of the most important parts of our digestive system. One such enzyme is invertase.
Enzymes & the Human Digestive System
It’s also interesting to note that enzymes fall into three categories which are as follows:
- Digestive enzymes.
- Food enzymes.
- Metabolic enzymes.
Our digestive system begins with the mouth, then goes on to the esophagus, then to the stomach, and finally, to the intestines. Not too surprisingly, enzymes exist throughout the entire digestive system. Their primary purpose is to simply break down the food you eat so that your body gets as many nutrients as possible.
Enzymes Naturally Lower with Age
As you grow older, the body’s natural production of enzymes goes into decline. Other reasons for lowering enzyme levels might include a medication prescription that you’re taking, or you may have an existing medical condition that causes your enzymes to lower. In either case, there are enzyme supplements that you can turn to for the help that your body needs.
Getting Your Enzymes from Food
The remarkable thing about enzymes is that you can also get them through eating the right foods. In fact, most raw veggies and fruits contain the exact enzymes to digest perfectly with no additional supplementation necessary. Of course, fresh veggies and fruit are always preferable over boiling or baking because that type of action lowers the enzymes in the food before you eat it. For instance, a cooked yam doesn’t have the enzymes necessary for your digestive system, but if you eat them raw, they have everything necessary to thoroughly digest.
With that, it’s easy to understand why traditionally, many people eat their dinner salads before the other courses of a meal. Do you remember when it was the “norm” to see parsley on your dinner plate or for that matter, green onions with salt? While they are delicious, they are also enzymes that help digest food.
However, in our modern world, there are times that you simply are unable to prepare and eat fresh foods. So, there’s yet another reason to consider enzyme supplements.
What Does Invertase Do?
Invertase is an enzyme that derives from yeast that works to catalyze the hydrolysis of sucrose. By this action it breaks sucrose down into the simpler sugar forms of glucose and fructose. The resulting inverted sugar syrup is widely in use for the commercial production of candies because it has a stronger sweet taste and offers a longer shelf life than other syrups.
During the 1800s chemists isolated the enzyme invertase as being the cause of sugar breaking down into glucose and fructose or “invert sugar”. By the 1900s it was in use commonly but primarily for candy-making. Do you remember the sweet, soft center of the chocolate-covered cherries? That is a good example of the candy liquid centers from the use of invertase.
While honeybees produce invertase, it’s much easier to derive it from yeast for the enormous amounts necessary for commercial production of confectionaries.
Invertase Benefits and Uses
- Antioxidant: Invertase also has powerful defenses against bad organisms and bacterial infections. This is an enormous line of defense against digestive tract illnesses.
- Cancer: Some studies suggest that invertase might be effective in advanced bone and stomach cancer with some results showing complete regression.
- Immunity Booster: Invertase is known for its metabolic activity. One instance is asparagus which has high invertase levels in the top portions of the asparagus spears.
- Respiratory Health: Invertase helps to reduce respiratory infections such as colds and flu. A study that was done with honey and 18,000 patients in Europe suggests that it effectively reduces respiratory infections.
- Ulcer Reduction: Invertase helps reduce toxicity in the stomach because the sugars are not able to ferment and build up the resulting toxicity.
Invertase & Raw Honey
However, it is the invertase in honey that naturally boosts your immune system. It is also known for its anti-oxidant and anti-microbial qualities.
If you look at the role of raw honey as a source of invertase, there is no end to the list of benefits, or so it seems. Moreover, there is documentation of these benefits, in some cases, for centuries. But, in any case, it is not a new topic.
Take this information as an option to turn to organic, natural whole food such as honey. Or, consider using this information as a reason to use supplements in addition to natural sources for an even better effect.
- Antioxidant: Raw honey is a natural antioxidant that helps your body fight against free radical cell damage.
- Antifungal & Antibacterial: Raw honey is both a natural antifungal and antibacterial.
- Digestive Health: Raw honey is prebiotic which means it supplies nutrition to the good bacteria that in turn, ensure a healthy digestive system.
- Kills Germs & Regenerates Tissue: Manuka honey when in use by medical professionals for the healing of cuts and other wounds. Use medical grade only.
- Phytonutrient Rich: Raw honey possesses the qualities of both boosting immunity and anti-cancer qualities.
- Sore Throat Soother: This is one of the older remedies that are still effective today. Simply take a spoon full of raw honey and swallow it down to soothe your throat.
Understanding Invertase Units of Measurement
The Foods Chemical Codex (FCC) assay of measurement is one Sumner Unit Invertase/Sucrase or SU. One Sumner Unit equals the quantity of enzymes that it takes to convert 1 mg of sucrose to glucose and fructose in 5 minutes.
Invertase Supplement & Dosage
Invertase is available in liquid and powder for commercial use. For your personal use, you will find it in combination with other enzymes in supplemental form such as capsules. Remember to look for quality, organic supplements. Additionally, read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully.
Invertase Summary
If you’re suffering from the side effects of low enzymes, an invertase supplement might be what you’re looking for. Continue to do your research and consult with your medical professional before starting any supplement.
Article References:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.