What are enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins that speed up the chemical reactions in your body, from making energy to repairing cells. Digestive enzymes are the best known: they break food down into nutrients small enough to absorb.

Digestion starts in your mouth, where saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that begins breaking down starches. Your stomach and pancreas add enzymes for protein and fat. Some foods carry their own enzymes too, like bromelain in pineapple and papain in papaya.

A few habits give your digestion a helping hand:

• Chew each bite slowly and thoroughly
• Eat sitting down, away from screens
• Enjoy a mix of raw and cooked foods

Curious about enzyme supplements? Check with your doctor or practitioner first. Try this: at your next meal, notice how many times you chew each bite, then aim for a few more.