What’s amylase?

Have you ever heard of Amylase? No, it’s not some fancy chemical from a science fiction movie, but rather an enzyme that we all have in our bodies. Keep reading to find out what amylase is and why it’s important.

The Basics: What is Amylase?

Amylase is an enzyme found in various parts of the body, including saliva and the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars such as glucose (which your body loves).

In short, amylase breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones so that they can be easily absorbed by our bodies.

Where Can You Find Amylase?

We know that amylase exists in different parts of our bodies. Let’s take a closer look at where we can actually find this magical enzyme.

In Your Mouth

Your saliva contains an enzyme known as salivary alpha-amylases (SAA). When you chew food, SAA starts breaking down carbohydrates immediately before passing them on to your stomach for further digestion.

In Your Pancreas

The pancreas produces pancreatic alpha-amylases (PAA). PPA enters your small intestine through bile ducts and mixes with stew arriving there from the stomach (making sure everything gets properly mashed up).

In Malt Extract

Malt extract consists mainly of maltose syrup which itself has glucose polymers broken down via process effectively utilizing enzymes like α-amylases to assist form following malting procedures:

• Steeping
• Germination
• Kilning

This process makes cooking quicker without losing flavor any brewers or bakers might be thrilled!

Types of Amylases

Yes folks! There are different types of enzymes within the broad category referred to as “Amylases”. They aren’t always interchangeable either- here are three types:

Alpha-Amylases

Alpha-amylase is the most common type of amylase. As discussed, it breaks down carbohydrates in your body into simple sugars (yum!) making sure that they can be significant components for energy pathways!

Beta-Amylases

Beta-amylases are found primarily in plants and are responsible for breaking down substrates like strachyose and maltodextrin.

Gamma-Amylases

Gamma amylase doesn’t really exist on its own as a separate enzyme; it works closely with other enzymes to break down amylopectins found within certain types of starch and fiber structures.

Why Is Amylase Important?

In medical terms, the levels of amylase in one’s bloodstream indicate possible ailments or organ malfunctions.

But besides serving as an indicator for symptoms related to diseases like pancreatitis, we all need amylase so that our bodies can absorb nutrients better!

Fun Fact: Beer Production Relies On Amylases

 

If you’re reading this right now whilst nursing a cold pint- thank alpha-amylase (and maybe send us some too).It’s key for beer production through converting starch from barley (malted) into glucose necessary fermentation stage where yeast transforms consumable sugar giving carbonation/alcohol levels accordingly!”

Without any doubt, brewers would majorly appreciate their work ethic!

How Can You Tell If Your Body Doesn’t Have Enough Amylase?

Just because we’ve been praising amylas this whole time does not mean there aren’t consequences if there is just not enough present . Here are some signs that point you towards deficient amounts of enzyme:

• Indigestion
• Weight gain/loss issues
• Weakness/fatigue/lethargic behaviour

---

Now go out there, show off your knowledge about “nothing” much except for how much your body needs amylase and bring people out of the dark to spread this empowering enzyme appreciate!!