Papaya is one of the best-studied enzyme-rich foods. Protein digestion is assisted by papain, chymopapain, glycyl endopeptidase, and glutamine acyltransferase.
Papaya
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1
Bromelain—a family of enzymes that includes peroxidase, acid phosphatase, cysteine proteinases, and proteolytic enzymes—is abundant in pineapple.
Pineapple
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2
Amylase enzymes in mangoes break down complex carbs into glucose and maltose, improving starch and protein digestion.
Mango
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3
A cysteine protease enzyme called actinidin helps breakdown proteins and boost small intestine protein absorption in kiwis. Kiwifruit helps digestion and relieves bloating and constipation.
Kiwifruit
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4
Amylase and glucosidase in bananas break down complicated starch into easily absorbed sugars. Fiber-rich bananas aid digestion and gut health.
Banana
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5
Lipase in avocados helps digest high-fat diets. In those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, lipase reduces bloating, gas, and boosts immunity.
Avocado
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6
Raw honey contains diastase, amylase, invertase, and protease. Diastase digests starch, amylase sugars, invertase sucrose, and protease amino acids.
Raw honey
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7
Ginger fights nausea using zingibain, a protein-digesting enzyme. Ginger contracts the stomach, speeding digestion.
Ginger
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8
Yogurt-like kefir contains lipase, protease, and lactase enzymes. Kefir contains probiotics that enhance intestinal health and may aid with lactose intolerance.
Kefir
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9
Miso contains lipases, proteases, amylases, and lactases from fermented soybeans. Miso aids digestion and relieves IBS symptoms.
Miso
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10
Shredded, fermented cabbage is one of the healthiest sources of digestive enzymes. It contains lactic acid bacteria, which aid digestion.
Sauerkraut
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11
Korean kimchi is hot and fermented with protease, lipase, and amylase. Fermented veggies contain more nutrients due to these enzymes.