Invertase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down the bond between fructose and glucose. This process is essential for converting complex sugars into blood sugar (glucose), which the body uses as a readily available fuel source. Often referred to as beta-fructofuranosidase, you might see this name on product labels or in scientific literature.
Invertase is one of the critical enzymes nature provides to help us digest sugars. It’s commonly found in bee pollen and yeast, playing a significant role not only in digestion but also in human disease prevention, physical rejuvenation, and anti-aging. As we get older, our access to this natural enzyme diminishes, reducing our ability to absorb vital nutrients from food. This decline can slow our digestion, especially since sugars and starches are prevalent in many diets. Although certain sugars and carbohydrates are beneficial, they can’t be absorbed or digested effectively without the help of invertase.
Bees also produce invertase naturally, using it to hydrolyze the sugars in raw nectar, which results in the honey we enjoy. Honeybees generate large amounts of this enzyme, which breaks the bond between glucose and fructose and adds hydrogen and hydroxide. Unlike many other enzymes, invertase remains active over a wide range of pH levels.
The Health Benefits of Invertase
Natural Immune Booster
Enzymes found in honey, such as invertase, have been studied for their metabolic activity. Research on asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) revealed that high invertase activity in the top portion of asparagus spears is linked to the high metabolic rate in that part.
Antioxidant Support
Invertase boasts significant antioxidant properties, making it a strong agent against harmful organisms. This helps combat bacterial infestations and gut fermentation due to oxidation. In ancient India, raw honey, rich in invertase, was often used to support weak hearts, kill bacteria, and reduce intestinal problems. Its hygroscopic (moisture-retaining) properties also helped draw moisture out of the body, reducing bacterial growth.
Ulcers
Invertase creates pre-digested simple sugars, helping reduce stomach toxicity by preventing sugars from staying in the stomach long enough to cause toxic fermentation. Fermentation leads to bacterial and disease buildup in the digestive tract. Thus, invertase helps protect against ulcers and other digestive diseases.
Naturally Toxic to Harmful Organisms
In honey, enzymes like invertase can transform glucose into natural hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic to harmful organisms.
Natural Respiratory Support
Enzymes, including invertase, have been shown to help reduce colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. A European study involving 18,000 patients revealed that honey significantly helped treat upper respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, asthma, and allergies.
Cancer Support
Some studies suggest that the invertase enzyme may have chemotherapeutic properties. Research in Australia and Japan found that enzymes in honey supported patients with advanced bone and stomach cancer, sometimes even leading to cancer regression. Enzyme therapy is now a crucial part of many natural cancer treatments. European researchers reported, “Studies showed that enzyme therapy can reduce the adverse effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There is also evidence that, in some types of tumors, survival may be prolonged, and the beneficial effect of systemic enzyme therapy seems to be based on its potential to reduce redness and swelling.”
How to Read the Units of Measurement for Invertase
Carbohydrases like invertase measure the hydrolysis of carbohydrates. One SU (Sumner Unit Invertase/Sucrase) is the FCC assay of measurement, whereby one Sumner Unit is the quantity of enzyme that will convert 1 mg of sucrose to glucose and fructose in 5 minutes. The FCC (Foods Chemical Codex) is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia) that sets standards for ingredients. For enzymes, FCC provides a standard assay to accurately determine enzyme activity. The current compendium is FCC VI.
Where Can I Find The Best Source of Invertase?
The product VeganZyme contains a 100% vegan form of invertase produced by the natural fermentation process of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is derived from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten-free, contains no animal products, and is entirely suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
VeganZyme is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula available, free from fillers and toxic compounds. It contains digestive enzymes that help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts, seeds, soy, dairy, and all other food sources. VeganZyme can also act as a systemic enzyme blend, breaking down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, and excess clotting factors throughout the body.
