The Hemicellulase Enzyme
The hemicellulase enzyme can transform non-cellulose polysaccharides (long chains of sugars) from our diet into usable components. This enzyme is essential for breaking down fruits, vegetables, and many grains. It specifically targets the “hard” hemicellulose carbohydrates, which can slow down digestion and nutrient absorption. Without enough hemicellulase, consuming large amounts of plant material results in limited prebiotic intake. These prebiotics, made up of smaller indigestible saccharide units, fuel various probiotics (good bacteria) in the digestive tract.
How Does Hemicellulase Work?
Hemicellulase enhances prebiotic activity by breaking down common hemicellulose carbohydrates found in everyday foods, such as hydrocolloid gums, galactomannoglucans, pentosans, and betaglucans. These carbohydrates are often added to products like ice cream and dairy items. To boost your body’s prebiotic intake, consider taking a supplement containing hemicellulase.
This enzyme is quite complex, with various types used in food technologies to improve dough quality and produce fruit juices and alcoholic beverages. For instance, in winemaking, hemicellulase helps remove unwanted compounds from grape skins that could alter the wine’s taste. While plants produce hemicellulases for growth and development, most commercial interest lies in enzymes produced by microorganisms.
The Health Benefits of Hemicellulase
May Reduce Candida
Research suggests that increasing hemicellulase can help prevent and reduce yeast infestations like Candida. This is likely because Candida’s cell wall is composed of hemicellulose, which hemicellulase can digest, potentially reducing Candida levels.
Better Digestive Capacity with Aging
As we age, our enzyme production decreases, either due to reduced pancreatic output or changes in gut flora. Taking digestive enzymes like hemicellulase can counteract this loss. Studies in Japan have shown that intestinal enzyme output gradually decreases with age, with women over 65 experiencing the sharpest declines.
Improves Overall Health
Animal studies indicate that supplementing with hemicellulase improves nutrient digestibility, performance, and food conversion ratios. A 2005 study in the Animal Science Journal found that chickens given hemicellulase supplements grew faster, had less abdominal fat, and showed improved nutrient utilization. This suggests a synergistic effect on animal health and performance, though more human research is needed.
How to Read the Units of Measurement for Hemicellulase
Hemicellulase is measured in Hemicellulase Units (HCU). The Foods Chemical Codex (FCC) defines one HCU as the activity that produces a relative fluidity change of 1 over 5 minutes in a locust bean gum substrate at 40°C and pH 4.5. The FCC, a division of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), sets standards for ingredients, including enzymes, to ensure accurate activity measurement.
Where Can I Find The Best Source of Hemicellulase?
VeganZyme contains a 100% vegan form of hemicellulase produced through the natural fermentation of Trichoderma reesei. It is made from vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. VeganZyme is a comprehensive systemic and digestive enzyme formula, free from fillers and toxic compounds. It helps digest fats, sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts, seeds, soy, dairy, and other food sources. Additionally, VeganZyme can be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, toxins, allergens, and clotting factors throughout the body.
