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Alpha amylase is an enzyme that hydrolyses alpha-bonds of large alpha-linked polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen, yielding glucose and maltose. It is the major form of amylase found in humans and other mammals. It is also present in seeds containing starch as a food reserve, and is secreted by many fungi.
Alpha-amylase begins the process of starch digestion. It takes starch chains and breaks them into smaller pieces with two or three glucose units. Two similar types of amylase are made in your body--one is secreted in saliva, where it starts to break down starch grains as you chew, and the other is secreted by the pancreas, where it finishes its job. Then, these little pieces are broken into individual glucose units by a collection of enzymes on the walls of the intestine. Since amylase needs to perform its job in the unpleasant environment of the intestine, it is a small, stable enzyme resistant to unfavorable conditions. Alpha-amylase is used in large quantities in the production of high fructose corn syrup, a mixture of sugars created from corn that is similar in taste and sweetness to the sucrose obtained from sugar beets and sugar cane. The process requires three steps, each performed by a different enzyme. Amylase performs the first step of breaking starch into small pieces. Bacterial amylases are typically used since they are easy to obtain in large quantities. The second step is performed by a fungal glucoamylase which breaks the small chains into individual glucose units. As glucose does not have a particularly palatable taste, a third step must be added. This is performed by glucose isomerase, also known as xylose isomerase which converts some of the glucose into fructose, creating a tasty mixture that is used to sweeten everything from soft drinks to power bars.
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The chia plant is an annual that belongs to the mint family. Chia seeds are considered ‘superfoods’ for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, and α-linolenic acid. They are also rich in protein, fat, dietary fibre, and essential minerals. Chia seeds slow down the speed the body converts carbohydrates into simple sugars, and swell to create a feeling of fullness, and are therefore ideal for assisting in weight management.
Baobab fruit has been used for a multitude of purposes for hundreds of years, from food to medicine. Baobab fruit is highly nutritious and full of naturally-occurring vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It has three times as much vitamin C as an orange, two times more antioxidant capacity than goji berries, and 50% more calcium than spinach. Baobab is also an energy booster, antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
Raspberry ketone is a natural phenolic compound. Studies have shown it increases the secretion of a protein hormone which modulates metabolic processes such as glucose regulation and fatty acid catabolism, which correlate with body fat percentage. It may also help control type 2 diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.
Cape Aloes (Aloe ferox) is a plant related to the more common Aloe vera, growing on the Cape Horn of South Africa. Cape aloe is a medicinal herb. The leaf juice can be dried into a dark brown to black crystalline powder, called aloes. This very bitter substance acts as a tonic, purgative, and anthelmic. Aloes are used to cleanse & detoxify the digestive tract.
Pomegranate has recently been discovered to be an extremely potent antioxidant, and contains polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and essential amino acids. It has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol, and promoting all-round heart health.
Chitosan is derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of shellfish such as crabs and prawns. It is similar to plant fibre in that it cannot be digested by the human body. Chitosan is a fat blocker, absorbing four to six times its weight in fat as it passes through the digestive tract. It thereby flushes fat out of the body before it becomes metabolised and stored as excess body weight.
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