What are digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and help metabolize foods so that their nutrients can be used by the body. Different kinds of enzymes target different nutrients.

1) Protease: digest proteins in an acidic ennvironment such as the stomach.

2) Lipase: digest fats and oils for the body can absorb fat soluable vitamins (A,D,E, & K). This enzyme also supports liver function.

3) Alpha/beta amylase: is found in the saliva and pancreatic juice and helps break down carbohydrates to thier simplest form of energy.

4) Cellulase: breaks down the fibrous walls of plant cells.

5) Lactase: helps digest lactose (milk sugar) found in dairy products.

6) Maltase: helps break down carbs fom grains.

7) Invertase: digests refined sugars.

8) Papain: found in papaya and helps digest protein.  

What's the difference between a Macronutirent and a Micronutrient ?

Nutrition supplies three physiological needs:

1) Fuel for cellular energy.

2) Raw materials so the body can make it's own molecules.

3) Essential nutrients which the body can't make so must be supplied by the diet.

Macronutrients are needed in large amounts and are seen to be carbs, proteins (amino acids), and fats (essential fatty acids).

Micronutrients are needed in much smaller amounts and are needed for enzymatic activity.  They are divided into 2 groups: vitamins (organic, carbon based componds) and minerals (metal ions from inorganic elements).