ENZYMES IN THE SONA

The enzymes in digestive juices break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats in foods into smaller units such as glucose, peptides and fatty acids which can then be readily absorbed. Without the presence of enzymes in the intestinal tract, food could not be digested and the result would be starvation. As we age, the level of enzymes in the digestive juices fall and the digestive process becomes less efficient. Similar enzyme deficiencies are found in many mild digestive upsets. It has long been known that taking enzymes that aid digestion can improve the absorption of essential nutrients. To make sure that the full range of nutrients in the ‘SONA’ are made available for absorption, four types of plant enzymes have been added to the formula.

Protease: an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller units called peptides is made up of a number of individual amino acids. The peptides are in turn broken down to the basic building blocks of proteins, the amino acids. Both peptides and amino acids can be absorbed from the intestine from where they are then transported to the liver. There they are rebuilt to form proteins used to build new tissues and replace ones that are worn out or damaged. Amino acids are also used to build hormones that control many bodily processes and messenger chemicals that transmit information within the brain and nervous system.

Amylase: breaks down insoluble complex starches from vegetable materials in the food to simple sugars like glucose that can then be absorbed. The sugars produced are used by the body as the primary source of energy and may also be combined with proteins to produce glycoproteins that are built up into the connective tissues that hold the body together and line the organs such as the lungs and intestines.

Lipase: the fat digesting enzyme that is essential for the digestion of fat. The fatty acids that are released from fats are transported to the liver to be reformed into storage fats or built into the cell membranes of virtually all tissues. The brain and nervous system is largely made from fats. Some fatty acids are chemically changed into hormones such as prostaglandins that are essential for reproduction.

Cellulase: an enzyme that breaks down the cellulose walls of plant cells, allows the nutrients within the cells to be released and absorbed and it also converts the indigestible cellulose into sugars that can be a source of energy.

Lactase: (SONA Rx) for digesting milk and other dairy products such as cheese - especially helpful for those with lactose intolerance.

These enzymes make it possible for all the nutrient goodness of the Superfoods, minerals and vitamins in the ‘SONA’ to be fully utilized by the body. For more information on enzymes, please refer to the article on pages 155 – 160; “Digestive Enzymes”.