Take it from them; read articles written by experts that run the gamut from product development, to quality assurance and regulatory, to contract manufacturing.
February is national heart health awareness month, and the media has done a very effective job of delivering key messages to adult Americans about how and why to take care of their cardiovascular systems…especially those who have a family history of heart disease, have spent years smoking, and/or have spent years being obese and inactive (and who have lost weight or are losing weight).
There are startling statistics about the perils of heart disease in American adults (courtesy of the American Heart Association), especially when it comes to women:
But here’s a statistic that we can all find encouraging: 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education.
Beyond dietary changes such as adding omega 3 EFA-containing foods (marine and plant based), cutting down on sodas, energy drinks, alcohol and coffee, and exercising – taking heart-healthy supplements also strengthen the foundation for promoting cardiovascular wellness.
Supplements known for promoting heart health are DHA/EPA, tocotrienols/tocopherols (vitamin E), coenzyme Q10, phytosterols and red wine polyphenols – but there are enzymes that help too.
There are enzymes that science suggests are cardioprotective. For example, bromelain has been shown in some studies to reduce blood platelet aggregation (clumping). This is important because blood clumping reduces blood flow to and from the heart.
The enzyme nattokinase also has cardio benefits: human studies have found that this enzyme may promote healthy blood pressure and may reduce clotting factors. Additionally, the proteolytic enzymes bromelain, nattokinase (and a few others) have antithrombotic, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activities, which make them valuable in overall cardiovascular-support formulas.
Other heart-friendly supplemental enzymes are lipase, which breaks down fat, such as triglycerides, and thus improves fat utilization; and papain, which supports normal inflammatory response.
Additionally, free radicals can contribute to cardiovascular stress. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that oxidize other molecules – and oxidation is an undesirable reaction in the body, which can cause a host of problems if not held in check via antioxidants. Free radicals are produced in the body normally as part of metabolism, but when oxidized can lead to oxidative stress by the constant production of free radicals.
The body has an antioxidant defense system that helps maintain a healthy balance of reduced/oxidized antioxidants, and research suggests that maintaining this system may reduce development of disease. Glutathione, the most researched and protective molecule, and cysteine, are key components of this system.
The glutathione (GSH) antioxidant system – a critical component of a proprietary enzyme supplement formula, ThioZyme®AO – contributes directly to the disarming of reactive oxygen compounds and maintains, in reduced active form, vitamins C and E, which also exert an antioxidant effect.
Enzymes definitely provide more value to human health than aiding in digestion – cardiovascular wellness is a lovely bonus!
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Digestible is your go-to resource for learning about enzymes, probiotics and their impact on digestive health. Keep up with the latest trends in dietary supplements, learn why gut health is critical to overall wellness and immunity, and the science behind it all.
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John Davidson has been formulating enzyme based dietary supplements for more than 30 years, with a particular focus in human digestion. Davidson’s wide range of experience encompasses nearly all aspects of supplement manufacturing; including QC/QA, blending, encapsulation, tableting, research & development, product development and technical services. In his current role as the Director of Education and Innovation for Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Davidson is responsible for both new product innovation, collaborating with R&D and Sales to bring new products to market.
