Do you need more papain in your diet?

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the leaf and fruit of the papaya plant. One of the main benefits of proteolytic enzymes is that they break down long chain-like molecules of proteins into shorter fragments — peptides– and eventually, into amino acids, making them easier to digest and absorb. Because of this property it’s not unusual to find papain in powdered meat tenderizers.

Eating papaya fruit is a great way to add papain to your diet, and combining it with meat at a meal can help with the digesting it. Including more papaya in your diet may help you with the digestion of proteins as well as providing other health benefits. However, since most of us don’t have access to a year-round supply of papaya, you can also take advantage of its helpful properties in supplements such as Vibrant Nutraceuticals’ Active Systemic Enzymes.

Papain benefits

In addition to working to break down proteins, research is being conducted on a number of other potential benefits that papain provides. For example, studies have shown that a papain-based skin cleanser is useful in healing ulcers, wounds, and other skin conditions. Pain relief is another potential benefit. Research on proteolytic enzymes has indicated that papain results in as much or more inflammation reduction as some anti-inflammatory drugs.

Papain has also performed well in studies that have assessed its role in improving digestive health. It has shown promise in easing painful symptoms associated with digestive dysfunction such as constipation and bloating.

More than just papain

If you and your doctor agree that you could benefit from adding papain to your diet, you may want to consider a supplement that includes other systemic enzymes for added benefits. For example, a supplement with papain and bromelain provides a one-two punch when used as a digestive and pain relieving aid. Bromelain, found in pineapples, is a protein-digesting enzyme that has also shown promise in reducing the inflammation caused by physical injuries and infection.

Active Systemic Enzymes includes a group of enzymes that each carry a health benefit. Read more about benefits of each one of these enzymes on the product page.