Pectinase

Why You Need It

• Better Digestion: Helps break down the fibrous cell walls of plants, making raw fruits and veggies easier on your stomach.
• Nutrient Release: By dismantling plant structures, it may help your body access vitamins and minerals trapped inside the fiber.
• Joint Comfort: Some evidence suggests systemic enzymes (taken away from meals) can help the body manage inflammation and joint stiffness.

Deep Dive

Pectinase is a category of enzymes (like polygalacturonase) that specifically target pectin. Pectin is a polysaccharide that holds plant cells together—think of it as the 'mortar' in a brick wall. When you eat high-fiber foods, this mortar can be difficult for human digestive enzymes to penetrate. By supplementing with Pectinase, you are essentially providing the specific 'keys' to unlock that fiber. This not only eases digestive distress (like gas from apples or carrots) but also increases the bioavailability of nutrients. It is widely used in the juice industry to squeeze out every drop of liquid and nutrition, and you can utilize it for the same goal internally.

Natural Food Sources

While Pectinase is primarily produced by fungi (like Aspergillus) for supplements, you can find it naturally occurring in foods that contain natural enzymes. However, cooking often destroys these delicate proteins.

Supplementation

Dosage: There is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for enzymes. Dosages vary wildly based on the 'activity unit' of the product (usually measured in FCC units).

Usage:

1. For Digestion: Take immediately before or with a meal containing raw fruits, salads, or fibrous veggies.
2. For Joint Support: Some protocols suggest taking on an empty stomach (systemic use), though evidence is mixed.

Who Should Take It: Individuals who experience bloating, gas, or heaviness after eating raw salads, fruit skins, or high-fiber meals may benefit most.