Whether or not we are concerned with healthy cholesterol, balanced blood sugar, inflammation, or proper blood pressure, experts encourage us to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Doing so requires a healthy diet along with regular exercise. Beyond these good habits, we are also encouraged by the benefits of dietary supplements such as heart healthy essential fatty acids and therapeutic enzymes.

While there are many products on the market that aid and support a healthy heart, few are as unique as the nattokinase enzyme.

An Accidental Discovery Provides Health Benefits for Generations to Come

Nattokinase NSK-SD enzyme is a therapeutic enzyme isolated from a traditional Japanese food known as natto. Natto is a form of fermented soy, and nattokinase is the enzyme end product of the bacteria known as bacillus subtilis natto, which feeds on the soy during the fermentation process.

Fermented soybeans have been consumed for thousands of years as health tonic in Japan, and the story of natto is often attributed to an ancient Japanese warrior known as Minamoto no Yoshiie. While preparing for battle Minamoto and his clan were cooking soybeans. They were attacked suddenly and were forced to pack their beans in straw and leave their encampment with little notice. Days later they discovered that their beans had fermented, forming a sticky consistency with a strong smell. Fed to the horses and later to Minamoto’s soldiers, it was found to be tasty. As time went on people began to eat natto for its health benefits.

Unlike the familiar enzymes that target food in the digestive tract, nattokinase is a unique protein digesting enzyme that goes beyond digestion, entering the bloodstream providing a unique benefit to heart health. Nattokinase provides support to the body’s fibrinolytic systems, those systems which ensure the breakdown of fibrin in the bloodstream, and promote healthy circulation.*

Fibrin is a protein that forms in the blood after trauma or injury. When all systems are functioning properly, this process is essential to stop excess blood loss and encourage healthy clotting. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins present in the blood also trigger an inflammatory condition resulting in excess cross-linked fibrin. Excess cross-linked fibrin can circulate through the blood and stick to the walls of blood vessels.

Excess fibrin has been shown to contribute to cardiovascular issues, poor circulation and slow tissue repair. A nattokinase supplement can help enhance the proper function of the cardiovascular system, promoting the breakdown of fibrin, which in turn encourages healthy blood flow, proper clearance of waste from the body, and the optimal delivery of nutrients essential to good health.*

Studies Confirm the Cardiovascular Benefits of Nattokinase Enzymes

The nattokinase enzyme has proven beneficial time and time again in studies, including documented blood plasma tests. Nattokinase is the subject of 17 studies, including two small human trials.[i] [ii] [iii] [iv]

For the Western palate, natto is considered an acquired taste, and its sticky texture leaves a lot to be desired. However, due to the advent of encapsulation, you can receive the healthy fibrinolytic benefits of natto by taking a supplement without consuming fermented sticky soy beans. Ideally, a nattokinase supplement will include a variety of protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes known for their ability to promote a healthy inflammatory response.*

To learn more about nattokinase and cardiovascular health, visit www.Enzymedica.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Recent findings by a researcher at the National University of Ireland, Galway, have reconfirmed the efficacy and function of Enzymedica’s trademarked Thera-blend™ process.

Figure 1 illustrates how a blend of one type of enzyme (such as protease) enhance the range of activity for a Thera-Blend™. Notice that there are three proteases shown. All have a slightly different optimal pH at normal body temperature. By combining the three we are able to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range (this is not an exact graph it is simply meant to illustrate the benefit of Thera-Blend™).

Thera-blend is Enzymedica’s exclusive blending process used for the protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase enzymes in the company’s formulas. The goal of the process is to blend several strains of each enzyme to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range. The end result of the Thera-blend method is increased potency, as enzymes are enabled to break down more bonds throughout the entire digestive system. The variety of strains also makes the formulas more effective systemically.

The positive correlation was validated by Dr. Maria Tuohy, while studying an unrelated enzymatic assay obtained from Enzymedica’s GlutenEase™ formula for its starch-modifying and proteolytic activities. [Its ability to break down starches and proteins.]

Scott Sensenbrenner, CEO of Enzymedica shares, “These recent findings corroborate previous tests by the manufacturer and Enzymedica is excited to share the news. As a science-based company we will continue to pursue research to further substantiate our product claims.”

In Figure 2 Notice how a multiple blend of one enzyme has the ability to break more protein, carbohydrates or fat bonds than a single enzyme.

To learn more about Thera-blend and Enzymedica enzyme products, please visit www.enzymedica.com

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What Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are energized protein molecules found in all living cells. They catalyze and regulate all biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. They are also instrumental in digestion. They break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber making it possible to benefit from the nutrients found in those foods while removing the toxins. Enzymes turn the food we eat into energy and unlock this energy for use in the body. Their presence and strength can be determined by improved blood and immune system functions.

Types of Enzymes

There are three types of enzymes. Our bodies naturally produce two types, digestive and metabolic enzymes as they are needed, while food enzymes can only be consumed orally.

Metabolic Enzymes speed up the chemical reaction within the cells for detoxification and energy production. They enable us to see, hear, feel, move and think. Every organ, every tissue, and all 100 trillion cells in our body depend upon the reaction of metabolic enzymes and their energy factor. Metabolic enzymes are produced by every living cell. However, the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and other organs play a vital role in their production.

Digestive Enzymes are secreted along the digestive tract to break food down into nutrients and waste. This allows nutrients to be absorbed into the blood stream and the waste to be discarded. Human digestive enzymes include ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, protease, and amylase. The body does not make cellulase, an enzyme necessary for proper digestion of fiber, so it must be introduced through the raw foods we eat.

Food Enzymes are introduced to the body through the raw foods we eat and through consumption of supplemental enzyme fortifiers. Raw foods naturally contain enzymes, providing a source of digestive enzymes when ingested. However, raw food manifests only enough enzymes to digest that particular food, not enough to have any support systemically. The cooking and processing of food destroys all of its enzymes. Since most of the foods we eat are cooked or processed in some way and since the raw foods we do eat contain only enough enzymes to process that particular food, our bodies must produce the majority of the digestive enzymes we require. For these reasons it is recommended that we supplement our diet with enzymes.

Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes:
A Simple Guide to Using Enzymes to Treat
Everything from Digestive Problems and
Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis
by Tom Bohager

Link to us at:  Enzymedica – http://www.enzymedica.com/blog

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They say every dog has his day and today is Rascal’s day.  Rascal is one dog that cares about his nutrition!  You see, Rascal won’t eat his food without Enzymedica Pet Digest™  micro-encapsulated sprinkles added to his meal.  Don’t take our word for it, watch the video and get a little laugh too.

What is Pet Digest?

Pet Digest™ is a  digestive enzyme supplement for all mammals. Pet digestion can be improved by enzymes such as protease to digest protein, lipase to digest fats, and amylase for carbohydrate digestion which are imperative for proper health.

Why does your pet need enzymes?  Some veterinarians recommend a dietary supplement to help keep your pet healthy and to assist in strengthening the immune system.  For this reason we formulated  Pet Digest™ micro-encapsulated sprinkles to be an optimal nutrition boost for your pets diet. Studies have shown that animals, just like people, suffer from digestive issues when they eat a diet that is processed, cooked and devoid of essential nutrients and enzymes. Among other health issues, poor digestion can cause pets to suffer from constipation, diarrhea, itchy skin, and excess shedding.

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg6sNOVOfp8

Adding the Pet Digest digestive enzyme formula, to your pet’s food not only promotes healthy absorption and digestion but may also strengthen their immune system. Enzymedica’s Pet Digest is an extensive enzyme formula which will help pets digest their foods more efficiently; absorbing all of the nutrients, while helping to reduce digestive distress. The Pet Digest formula is easy to use and comes in a convenient powder which is simply sprinkled on your pet’s food. Using the newest technology in microencapsulation, the powder maintains its stability even on wet food and does not interfere with the food’s taste.

Link to us at:  Enzymedica – http://www.enzymedica.com/blog

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In this podcast, Enzymedica’s Director of Research and Development, Maday Labrador, explains how digestive enzymes breakdown proteins and fats in the body.   This informative training covers the impact of nutrition programs that emphasize the protein macronutrient, and how Enzymedica enzyme supplements help maximize output from protein and fat digestion.

Protein

Protein supplements in the form of powder, bars, or food are often used as part of an exercise regimen. Although protein is very beneficial in this capacity, it can be difficult to digest.  This is particularly noticeable with increasing age. One such form of stubborn protein is gluten, which left undigested can lead to intestinal inflammation and discomfort. Maday Labrador discusses Protein Optimize and GlutenEase, Enzymedica products containing the protein digesting enzyme protease, which aids the body to digest healthy proteins.

Fat

Although fat is often given a bad name, fats are essential to the body’s healthy structure and function.  Also known as ‘good fats,’ Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are beneficial for the body.  Consumers are familiar with these healthy fats and are encouraged to supplement with products like fish or flax seed oils. Unfortunately, some individuals experience digestive discomfort such as occasional indigestion and nausea when taking these healthy oils. This discomfort can be a sign that the oils are not being broken down properly for absorption and are not working at their full capacity. EFA Optimize is an Enzymedica product containing lipase, the digestive enzyme which breaks down fats and lipids. A study done with EFA Optimize showed four times more absorption of fish oil and twelve times more absorption of flax seed oil.

To hear more about protein, fat and enzymes and how they work in other Enzymedica products, listen to Maday Labrador’s podcast here.

Link to us at:  Enzymedica – http://www.enzymedica.com/blog

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