Tag: Carbohydrate breakdown

An astonishing 30% of starch digestion can occur in the mouth, initiated by the enzyme known as salivary amylase. This enzyme acts on polysaccharides in the mouth, beginning the crucial chemical breakdown of complex carbohydrates during the process of mastication.

According to nutritionists, toast is often recommended for sensitive stomachs because the heat from toasting starts the process of breaking down carbohydrates. This means the body has to do less work to digest it, which is why is toast better for your stomach than bread when you're feeling unwell.

Salivary amylase begins the chemical digestion of starch in the mouth, a process that continues in the small intestine. This enzymatic action defines what is the role of enzymes in starch, converting complex carbohydrates into usable energy for the body and facilitating numerous industrial processes.