Enzymes are catalysts in the body, protein-like substances which help maintain the tissues,
orchestrate the many functions of the body, and digest food. Enzymes can be broken down into three categories: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes spark many of the reactions inside the cells of our body. Our organs, tissues and cells would not work without the help and direction of metabolic enzymes. Digestive enzymes secreted by our own pancreas break down the nutrients contained in the foods we eat. Food enzymes are supplied to us through the foods we eat. Food enzymes help to break down the foods before our digestive enzymes are called upon. Food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 118 degrees. All cooked and processed foods are devoid of food enzymes.

Garden of Life Omega-Zyme contains the following ingredients:

Protease Blend- Blend of 5 proteolytic enzymes including peptidase which aid in the digestion and utilization of dietary proteins. Helps deliver the specific nutrients necessary for muscle and tissue repair, as well as for vibrant immune system function.
Amylase-digests starch and carbohydrates. Acts in concert with protease to stimulate immune system function. Acts in association with lipase to digest fragments of viruses and reduce inflammation and infections.
Lipase-digests fats, thereby aiding in weight control, maintaining and enhancing cardiovascular health, and helping maintain proper gall bladder function.
Glucoamylase-breaks down carbohydrates, specifically polysaccharides.
Malt Diastase(Maltase)-digests maltose, malt and grain sugars. May help relieve environmental
sensitivities and allergies.
Invertase(Sucrase)-digests sugars. Beneficial in helping prevent gastrointestinal problems and
discomfort.
Alpha-Galactosidase-aids in the digestion of difficult to digest foods such as beans, legumes and
cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
Lactase-digests the milk sugar lactose. Extremely useful for individuals suffering from lactose
intolerance. May be beneficial for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders in which a high percentage are adversely effected by dairy products.
Cellulase-digests fiber cellulose into smaller units which include D-glucose. Helps remedy digestive problems such as malabsorption. Cellulase is a very important enzyme because the human body cannot produce it on its own.
Xylanase-breaks down the sugar xylose.
Pectinase-breaks down carbohydrates such as pectin (found in many fruits).
Hemicellulase-breaks down carbohydrates called hemi-celluloses, which are found in plant foods.
Mannanase-digests the sugar known as mannose.
Phytase-breaks down carbohydrates, specifically phytates (phytic acid), present in many difficult to digest grains and beans. Especially useful for those suffering from serious bowel disorders which result in an inability to handle phytates from soy and gluten from wheat, oats, rye and barley. Phytase may increase mineral absorption and the bioavailability of iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
Beta-Glucanase-breaks down polysaccharides and fibers known as beta glucans.
Arabinosidase-digests the sugar arabinose.
Bromelain-an enzyme from the stem of pineapples, breaks down protein and fights inflammation and reduces swelling. May speed the recovery of injuries and swelling resulting from athletics, childbirth and surgery.
Papain-similar to the chymotrypsin, a protein digesting enzyme produced by the body. Used to treat chronic diarrhea and celiac disease. Treats gastrointestinal discomfort due to intestinal parasites.
Poten-Zyme Ginger Extract-one of the most potent herbal digestive aids. Contains extremely potent protein digesting enzymes. Frequently used to treat nausea and motion sickness.
Poten-Zyme Turmeric Extract-popular Indian spice which is commonly used to improve digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.
Poten-Zyme Barley Grass Extract-one of nature's richest sources of alkaline forming minerals and antioxidant enzymes. Provides the mineral co-factors necessary to enhance the functions of the enzymes.
Poten-Zyme Cat's Claw Extract-called the "opener of the way" by a physician who treated hundreds of people suffering from digestive problems with this powerful herb. Cat's Claw has been used for hundreds of years by native Peruvians as a treatment for digestive problems, urinary tract infections and arthritis.