What Exactly Is Cellulose?
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate essential to the outer structure of all green plants. It’s one of the most abundant compounds on Earth, serving as the foundational building block for much of the plant kingdom and as a primary food source for many organisms.
Certain animals are exceptionally efficient at digesting cellulose. For instance, cows have a four-chambered stomach that hosts an array of cellulose-digesting microbes, enabling them to break down the grass and hay they consume. This is why cows can grow strong and healthy on a grass-based diet.
For humans, consuming a diet rich in leafy greens, sprouts, and herbs necessitates adequate cellulase levels to digest some of the cellulose in these foods. Otherwise, we miss out on the full nutritional benefits of our fruits and vegetables.
How Does Cellulase Work?
Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down the cellulose in plant fibers into beta-glucose and short-chain polysaccharides. While bacteria, fungi, and protozoa produce cellulase, humans and animals do not. This enzyme complex includes exoglucanases (cellobiohydrolases), endoglucanases, and beta-glucosidases, all working together to hydrolyze cellulose into beta-glucose, a simple sugar. This breakdown process is known as cellulolysis.
Once cellulose is broken down into polysaccharides or beta-glucose, the body either uses these byproducts or eliminates them. The remaining plant cellulose fiber acts as a bulking agent, which is excreted in the stool.
Different species of microflora produce various types of cellulases, with their activity being pH-dependent. Some thrive in alkaline (low pH) environments, while others prefer acidic (high pH) or neutral conditions.
Cellulose digestion is slower compared to other plant nutrients. A slower digestive system can more effectively break down cellulose, allowing for better nutrient absorption. Humans digest cellulose from different plants with varying efficiency; research shows we digest cellulose from cabbage and carrots more effectively than from cottonseed hulls.
The Health Benefits of Cellulase
Cellulase enzymes offer several health benefits, including:
– Breaking down cellulose into usable glucose.
– Disrupting harmful microbial biofilms.
– Helping fruits and vegetables release antioxidant compounds when combined with pectinase enzymes.
– Enhancing the nutritive value of fermented foods and whole grains.
In vitro studies indicate that cellulase can inhibit the growth and promote the breakdown of biofilms produced by bacteria like Pseudomonas, potentially aiding in detoxifying the intestinal tract and major organ systems.
Cellulase is extensively used in the food industry to boost the nutritional properties of foods, from enhancing antioxidants in juices to improving nutrient retention in whole grains. While it’s well-documented that these properties are effective in food processing, research is ongoing to determine if they have the same impact inside the human body.
A study on nursing home patients found that those taking a multi-enzyme formula with cellulase had better protein absorption, improved digestion, and enhanced immune function. When the enzyme supplement was discontinued, these benefits ceased.
How to Read the Units of Measurement for Cellulase
Cellulase activity is measured in Control Units (CUs), as set by the United States Pharmacopeia in line with the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). The FCC uses standardized assays to accurately measure enzyme activity, ensuring purity and standardization for food ingredients and supplements.
Where Can I Find the Best Source of Cellulase?
VeganZyme offers a 100% vegan form of cellulase derived from the natural fermentation of Trichoderma reesei and Bacillus licheniformis. It is non-GMO, kosher certified, gluten-free, vegan, and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
VeganZyme is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula available, free from fillers and toxic compounds. It includes enzymes that aid in digesting fats, sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts, seeds, soy, dairy, and other foods. Additionally, VeganZyme can function as a systemic enzyme blend, breaking down excess mucus, fibrin, toxins, allergens, and excess clotting factors in the body.
