Enzymes

Enzymes are tiny helpers inside your body. They are a kind of protein. Enzymes make chemical reactions happen faster. Without them, your body could not work. They help you do things like break down food and fight germs.

Enzymes and Food

When you eat a sandwich, enzymes get to work. The spit in your mouth has an enzyme that starts breaking down the bread. Your stomach has more enzymes that break down meat and cheese. Your small intestine has even more. All these enzymes help your body get energy from food.

Enzymes Everywhere

Enzymes are not just in your belly. They are in every cell in your body. Plants, animals, and even tiny germs use enzymes. Some enzymes build things, like muscles or bones. Others clean up waste. People even add enzymes to soap to help get stains out of clothes.

Fun Facts

• There are thousands of different enzymes in your body.
• Enzymes stop working if they get too hot.
• Pineapple has an enzyme that can break down meat.

Did You Know?

The word 'enzyme' comes from a Greek word that means 'in yeast.' Yeast uses enzymes to turn sugar into gas when making bread.