What Exactly Is Cellulose?
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that forms a crucial part of the outer structure of all green plants. It’s one of the most abundant compounds on Earth, serving as a fundamental building block for the plant kingdom and a primary food source for many organisms.
Some animals are much better at digesting cellulose than humans. For instance, cows have a four-chambered stomach filled with cellulose-digesting microbes, allowing them to break down the grass and hay they eat. This is why cows can grow big and strong on a diet of grass.
Similarly, when we consume lots of fresh greens, sprouts, and herbs, it’s important to have enough cellulase to digest some of the cellulose in these foods. Otherwise, we might not fully benefit from the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables we eat.
How Does Cellulase Work?
Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose plant fibers into beta-glucose and short-chain polysaccharides. While almost all species of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa produce cellulase, humans and animals do not. Cellulase consists of several different enzymes, including exoglucanases (cellobiohydrolases), endoglucanases, and beta-glucosidases. These enzymes work together to hydrolyze cellulose into the simple sugar beta-glucose, a process known as cellulolysis.
Once cellulase breaks down cellulose, the body either uses the resulting polysaccharides or beta-glucose or expels them. The remaining plant cellulose fiber acts as a bulking agent and is eliminated in the stool.
Different species of microflora produce various types of cellulases, and their activity depends on the pH level: some thrive in alkaline environments, while others are more active in acidic or neutral conditions.
Cellulose digestion is slower compared to other nutrients. A slower-moving digestive system can better digest cellulose than one that processes food too quickly. Research suggests that humans digest cellulose from cabbage and carrots more efficiently than from cottonseed hulls.
The Health Benefits of Cellulase
Cellulase enzymes can improve health in several ways:
They help break down cellulose into usable glucose, dismantle harmful microbial biofilms, and assist in releasing antioxidant compounds from fruits and vegetables in conjunction with pectinase enzymes. They also enhance the nutritive value of fermented foods and whole grains.
In vitro studies show that cellulase can inhibit the growth and increase the breakdown of biofilms produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas, potentially detoxifying the intestinal tract and major organ systems.
Cellulase is widely used in the food industry to enhance the nutritional properties of foods, from increasing antioxidants in fruit and vegetable juices to improving nutrient retention in whole grains. While these benefits are well-documented in industrial applications, their effectiveness inside the body (in vivo) is still being researched.
One study found that nursing home patients taking a multi-enzyme formula containing cellulase absorbed protein better, indicating improved digestion and overall health. The study also noted an improvement in immune function, which diminished when the enzyme supplement was withdrawn.
How to Read the Units of Measurement for Cellulase
Cellulase is measured in Control Units (CUs), as set by the United States Pharmacopeia in accordance with the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). The FCC uses a standard assay to accurately determine enzyme activity.
Where Can I Find the Best Source of Cellulase?
The product VeganZyme contains a 100% vegan form of cellulase produced through the natural fermentation process of Trichoderma reesei and Bacillus licheniformis. It is sourced from non-GMO ingredients, is kosher certified, gluten-free, vegan, and made in the USA from globally sourced components.
VeganZyme is a comprehensive systemic and digestive enzyme formula free from fillers and toxic compounds. It includes enzymes that help digest fats, sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts, seeds, soy, dairy, and other food sources. Additionally, VeganZyme can be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, and excess clotting factors throughout the body.