The Health Benefits of Catalase

The catalase enzyme is so critical to our health that it is found in nearly every living organism on the planet that is exposed to oxygen. This antioxidant enzyme can catalyze the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a by-product of cell metabolism, which serves some useful functions including healthy immune response.

Catalase has one of the highest rates of turnover when compared to all other enzymes. In other words, one catalase enzyme can change 40 million molecules of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen in just one second. In fact, catalase enzymes act to protect our cells, counteracting and balancing the continual production of hydrogen peroxide.

Because of its undeniable, scientifically-proven powerful antioxidant properties, catalase is very beneficial to the organs and body processes. In addition to acting as an super antioxidant, catalase also has the ability to use hydrogen peroxide to oxidize toxins including methanol, ethanol, formic acid, formaldehyde, and nitrite. This type of dual activity makes it a crucial cellular enzyme.

The best supplemental source of catalase is the vegetarian form derived from the fermentation process of the fungus Aspergillus niger.

Here are some of the health benefits and studies that support the Catalase enzyme.

1. Powerful Antioxidant Support
Catalases are perhaps the single most efficient enzymes found in the cells of the human body. Catalase has been shown to create a speedy reaction against hydrogen peroxide free radicals, turning them into water and oxygen.)

2. Possible Anti-Aging & Anti-Degenerative Effects
Catalase is currently being studied for its applications on extending life span and vitality. Research scientists from the University of Washington in Seattle conducted a lab study on rats and the augmentation of natural catalase in their bodies. By supplementing with increased catalase, the life span of these laboratory rats increased by almost 20%. This is the equivalent of nearly 25 human years.

3. Catalase May Increase Lifespan
Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School stated in The Scientist Magazine that there is a direct link between the catalase enzyme, free radical damage and extending our life span. This also suggests that the catalase enzyme may help ward off degenerative diseases. Similarly, studies done in Russia and Spain also show a correlation between these types of enzymes and the prolongation of life. In 2005, Spanish scientists found that very high doses of apple polyphenols boosted the gene expression of natural catalase in the body. Studies from China on apple polyphenol also confirmed significantly increased catalase.

4. Fat Reduction
Very exciting research from Japan shows a link between catalase and lowered amounts of organ fat in lab rats. This study also showed a link between the enzyme and an increase in muscle strength.

5. Helps Prevent DNA Damage
A 2006 study from the Institute of Cytology and Genetics found that oxidative stress, accumulation of protein and DNA damage could be reduced in the presence of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase and glutathione in the cytosol and mitochondrial extracts from liver cells of rats. This study also found that dietary supplements for increasing the activity of catalase in the liver mitochondria in rats led to reduced mitochondrial dysfunction and slowed the process of aging in these animals.

The Catalase enzyme is an antioxidant measured in the FCC as (Baker Units). One Baker Unit is defined as the amount of catalase that will decompose 264 mg of hydrogen peroxide under the conditions of the assay. The FCC notation stands for Foods Chemical Codex, and is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia). It sets standards for ingredients. In the case of enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine the activity of enzymes. The current compendium is FCC VI.

The product VeganZyme™ contains a 100% vegan form of catalase produced by the natural fermentation process of Aspergillis Niger. It comes from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten free, contains no animal product and is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

VeganZyme™ is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula in the world and is free from fillers and toxic compounds. This formula contains digestive enzymes which help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts and seeds, soy, dairy and all other food sources.

VeganZyme™ may also be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, as well as excess clotting factors throughout your body.

References

Goodsell DS (2004-09-01). Catalase. Molecule of the Month. RCSB Protein Data Bank. http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/101/motm.do?momID=57J. A. Imlay (2003) Pathways of oxidative damage. Annual Review of Microbiology 57, 395- 418. PMID: 14527285J Cell Mol Med. 2006 Jan-Mar;10(1):206-15. Age-associated changes in oxidative damage and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats with inherited overgeneration of free radicals. PMID: 16563232Kiyoko KASHIWAGI, Takashi TOBE & Tokuhiko HIGASHI. Studies on Rat Liver Catalase V. Incorporation of 14C-Leucine into Catalase by Isolated Rat Liver Ribosomes. The Journal of Biochemistry > Volume70, Issue5http://users.auth.gr/~palexios/Publications/Pdf-Chapters/Catalases%20in%20Plants.pdf

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