Define Protease

Protein is a category of foods including meats and nuts. Proteases are the enzymes in your body that help you break down and digest proteins. Since protein should comprise approximately one-fifth to one-fourth of your daily diet, proteases are significant to your body's overall functioning.

Digestion

• Proteases break down the proteins that you consume and free the amino acids that your body needs. They do this by breaking down the peptide bonds inside the proteins. Proteases do not, however, break down proteins in living things; these are protected by the protease inhibitors in your body.

Preventing Infection

• Proteases can work to help your immune system. Parasites and bacteria are proteins, so the proteases in your body can help break these down, saving your immune system that extra work. Then your immune system can work harder to attack the bacteria or infection and help you recover.

Protease Deficiency

• A person who lacks protease enzymes can be at risk for greater health problems. Protein digestion produces acid, so a reduction of this acid in your body can cause anxiety. Proteases carry calcium in your blood stream, so having a lack of proteases can also mean a lack of calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or other bone diseases. Protein is converted to glucose when your body needs it, so protease deficiency can lead to hypoglycemia. Finally, since proteases help in preventing infections, people who lack protease enzymes may be at greater risk for contracting infections.

Agriculture

• Proteases can be used to develop pesticides, helping farmers grow healthier crops. Scientists research proteases to create new pesticides, herbicides and insecticides every year.

Disease Prevention and Treatment

• Protease enzymes have been used to fight cancers, especially melanoma. Protease research is also being used to create medications to treat parasites, such as hookworms.