Pretty Pea

What are digestive enzymes

The body needs digestive enzymes to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates into their raw components in order to make the nutrients available for optimum absorption and utilisation in your body.

Why supplement with digestive enzymes

We have a finite reserve of digestive enzymes during our lifetime. This supply can become short with age, illness or during periods of stress. Over time resulting poor digestion can lead to a whole host of conditions such as bloating, bad breath, coated tongue, indigestion, IBS, candida, flatulence, nutrient malnutrition and many more digestive complaints.

Why choose Pretty Pea Digestive Enzyme Supplement Formula

Herbs have long been used in traditional eastern medicine for digestive ailments. Studies show that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbals can indeed alleviate intestinal inflammation.

Our high strength capsules combine a wide spectrum of plant-derived digestive enzymes with Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Ginger, Peppermint, Chamomile – calming, anti-spasmodic and gut-soothing herbs. A unique blend to naturally support your digestive system from the inside out.

Contains 90 Vegan Easy Take Capsules

Take 1 or 2 capsules with each main meal or as advised by your health professional.

Warning: Do not take if peptic ulcers are present.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Betaine Hydrochloride is an acidic form of betaine (a vitamin-like substance). Used to provide hydrochloric acid as an aid to digestion, as production seems to decline with age.

A deficiency of gastric acid secretion increases the likelihood of certain bacterial and parasitic intestinal infections.

Too little hydrochloric acid also impairs digestion of foods (especially protein) and the absorption of nutrients.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a proteolytic protein and high-fat meals digestive enzyme derived from the pineapple plant.

Bromelain is used to support digestion, anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant and anti-oedema.

It inhibits the production of prostaglandins associated with inflammation and pain, while promoting the formation of prostaglandins with anti-inflammatory actions.

Bromelain may also assist in reducing mucous congestion.

Papain

Papain is a protein digestive enzyme found in paw-paw (papaya) fruit.

Protease

Protease is another digestive enzyme that helps with the digestion of protein.

Amylase

Amylase is a digestive enzyme that helps to digest carbohydrates.

Lipase

Lipase enzyme is a naturally occurring enzyme found in the stomach and pancreatic juice. Its function is to digest fats and lipids, helping to maintain correct gallbladder function.

Turmeric  (with curcumin)

Turmeric contains curcumin and has long been recognized for it’s strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health-promoting properties.

It’s widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent.

An aromatic, stomachic, antioxidant, carminative and bile stimulant. Supports the body’s anti-inflammatory actions, liver function and bile flow, helping to reduce loose motions and flatulence.

Studies suggest that curcumin may suppress particular inflammatory markers that play a role in excess weight and obesity.

Weight Loss

Recent scientific research reveals that curcumin directly interacts with white adipose tissue to suppress chronic inflammation.

Studies show that Curcumin supplementation can significantly reduced BMI, Body Weight, Waist Circumference and reduce obesity and it’s adverse health effects.

Animal studies also indicate that curcumin may promote weight loss, reduce fat tissue growth, curb weight regain and enhance sensitivity to the hormone insulin.

A 30-day study of people who were previously unable to lose weight, found that supplementing twice a day with 800mg of curcumin plus 8mg of piperine, led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist and hip circumference.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an herb containing calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Traditionally used by some for indigestion and to help prevent cholesterol absorption in the stomach.

This sprout contains alkaloids, isoflavones, coumarins and sterols, as well as 8 essential digestive enzymes: –

Amylase (digests starches)

Coagulase (coagulates milk)

Invertase (converts sugar into dextrose)

Emulsin (acts upon sugars)

Peroxidase (oxidases blood)

Lipase (fat-splitting enzyme)

Pectinase (forms a vegetable jelly from pectin)

Protease (digests protein)

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV is a popular dietary supplement promoted to curb appetite and help weight loss, support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol, and aid digestive health.

Natural Laxative

Constipation can leave you feeling bloated and heavy and Apple cider vinegar is used by many as a natural laxative.

Apple cider vinegar is a source of pectin, a type of soluble fibre found in apples. Pectin acts as a natural laxative and helps to stimulate bowel movements.

ACV & Digestion

Apple Cider Vinegar supports digestion by stimulating stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

A natural detoxifier, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, bitter agent, digestive aid and anti-microbial, ACV helps to digest and sterilise foods, cleanse the colon and helps to regulate hydrochloric acid levels.

Apple cider vinegar is also a highly acidic substance, and it’s therefore thought that daily consumption may also help to raise stomach acid levels and give digestion a boost.

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar contains strands of protein, enzymes and healthy bacteria. These probiotic properties support the growth of more beneficial bacteria in our gut – leading to a happy gut microbiome.

It’s these beneficial bacteria that help us digest and extract the nutrients from our food. Any imbalance in our microbiome, where we have low levels of good bacteria, then our bodies can’t get nutrients from food as effectively as it should. This can not only hinder weight loss but can even promote weight gain. 

Weight Loss & Abdominal Fat

Weight loss studies have shown Apple cider vinegars ability to reduce abdominal fat. 

A 12 week study found that drinking either 15ml or 30ml of vinegar resulted in a significant reduction in visceral / belly fat and waist circumference.

Another study concluded that daily consumption of Apple cider vinegar can reduce the visceral adiposity index – a measurement that links belly fat and cardiovascular risk factors.

Appetite Regulation

Apple Cider Vinegar may keep you fuller for longer.  Research has found that acetate – a key component in acetic acid – has a central role in appetite regulation.

Taking vinegar with a meal can help to keep you feeling satisfied after eating, feeling fuller for longer and helping to curb cravings and unscheduled snacking.

Research has found that vinegar supplementation increases satiety after eating a high-carbohydrate meal.

Apple cider vinegar may also help to slow stomach emptying, keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Reducing cravings, the urge to snack and consuming less calories can help you feel more in control of your eating habits whilst promoting weight loss.

Caraway Seed

Traditionally used for treatment of indigestion, pneumonia, and as appetizer and carminative. This seed has anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic and carminative (anti-flatulence) properties.

Chamomile

Chamomile has been used for thousands of years in Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt for the treatment of stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections. This herb has a relaxing and calming effect on inflamed areas of the gut.

Fennel Seed

Fennel is a popular herb, its a carminative, anti-spasmodic, digestive and gut-soother.

Fennel is packed full of fibre and important nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese. Studies have found fennel seeds to have properties including:

Antibacterial

Antifungal

Anti-inflammatory

Appetite Control

Fennel is also used to help curb appetite. 

A study of healthy women found that those who drank 250 ml of tea made with 2 grams of fennel seeds before eating were significantly less hungry and consumed fewer calories during the meal than those who drank a placebo tea.

Menopause symptoms

Fennel has strong estrogenic properties, meaning that it acts similar to the hormone estrogen.

A review of 10 studies found that fennel may improve sexual function and satisfaction in menopausal women, as well as relieve hot flushes, sleep disturbances along with other menopause symptoms.

Ginger Root

Ginger is a member of a plant family that includes cardamom and turmeric with powerful medicinal properties.

Indians and Chinese are believed to have produced ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years to treat many ailments such as colds, nausea, arthritis, migraines and hypertension.

Ginger has been used traditionally as a digestive herb with a long history in treating digestive upset and pain and as a highly effective carminative, a substance that promotes the elimination of excessive gas from the digestive system and soothes the intestinal tract. 

The medicinal, chemical, and pharmacological properties of ginger have been extensively reviewed.

Benefits of Ginger

It’s main bioactive compound, Gingerol, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and responsible for many of it’s medicinal properties.

Ginger with its long history of use traditional and alternative medicine is typically known for:

Calming remedy for indigestion, nausea and upset stomach

Help fight the flu and common cold

Fight inflammation and gastrointestinal ailments 

Pain-relieving effect

Relieve headaches and migraines

Ginger and Weight Loss 

Ginger may also play a role in weight loss. According to studies, Ginger has positive effects on weight control, obesity prevention, and energy metabolism.

A 2019 review found that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity.

Ginger may also play a role in weight loss. According to studies, Ginger has positive effects on weight control, obesity prevention, and energy metabolism.

A 2019 review found that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity.

It’s anti-inflammatory properties can also counter inflammation. Research indicates that obesity can bring on oxidative stress and inflammation.

A meta-analysis of studies demonstrated that ginger intake reduced body weight, waist to hip ratio, fasting glucose and increased HDL-cholesterol.

Ginger also has appetite-suppressing properties.

Ginger & Digestion

Ginger has also been used traditionally as a digestive herb with a long history in treating digestive upset and pain.

It supports digestion being a highly effective carminative, a substance that promotes the elimination of excessive gas from the digestive system and soothes the intestinal tract. 

Peppermint Leaf

Peppermint is a well-known digestive agent used to soothe the gut lining.

It has been used for centuries as a treatment for gastrointestinal ailments. Studies indicate that peppermint relaxes the digestive system, gut spasms and may ease pain. and may relieve digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas and indigestion.

This gut-soothing herb is packed with medicinal, phytochemical and multiple biological activities, including:

Antiseptic

Anti-inflammatory

Antiviral

Carminative

Anti-spasmodic

An enzyme activator

Source of magnesium and potassium

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder affecting 5.7% of the general population. Most patients relate their symptoms of IBS to foods they consume, however, although some foods may trigger symptoms, others foods, such as peppermint may provide symptom relief. 

Mins have been used for centuries for their carminative (i.e. reliever of flatulence) and spasmolytic properties.

A 2014 review of nine studies of people with IBS treated with peppermint oil for at least 2 weeks concluded that peppermint provided significantly better symptom relief than a placebo.

Menstrual Cramps

Acting as a muscle relaxant, peppermint may relieve menstrual cramps.

In one study of females with painful periods, peppermint extract capsules were found to be as effective as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in reducing the intensity and duration of pain.

Warning: Do not take if peptic ulcers are present.

Results may vary from person to person.

Store in a cool dry place, out of the reach of children.

Best before date: see base of container.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. 

A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Always consult your GP before taking food supplements if you are taking medication or have an existing medical condition.

If you feel unwell, stop taking this product immediately and seek medical advice.

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Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects – PubMed (nih.gov)

Effect and mechanisms of action of vinegar on glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and body weight – PubMed (nih.gov)

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Beneficial effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on weight management, Visceral Adiposity Index and lipid profile in overweight or obese subjects receiving restricted calorie diet: A randomized clinical trial – ScienceDirect 

Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects – PubMed (nih.gov)

Effect and mechanisms of action of vinegar on glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and body weight – PubMed (nih.gov)

Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders – PubMed (nih.gov)

Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials – PMC (nih.gov)

The Amazing and Mighty Ginger – Herbal Medicine – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial – PubMed (nih.gov)

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