ptyalin

Through chewing the enzyme ptyalin becomes active, which is necessary for the digestion of certain sugars.

Spices have been reported to increase secretion of amylase and hexosamine including ptyalin which facilitates digestion of starch in the stomach, hence, rendering diets which are rich in carbohydrates more digestible (20); ginger has also been reported to contain about 5.28% crude protein (21).

If held in the mouth for thirty seconds, it stimulates ptyalin secretion for starch digestion as well as stimulates gastric enzyme secretion.

High alkaline levels inhibit ptyalin, one of the main digestive enzymes in saliva, from breaking down foods properly.