Saliva helps in the digestion of starch.
Starch is a carbohydrate that is found in foods like rice, potatoes, bread, and pasta. When we eat foods containing starch, our body needs to break it down into smaller molecules so that it can be absorbed and used for energy.
This is where saliva comes in! When we chew our food, our salivary glands produce saliva that contains an enzyme called amylase. Amylase is responsible for breaking down the starch molecules into smaller sugar molecules called glucose.
By breaking down starch, saliva helps to start the process of digestion and makes it easier for our body to absorb and utilize the energy from the food we eat.
Saliva doesn't directly help in the digestion of proteins, fats, or vitamins. These nutrients are broken down by different enzymes and processes in our digestive system.
In summary, saliva plays an important role in the digestion of starch by producing an enzyme called amylase that breaks down starch into smaller sugar molecules.