HUMAN NUTRITION

Detailed explanation-1: -The chemical process of digestion begins during chewing as food mixes with saliva, produced by the salivary glands (Figure 11.5). Saliva contains mucus that moistens food and buffers the pH of the food.

Detailed explanation-2: -Saliva contains special enzymes that help digest the starches in your food. An enzyme called amylase breaks down starches (complex carbohydrates) into sugars, which your body can more easily absorb. Saliva also contains an enzyme called lingual lipase, which breaks down fats.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lubrication and binding: The mucus in saliva[40] is extremely effective in binding masticated food into a slippery bolus that (usually) slides easily through the esophagus[41] without inflicting damage to the mucosa.

Detailed explanation-4: -Your salivary glands make saliva, a digestive juice, which moistens food so it moves more easily through your esophagus into your stomach. Saliva also has an enzyme that begins to break down starches in your food. Esophagus. After you swallow, peristalsis pushes the food down your esophagus into your stomach.