The enzyme that begins the chemical digestion of starchy food is called amylase.
Amylase is produced in the saliva by the salivary glands. When you chew your food, this enzyme starts breaking down starches into simpler sugars, such as maltose. This process is crucial because it prepares carbohydrates for further digestion in the intestines. Amylase is also secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, where it continues to aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates. Without amylase, our bodies would struggle to effectively process and extract energy from starchy foods.