Question

How does saliva help in digestion of food?

Answer 1

Saliva is a fluid secreted by the salivary glands. It helps in the digestion of food in the following ways:

a) It contains salivary amylases which break down starch into sugars.

b) It cleans the mouth cavity and destroys germs.

c) It contains lysosymes which help in destroying the bacteria.

d) It moistens and lubricates food which helps in swallowing.

e) It acts as a solvent, dissolving some of the food particles to stimulate taste buds of the tongue.