Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. It is produced in the saliva and the pancreas, playing a crucial role in digestion. When you eat starchy foods like bread or pasta, amylase starts the process of converting these complex carbohydrates into sugars that your body can easily absorb and use for energy. There are two main types of amylase: salivary amylase, which begins the digestion process in the mouth, and pancreatic amylase, which continues the process in the small intestine. This enzyme is essential for proper digestion and helps ensure that the body gets the nutrients it needs from food.