Amylases are enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, specifically starches, into simpler sugars like glucose. They are produced in various parts of the body, including the salivary glands and the pancreas. Amylases play a crucial role in digestion, starting the process in the mouth when food is chewed and mixed with saliva. There are two main types of amylases: salivary amylase, which begins starch digestion in the mouth, and pancreatic amylase, which continues the process in the small intestine. These enzymes are essential for converting complex carbohydrates into sugars that the body can easily absorb and use for energy.