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Food we intake is complex in nature, if it is to be absorbed from the alimentary canal then it has to be broken into smaller molecules. This process is mainly done with the help of biological catalysts called enzymes. The saliva contains an enzyme called salivary amylase that breaks down starch, which is a complex molecule to give sugar. The food is mixed thoroughly with saliva and moved around the mouth while chewing the muscular tongue. Hence saliva plays a pivotal in digestion and absorption of food.