Denaturation opens up the protein structure, making it more accessible for hydrolytic enzymes, and, hence, increases protein digestibility.

Why is a denatured protein easier to digest?

Once proteins are denatured or uncoiled, then enzymes have an easier time facilitating the breakdown of proteins through enzymatic digestion. Enzymatic digestion breaks the protein into smaller peptide chains and ultimately down into single amino acids, which are absorbed into the blood.

How does denaturation affect digestion?

Protein denaturation can also alter gastric emptying of the protein, consequently affecting digestive kinetics that can eventually result in different post-prandial plasma amino acid appearance. Apart from processing, the kinetics of protein digestion depend on the matrix in which the protein is heated.