Food Enzymes

Enzymes refer to compounds that act as catalysts in a biochemical process. A catalyst is something that speeds up a biochemical reaction. Researchers have identified over 5,000 enzymes that are relevant to our health and can be categorized into three categories: digestive enzymes, food enzymes and metabolic enzymes.

Food enzymes are mostly found in raw foods. However, foods that are wet-cooked at around 118 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or dry-cooked at around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, lose the necessary enzymes that are useful to your health.

A simple rule is that if you can eat wet or dry food at the highest temperature (in the process of cooking )while not burning yourself, then the food enzymes are still active and could be beneficial to your health.

Some important enzymes include the following

• Amylase: Responsible for digesting carbohydrates. In addition, higher doses of Amylase can help strengthen the body against various allergic reactions.

• Protease: Responsible for the digesting protein. Higher dosage of Protease will help remove the excess protein from the circulatory system. Protease can even help combat colds, flu's and tumors caused by cancer. This is because tumors, in particular, are usually covered by up to 15 times more fibrin than normal cells. By eating away at the fibrin layers, protease helps the immune system attack the cancer cells.

• Lipase: An enzyme that is responsible for digesting fat. Higher dosages of lipase can help clear the blood stream of any fat molecules. This in turn helps reduce blood pressure and even helps with weight control.

• Cellulase: An enzyme that is responsible for digesting fiber. Soluble fiber works by binding itself to excess cholesterol and other toxins, and then removes them from the body. Cellulase enhances this function by breaking down soluble fiber, which makes it more efficient. In addition, cellulase can bind itself to heavy metals and toxins and help clear them from the blood stream.

• Maltase: An enzyme that is responsible for processing complex sugar that is found in grain and malt products into glucose.

• Phytase: An enzyme that helps with general digestion and helps process important nutrients from the B-complex

• Sucrase: An enzyme that is responsible for digesting the sugars that are found in various food products.

• Bromelain: An enzyme that helps digests protein

• Lactase: An enzyme that is responsible for digesting lactose that is found in various dairy products
Even though all raw foods contain enzymes, some foods in particular have higher concentrations of enzymes than others do.

For example, sprouted seeds, grains, and legumes are the most powerful enzyme-rich food available. However, if you have an enzyme deficiency it is better to take enzyme supplements as opposed to more raw food.

The lack of digestive enzymes can lead to various food allergies. Some of the symptoms include bloating, belching, bowel-disorders, gas, abdominal cramps and heartburn. Unfortunately, processed foods are not the only thing in the way of maintaining healthy enzyme levels. Recent studies show that the body's ability to produce enzymes diminishes when we grow older. Therefore, it is important to take enzyme supplements in order to maintain a healthy body. However, any supplements must be taken after consultation with your doctor. Keep in mind that enzymes can intensify the reactions of certain drugs, so always check with your doctor before taking enzyme supplements while on other medication.

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