Understanding Enzymes

There are three categories of enzymes :

The metabolic enzymes are manufactured by our body's own cells and they activate all our metabolic processes.

The digestive enzymes produced by the digestive organs : the enzyme lipase helps digest fats (oils, fats in dairies and meats). The enzyme amylase helps digests carbohydrates, starches, and sugars in grains, fruits, and starchy vegies. And the enzyme protease helps digest proteins (meats, nuts, cheese).

The food enzymes present in all living and raw foods. They activate the digestion of those foods in which they occur. Living foods contains certain metabolic enzymes as well, such as SOD (superoxide dismutase). We call raw food the food heated below 118 degres Fahrenheit (48 degres Celsius). Cooking above 118 degres F destroys all the enzymes.

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When eating mostly cooked food, canned and packaged-processed foods, the body has to produce a lot more digestive enzymes to break them down. The liver, pancreas, stomach and intestines in charge of the production of enzymes have to help and work a lot more. This burden means the body will produce less enzymes needed to run the main organs (brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, muscles) simply because it doesn't have enough energy to do the job and in some cases the metabolic enzymes have to come to the rescue. It is like a «stealing» of enzymes from other parts of the body to help the digestive tract do his job.

 Nowadays, all chronic diseases, cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes have been related to a lack of enzymes by researchers.

To help the body cope with this situation, raw foods need to be introduced into the diet. Because of its enzymatic content, raw food is pre-digested so the body will need to produce less enzymes for digestion giving it some rest. The enzymatic functions of the main organs will then be able to do their regular job of repairing tissues and transporting nutrients where needed etc. Energy is saved that you can use for other things instead of feeling bloated and tired after your meals and drinking coffee to try to stay awake ! When eating a lot of raw foods, you have a lot more energy and stamina. The fatigue due to hard digestion disappears.

                         

One simple way to raise the enzymatic content of your food intake is also to add sprouts on your plate. Sprouts are one of the richest sources of enzymes.