Enzymes
What Exactly Are Enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins that function as organic catalysts. At normal body temperatures most chemical reactions would be too slow to be of any use to the body. Enzymes decrease the amount of energy required to start a reaction and at the same time speed up the chemical reactions.
Enzymes are very specific in nature. They will combine with only one particular compound, called substrate (i.e. the molecules involved in a reaction). It is rather like a lock and key combination where only one particular key will fit its corresponding lock.
Enzymes are found in most living things – people, animals, plants and microorganisms. They are not living things themselves but a special kind of protein. Digestive enzymes come from two sources- external and internal. External sources include raw, sprouted or soaked food or plant and animal enzyme supplements. Internal enzymes are those which are already present within your body. For instance as you begin to chew something the enzyme amylase begins to break down starch into smaller sugars and then when the food reaches your stomach an enzyme called pepsin will start acting on it along with your digestive juices for further breakdown the food. Enzymes are really tiny miracle workers that help to transform the food into nutrients which our bodies can absorb to use for renewing ageing cells and to provide us with energy.
Why Do We Need Enzymes?
No matter what we eat – salads, meat, veggies or that rich chocolate mud cake- the food needs to be broken down by our digestive system into simpler substances to enhance absorption. Enzymes help to break down the food and aid in digestion so that we have the nutrients to build our cells and bodies. They are small but powerful.
But did you know that enzymes also help to keep our forests alive? Enzymes from microscopic fungi and bacteria living on the forest floor breakdown dead wood into soil and return it into the forest’s natural cycle.
They also help in food production. Cheese, beer and wine are good examples of food that are made by the action of enzymes.
How Can We Optimize Our Use Of Digestive Enzymes?
A diet composed almost exclusively of over-cooked food puts a severe strain on the pancreas. If the pancreas is over stimulated to produce the enzymes that ought to be in foods, the result will be inhibited function of the pancreas. So eating an enzyme poor diet will actually use up a lot of enzyme potential because enzymes present in raw foods help to start the process of digestion and reduces the body’s need to produce digestive enzymes.
How Do I Know If I Need Or Lack Enzymes?
A shortage of enzymes in the body will signal problems like indigestion, stomach gas, bloating and flatulence. Doctors also prescribe digestive enzymes when a person is recovering from an illness or suffering from a chronic disease. But take care to note that an enzyme is not a cure all. It is required in so many bodily functions that an optimum level of enzymes in the body will keep it running smoothly.
So What Do I Need To Look Out For?
Enzymes are sensitive to heat and the pH level of the substance around it. So enzymes will be destroyed when food is cooked on high heat or overcooked. Heavy metals like mercury or ultra violet radiation also destroy or impair the action of enzymes.
So the best way to keep those enzymes alive and kicking is to eat raw or lightly cooked and unprocessed food.
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