Enzymes are the energized protein molecules that turn the carbohydrates, protein, fat, hormones, vitamins, and minerals that we consume into the substances needed to repair, restore, and maintain good health and well being. Enzymes run every function in our entire body. There are three broad types of enzymes:

Metabolic enzymes are responsible for chemical reactions that produce energy and detoxify the body.

Digestive enzymes breakdown the food we eat so it can be used as a source of nutrients and a source of energy.  They are located and secreted in the mouth (for simple starches and sugars), stomach (called gastric enzymes), and small intestine. The body’s main digestive organ of the body, our pancreas, secretes enzymes along the gastrointestinal tract to help break down much of food. Every cell relies on the raw materials provided to the body by digestive enzymes. If you do not have enough enzymes you can develop a vast myriad of illnesses. All the food and nutritional supplements you consume will not do any good if they are not sufficiently broken down and absorbed by the body. Digestive enzymes have been found to influence an amazing array of health conditions.

Food enzymes (which exist in abundance in raw food) enable the body to break down food as well. Eating food enzymes significantly reduces the need for the body to produce its own digestive enzymes.  When we cook our food, naturally occurring food enzymes are destroyed, so our bodies are forced to use our own limited reserves. Live food enzymes encourage smooth assimilation of nutrients, reducing fermentation and putrefaction of undigested foods in the intestine.
Ingesting enzymes from living foods has the following effects, to name a few:

•    Reduction of gas, bloating, indigestion and stomach acidity
•    Reduced Inflammation
•    Reduction in tired, lethargic feelings after meals
•    Increased energy and alertness
•    Increased immunity due to a reduction in metabolic stress

According to Dr. Edward Howell, author of Food Enzymes for Health and Longevity, the enzyme content of our bodies starts to decline after we reach adulthood. “When the enzyme content becomes so slow that metabolism can’t proceed at a proper level, death overtakes us.”  The human body uses three metabolic enzymes just to produce one digestive enzyme, so it makes sense that we should avoid chronic use of our own systems and put less stress on the pancreas by eating more living foods.

There are many online sites explaining the benefits of digestive enzymes to stop disease, even cancer: http://www.stopcancer.com/Enzymes&Cancer.htm

The body produces a large array of different digestive enzymes. The following is an overview of different types of enzymes that can be derived from plant-based sources, sometimes in addition to occurring naturally in the body:

1) PROTEASE aids in the digestion and utilization of dietary proteins. It is essential for tissue and muscle repair, and also proper functioning of the immune system.

2) PROTEASE 3.0, like the above, helps with dietary protein digestion, but remains viable with a pH of 3.0, so digestion of proteins continues throughout the digestive tract.

3) AMYLASE digests carbohydrates and starches, and works with protease to boost the immune system. It is produced in the pancreas and also works alongside lipase to digest infection, inflammation, and virus fragments.

4) BROMELAIN breaks down protein, and reduced swelling and inflammation. It is thought to speed up the healing process of injuries, as well as swelling resulting from stresses on the body such as childbirth, surgery, and athletics.

5) CELLULASE is responsible for digesting fiber cellulose into D-glucose and other smaller units, and helps remedy digestive problems such as nutrient malabsorption. The human body cannot produce this enzyme by itself.

6) LIPASE is the fat digesting enzyme, helpful in weight control, cardiovascular health, and proper gallbladder function.

7) GLUCOAMYLASE breaks down polysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate.

8) MALT DIASTASE digests malt, maltose, and grain sugars. It is believed to relieve allergies and environmental sensitivities.

9) ALPHA-GATACTOSIDASE digests simple carbohydrates like sucrose and galatose, which metabolize very quickly for energy production. Consuming alpha-gatactosidase along with raffinose-rich vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage reduces gas, bloating, and flatulence.

10) LACTASE is the dairy sugar digester, and it thus very useful for those who are lactose intolerant, but keen to continue milk consumption. It is said also to be useful to those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues.

11) PEPTIDASE FB breaks down peptide chains and fights inflammation.

12/13) PAPAIN and CHYMOTRYPSIN are similar protein-digesting enzymes naturally produced by the body. They are good at dealing with celiac disease, chronic diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort caused by intestinal parasites (which we all have!)

14/15/16) PHYTASE, HEMICELLULASE, and BETAGLUCANASE assist in the breakdown of dietary fibers and the assimilation of more difficult-to-absorb vitamins and minerals.

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