Enzymes

What is an enzyme?

It has been said that the enzymes are the protein molecules responsible for certain functions in the body such as digesting food, building bones and other tissues, and aiding in detoxification. A protein molecule is actually the carrier of enzyme activity. In his book "Food Enzymes," Dr. Humbart Santillo gives the analogy that proteins are like a light bulb and that enzymes are the electrical current that make the light bulb work. How all this ties in with nutrition is that the natural foods that we eat contain their own enzymes are really healthy and great for your body - until you cook, microwave or process them. The food then becomes like the light bulb with no electrical current to make it do its job.

Many of today's food allergies stem from the lack of certain enzymes. Joint pain and gout come from undigested proteins, fats and minerals that form uric acid crystals that in turn get caught in joints. Yeast and fungal growth can start with undigested foods in the bloodstream and are compounded by the white flour and sugars we eat which feed the yeast and fungus. Extreme fatigue may be caused by an inability to digest proteins and fats, which cause the blood cells to clump together and not circulate like they should. When the blood is clumped, it cannot carry as much oxygen and can result in fatigue with slow and muddled thinking. The white blood cells have a difficult time moving around and getting where they need to be when they're caught in the sluggish, clumped blood as well. These are just a few of the many examples of what can and does happen to our bodies as a direct result of what we ingest.

This may give you the idea that you need to eat all your food raw and that is not necessarily true. Another consideration we have to take is the environment that we live in. It is not what is used to be with all the population that is so prevalent and with soil deprivation, our foods are only a fraction as nutritious as they might have been a century ago. It is also completely unsafe (not to mention unappealing) to eat raw meat. There are too many deadly viruses in raw meat so please don't do that! And, don't be discouraged. Through all the technology out there today, we have at least found a way to put back what we have taken away. Just by taking enzymes with the meats that we eat can start replenishing our already taxed, and in some cases, depleted enzyme accounts. Continue to eat healthy foods, and eat raw fruits and vegetables as much as possible that provide your light bulb. Then when you take your enzyme supplements with each meal - you will give the bulb the power it needs to do its job - to give off light and energy.

Plant enzymes are more precious than gold or diamonds. Your body requires enzymes and minerals to regulate every biochemical and metabolic process in our bodies as well as all living things. Why plant enzymes versus animal or fruit derived like Papain, Pancreatin, or Oxbile? First of all, plant enzymes are active in a broad pH range of 2 to 12 and temperature ranges of 75 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, well within the human body's normal temperature and pH ranges. Animal derived enzymes do not activate until the reach the higher pH of the small intestinal tract so they are not going to be very effective in aiding the body in pre-digestion or be active in the upper alkaline portion of the stomach. Papain's optimum temperature of activity is between 140 degrees and 158 degrees, way too high above the body's temperature to be utilized in aiding digestion.

Protealytic enzymes have also been found to increase the immune system's macrophage (or white blood cell) activity by up to 700% and increases T-Cell (cancer fighting cell) production and activity by as much as 1300% with a very short period of time after digestion. Also, plant enzymes have been shown in clinical studies to help with the following symptoms: it may relieve heartburn, gas, bloating, indigestion, belching, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, chronic fatigue, yeast infections, nutritional deficiencies, stomach problems, intestinal problems, colon, liver and pancreas problems. May also help with obesity, cancers, heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes, allergies, plaque buildup, high blood pressure and a host of other degenerative conditions including arthritis.

Almost all degenerative diseases stem from a lack of complete digestion and improper elimination of what we ingest into our bodies. So for the highest activity and complete digestion, take 2 to 3 Ultimate Enzyme capsules with every meal and snacks and start living a life with proper digestion and elimination.

The information contained in this literature was derived from medical, nutritional and media publications. The information contained in the article is not intended for medical or nutritional claims. It is for information purposes only. Always consult a health professional.