The Power of Food Enzymes
Did you know that life would cease to exist without enzymes? We are constantly bombarded with information regarding proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – in other words, “macro” nutrition. Not as much emphasis is placed on the “micro” nutrition that fuels our system every day. Micronutrients are specific nutrients that are needed by our body in smaller amounts, but this is not to say that they do not play a pivotal role in our physiology. Micronutrients encompass vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients/phytochemicals, and enzymes.
Enzymes can be the answer for vitality, weight loss, immunity, and longevity. Enzymes act as energizing forces or “catalysts” to speed up biochemical reactions in our body. Enzymes perform special functions in the body and are required for all metabolic processes, including cellular reproduction, metabolism, growth, digestion, elimination of wastes, thinking, reasoning, immunity, and memory. There are three classes of enzymes: metabolic enzymes (working in the body’s blood, tissues, and organs), digestive enzymes (produced in the body for digestion), and food enzymes (contained in raw food). Every cell, tissue, organ, and system functions from enzyme reactions. Even minerals, vitamins, hormones, and neurotransmitters need enzymes to be present in order to function properly. Without them, life would cease to exist.
Foods found in nature in their raw state have an abundant supply of enzymes. Mother nature has placed enzymes in raw food to aid in the digestive process instead of forcing the body’s own supply of enzymes to do this. We inherit a specific amount of enzymes at birth, and this can be decreased as we age by eating an enzyme-deficient diet and too many processed foods (ie packaged foods) and fast foods. Enzymes are affected by temperature and food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 129F. This is important to remember because many people are eating foods that are too heavily processed and cooked at too high a temperature, which subsequently decreases or diminishes enzyme activity. Without the proper amounts of food enzymes in our diet, our organs work harder and begin to wear out over time. This can manifest into degenerative diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Raw foods with live enzymes help to alleviate the stress put on our organs.
Now that spring is here, green smoothies are a perfect way to add some life back into your diet! Check out this website for some delicious green smoothie recipes:
