The power of enzymes

The power of enzymes

Enzymes are catalysts with protein structure; they are formed in and function in all cells of a living organism.

by Dorota Owczarski  —

All life processes in the human body are connected with thousands of chemical reactions. These reactions take place in each cell under mild conditions — normal temperature and pressure. At the same time, reactions occur quickly and efficiently, and the oxidation of substances involved is the source of power and construction materials for cells.

The speed and efficiency of metabolic processes in living organisms, including food digestion, occur in each cell via the presence of specific substances — catalysts of biochemical reactions or enzymes.

Enzymes are the “labor force” that builds our bodies, just as builders construct homes. We can have all the necessary building materials, but we need workers to build the house. For example, good digestion is an essential condition for a full and long life. However, not everyone knows that digestive enzymes play the first role in the process.

Enzymes are catalysts with protein structure; they are formed in and function in all cells of a living organism. Every cell in the body contains hundreds of different enzymes. They are involved in all metabolic processes, which take place in two directions —  anabolism and catabolism.

Anabolism is the process of synthesizing more complex compounds from simple ones, which creates new tissue. Catabolism is the reverse process, leading to the collapse of complex substances into simpler compounds. One of the most important areas of enzyme catalysis is the digestive process. As a result, food components are transformed into substances that the body can absorb.

Enzymes and their effect with metabolism are the basis of the existence of any organism. Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins mean little without enzymes, which are capable of managing complex processes of destruction and synthesis of new substances. Any chemical and biological reaction in our body requires the indispensable participation of enzymes.

Enzymes are involved in auditory and visual perception; they play an important role in digestion and in the process of cleansing the body. The renewal of cellular blood, bones and skin is entirely determined by the activity of enzymes. The functional state of the body’s defense system depends on them, which prevents the penetration of infection, detoxifies poisons and removes waste products from cells.

Almost everyone eats cooked foods, but cooking destroys the enzymes. If enzymes were present in the food we eat, they would do much of the work now carried out by digestion. If we eat food devoid of enzymes, the body is forced to produce enzymes for digestion, greatly reducing the limited enzyme potential.

The lack of enzymes in cooked food is one of the main causes of premature aging, many diseases and early death. If the body is overloaded because of the need to supply enzymes in saliva, gastric juice, pancreatic juice and intestinal juice, it should reduce the production of enzymes for other purposes.

Opportunities for cells to synthesize enzymes are not limitless, and the activity of enzymes produced decreases with time. Additionally, the number of enzymes produced in a lifetime is limited. The faster we use our enzymes’ energy, the faster we get sick and die. We live as long as our body has enzyme activity factors, from which it produces new enzymes. When we reach the point at which the body can no longer produce enzymes, life ends.

Our bodies have about 3,000 different enzymes. For example, one liver cell contains not less than 50 enzymes, which work a million times per second.

Immediately following birth, we produce enzymes that trigger the interaction between all of the processes accompanying the allocation and expenditure of energy. As we age, our ability to produce enzymes deteriorates, which is why having a healthy respect for enzymes is one of the basic principles of natural healing.

Note: Always consult your physician or health care provider before using any herbs, supplements or changing your diet and lifestyle.

Dorota Owczarski graduated from the Global College of Natural Medicine and has a holistic health practitioner degree, is a master herbalist and nutritional consultant, and a certified colon hydrotherapist. She blends and prepares fresh, organic herbs, homemade skin care and tinctures. dorotabotanicals.com and [email protected].

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 33, Number 3, June/July 2014.