Enzymes: The Living Catalysts

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

If I could describe what enzymes are in one statement, it would be: Enzymes are living catalysts of life.

Wherever there is life, there are enzymes in action to maintain and sustain that life. These biologically active proteins play a big part of controlling the numerous reactions in our body, both metabolically and digestively.

From the time food enters the mouth until its wastes are expelled from the body, it can take hours to days to completely digest a meal. With three meals a day, we are in a constant state of digestion, which requires energy. Energy is required for the peristaltic action of moving the food along the digestive tract, maintaining the balance between the acidity of the stomach and the alkalinity of the body, and to produce the massive amounts of digestive enzymes to unlock the nutrients from the food for absorption. If each organ (salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and gall bladder) secretes sufficient digestive enzymes, then digestion and absorption will progress efficiently. Maintaining a proper functioning digestive system is directly related to overall health and well-being. Poor gastrointestinal function will place a strain on the other systems as the body compensates for the imbalance that has been created. Unfortunately, modern society tends to be an overwhelming factor of increasing the demands of our digestive system. For example, food that has not been properly chewed will place a burden down the gastrointestinal tract producing indigestion and malabsorption of vital nutrition. The undigested food can decompose in the intestines causing the “un-beneficial” bacteria to multiply and weaken our immune system.

Why Do We Need So Many Digestive Enzymes?

Each enzyme has its own particular function. Many different enzymes are needed to break down the many different substances found in foods and for numerous cellular reactions involved with digestion and absorption.

The good news is that eating fresh raw-foods, which naturally contain enzymes, will support good digestion and absorption. Generally, the fresher the raw fruits and vegetables, the more enzymes they have. Additionally, the fresh raw-foods will help create an intestinal environment that allows the “beneficial” bacteria to produce enzymes! Another thought to consider is that raw foods generally require more chewing action. Chewing stimulates the salivary glands in our mouth to secrete saliva, which starts the digestive process. The minimum number of times to chew is 32. Why 32?? That’s how many teeth (including wisdom teeth) we have in our mouth!

Incorporating Those Vital Veggies

A simple tomato and spinach salad is one way to add fresh raw foods into our day. The ingredients you will need are your favorite tomatoes, an onion of your choice, baby spinach, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt & pepper, and some fresh spices of your choice such as oregano, basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, and garlic. The tomatoes and onion will need to be chopped. The olive oil, vinegar, spices, salt & pepper can be whisked together in a bowl—this will be the dressing for the tomatoes, baby spinach, and onion. If you wish to, you may like to try some fresh goat cheese with the salad.

Enjoy and don’t forget to chew 32 times! ;-)