If you want to stay healthy, you should make sure your metabolism and digestion are functioning properly. For both to work well, your body needs little helpers: enzymes. The good thing is that the body can produce them itself. Sometimes, however, it makes sense to supplement your diet with these nutrients and thus support your body.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are protein molecules produced by all human and animal cells. Digestive enzymes are important because they break down larger food molecules into smaller ones. These are then absorbed by the cells of the intestinal mucosa and released into the blood. We need them not only for proper digestion, but also for all other metabolic processes. Life without enzymes would be impossible.
Why are enzymes important for us?
Enzymes help the body digest proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and plant fibers. They are involved in all chemical reactions that take place in the body. They support the regeneration of tissue and cells and help eliminate waste products and toxins. Enzymes also support the immune system.
What affects the production of enzymes?
The older we get, the more our bodies are burdened by negative environmental influences, chemicals, and toxins. If the organism is overburdened, this reduces the body's ability to produce sufficient enzymes. The body's own production of these little helpers decreases with age and is limited in some chronic diseases. An unhealthy diet and lifestyle can also reduce enzyme production.
What types of enzymes are there?
Enzymes can be divided into three main categories: digestive enzymes, food or plant enzymes, and metabolic enzymes. The largest group consists of metabolic enzymes, which play a role in all bodily processes, such as breathing, speaking, movement, thinking, behavior, and the immune system. A subgroup of these metabolic enzymes neutralizes toxins and carcinogens such as tobacco smoke or other pollutants. These toxins are converted into less toxic forms with the help of enzymes and excreted from the body.
The second group consists of digestive enzymes. They are secreted by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. They allow food to be broken down into simple molecules. Food or plant enzymes perform the same function as digestive enzymes. The difference is that food enzymes come from fresh, raw, and uncooked foods such as fruits, vegetables, and salads. If these foods are heated above 42 degrees Celsius, most of the enzymes are destroyed.
Metabolic enzymes are produced in cells, are present throughout the body, and are needed in large quantities. The best-known enzymes are: lipase (digests fat), protease (breaks down proteins), amylase (breaks down starch), cellulase (breaks down fiber), lactase (breaks down milk sugar), phytase (breaks down phytic acid), and maltase (digests sugar).
The driving force of the body