What are Enzymes?
Although enzymes have always existed and decades of research
on enzymes is available, it is only recently that the term
"enzyme" has been introduced to the general public.
Unfortunately, most people don't really understand what enzymes
are or what they do. This first article about enzymes will help
you to better understand what enzymes are and their importance
to health.
Enzymes are made of protein and function as 'catalysts' in
the body. In chemistry, a catalyst is a molecule or substance
that helps speed up reactions, but doesn't get used up in the
reaction. Enzymes are great catalysts. They speed up
biochemical reactions in the body and make cell function
possible. For example, DNA and RNA cannot be created without
the aid of enzymes. It would take years to make a single strand
of DNA or RNA without the help of enzymes. Because they are
involved in every process of the body, enzymes have been called
the "life force". All biochemical reactions within the human
body, including energy production, metabolism, reproduction,
the immune system, and the digestive system utilize enzymes.
There are thousands of different enzymes that regulate bodily
functions and these body functions would not be possible were
it not for enzymes. Simply put, without enzymes, life could not
exist.
Enzymes can be grouped into three categories: metabolic
enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. - Metabolic
enzymes work within the cells to regulate activities such as
detoxification, nerve function, muscle contraction and energy
production. These enzymes are made within the body based on the
unique DNA found in each cell type. Without these enzymes cell
functions could not continue. - Digestive enzymes are produced
by the pancreas and intestinal system and are required in order
to break foods down into the individual nutrients needed by the
body. Without these enzymes, the nutrients in food are
unavailable for use in the cells of the body. - Food enzymes
are those that are naturally present in raw foods and aid in
the breakdown of that particular food. Food enzymes can be
introduced to the body through the ingestion of raw foods or in
the form of enzyme supplements.
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