Enzymes-- The Engineers of the Human Body by Ryan Mace

The human body is made up of trillions of cells.  Within these cells a multitude of biochemical reactions occur every second of the day.   At the heart of these chemical reactions are a group of large molecules called enzymes.  

Enzymes are the tools of nature and serve as the engineers of the human body.   Enzymes regulate vital biological processes and accelerate biochemical reactions.   As a result, enzymes are involved in all aspects of metabolism, growth and development.

The molecular structure of an enzyme consists of hundreds to upwards millions of amino acids held in place by chemical bonds.  The unique sequence of these amino acids creates a three-dimensional structure which in turn forms a specific type of enzyme.  The function of an enzyme is determined by the unique order and arrangement of the amino acids.  Just the slightest change in this sequence will completely change the enzyme’s function.    

An interesting fact about enzymes and raw foods (e.g., vegetables and fruits) is that raw foods are enzymatically alive.  In other words, they contain active enzymes that help break the food down so the body doesn’t have to manufacture its own enzymes.  Mastication (chewing) of raw foods activates the enzymes, reducing the stress placed on the digestive system and body.  It should be noted that cooking, genetic engineering, and irradiation destroys enzymes. 

Cooked and processed foods are enzymatically dead.  When we eat them we are asking the body to breakdown 100% of the food.  Overtime, this can place a tremendous strain on the pancreas and the immune system.  Research suggests that the over consumption of enzymatically dead foods may result in the pancreas becoming dangerously enlarged, poorly functioning, and on the verge of breaking down.

Enzymes are widely available in supplemental form.  Proponents of supplemental enzymes claim they help with digestion, fight inflammation and viruses, prevent blood clots, modulate the immune system, and cleanse the blood.   While the research on most of these claims is conflicting, it is widely accepted that supplementing enzymes will aid in digestion.   Perhaps the best example of this can be found in people that are lactose intolerant.  To counter act their inability to digest the natural sugar found in milk people will effectively supplement with the enzyme lactase.  

The tremendous amount of biochemical activity that occurs in each of the trillions of cells throughout the human body is only made possible through the work of enzymes. Without enzymes, these biochemical reactions would occur at a much slower rate that would not support life.  In short, enzymes are the workhorse’s of the human body and vital for life.