Three Types
There are three types of enzymes: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes, and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes catalyze, or spark, the reactions within the cells. The body’s organs, tissues, and cells are run by metabolic enzymes. Without them, our bodies would not work. Among their chores are helping to turn phosphorus into bone, attaching iron to our red blood cells, healing wounds, and seeing that our hearts beat.

Digestive enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and break down foods, allowing their nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream and used in body functions. They ensure that we get the greatest possible nutritional value from foods. Digestive enzymes include protease, which digests protein; amylase, which digests carbohydrates; lipase, which digests fats and oils; and maltase, which digests malt sugars and grains.

The importance of enzymes
Dr. Edward Howell, who has written two books on enzymes, theorizes that humans are given a limited supply of enzyme energy at birth, and that it is up to us to replenish our supply of enzymes to ensure that their vital jobs get done. If we don’t replenish our supply, we run the risk of ill health.

In the enzyme nutrition axiom, Howell postulates that "The length of life is inversely proportional to the rate of exhaustion of the enzyme potential of an organism. The increased use of food enzymes promotes a decreased rate of exhaustion of the enzyme potential."

In other words, the more enzymes you get, the longer and healthier you live.

The key is to remember that food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 118 °F. This means that cooked and processed foods contain few, if any, enzymes, and that the typical diet found in industrialized countries is enzyme-deficient. When we eat cooked and processed foods, we could well be eating for a shorter and less-than-healthy life.

The benefits of enzymes
The benefits of providing your body with more enzymes are many. As noted, getting more enzymes aids the body’s own enzyme supply, which may lead to a longer and healthier life.

Digestive enzymes help us digest foods more completely. This means more nutrients (and maybe eating less!) and the good health that goes with them.

Santillo, Humbart, B.S., M.H. Food Enzymes: The Missing Link to Radiant Health. Prescott Valley, AZ: Hohm Press, 1987.
Howell, Edward. Enzyme Nutrition, The Food Enzyme Concept. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, Inc., 1981.
Howell, Edward. Food Enzymes for Health and Longevity. Silver Lake, WI: Lotus Light Publications, 1981.
Bland, Jeffery, Ph.D. Digestive Enzymes. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1993.