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Facts on Food Enzymes

Enzymes are protein molecules that exist in all living cells. They help regulate all biological reactions that take place in the body, and are an important part of digestion. Enzymes help break down macronutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the body.

  1. Types of Enzymes

    • The three main types of enzymes are metabolic, digestive and food enzymes. Food enzymes enter your body from raw foods you eat. These foods have naturally-occurring enzymes, and are also a source of digestive enzymes when you ingest them.

    Food Enzymes and Cooking

    • Enzymes in food are destroyed when they are cooked at a temperature of 118 degrees and above. However, consuming raw foods is a good way to ensure that the enzymes you are consuming are not destroyed from cooking.

    Food Enzymes Health Benefits

    • Enzymes can help maintain the health of your lungs, colon, liver, kidneys, and skin and can also help remove waste and toxins from your body. Some enzymes can help strengthen your immune system to help fight viruses and diseases.

    Raw Foods High in Enzymes

    • Foods that contain a high amount of enzymes include: sprouts, papayas, bananas, avocados, mangoes and pineapples. Of these, the best source of enzymes is sprouts.

    Categories of Food Enzymes

    • There are seven different types of food enzymes, including lipase, which are enzymes that break down fats; protease, which help break down proteins; cellulase, which helps break down fiber; amylase, which breaks down starches; lactase, which breaks down dairy; sucrase, which helps break down sugar; and altase, which helps break down grain.

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