Live enzymes are often mentioned in discussions about nutrition and whole foods, but what are they, why does anyone need them, and where do you get them? Enzymes are not vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats or protein, but they are catalysts for the chemical reactions that get those nutrients from whole foods working in the body. While there are 1,300 different kinds of enzymes that help your body function, the most familiar are digestive enzymes. Equally important are metabolic enzymes that are critical to burning fat and generating energy.
To understand why live enzymes are an important component of whole foods, you should understand the definition of enzymes from The Nutrition Almanac-4th Edition (1996 McGraw Hill, Gayla J. Kirschmann and John D. Kirschmann), “The active chemicals in the digestive juices which cause the chemical breakdown of whole foods are called enzymes, combinations of amino acids that are capable of inducing chemical changes in other substances”.
As you search for the best whole foods, keep in mind that live enzymes are not nutrients like vitamins and minerals. They are catalysts, which act as biochemical agents joining two compounds so they can react with each other, while the enzyme itself remains intact.
Their importance cannot be overstated, “In short, virtually nothing happens in the body without the help of enzymes”, says Ellen W. Cutler, co-author of Micro Miracles. To make sure your body is functioning at full potential, experts agree it is a good idea to load up on whole foods that contain live enzymes.
To be certain you are getting the right digestive juices to turn nutrients into energy, search for all natural foods, especially real fruits and vegetables. Be careful that the foods have not been overly heated. Raw, whole foods provide the surest way to consume live enzymes.  However, there are some amazing, all natural food concentrates available today that are processed at low temperatures to keep the live enzymes intact.
Feed your body the nutrients it is crying out for, including live enzymes to absorb those whole food nutrients more effectively, and it will perform better for you over the long haul.
10 responses so far ↓
Natural Therapy » » What are Live Enzymes in Whole Foods? The Whole Food Blog // Nov 19th 2008 at 4:55 pm
[...] Cliff Smith placed an observative post today on » What are Live Enzymes in Whole Foods? The Whole Food BlogHere’s a quick excerptTo be certain you are getting the right digestive juices to turn nutrients into energy, search for all natural foods, especially real fruits and vegetables. Be careful that the foods have not been overly heated. Raw, whole foods provide … [...]
live enzymes « A Healthier Brenden’s Blog // Jan 15th 2009 at 2:46 pm
[...] » What are live enzymes in Whole Foods? The Whole Food Blog live enzymes are often mentioned in discussions about nutrition and whole foods, but what are they, why does anyone need them, and where do you get them? enzymes are not vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats or protein, … [...]
arthur wood // Apr 30th 2009 at 11:25 am
i am interested in the alkaline test you have developed could you tell me about it, and how do i go about buying one off you?
also because i have needed to stick to a strict food regime myself, i have noticed benefits myself from eating raw fruits just before or during heavy exercise, sometimes just drinking the raw juice of the fruit. i have started to think possibly there may be some sort of relationship between live enzymes and bioflavanoids and exercise. i know that bioflavanoids and exercise do play a part in stimulating the lymph system, do you think live enzymes maybe play a role in this activity as well.
Cliff Smith // Apr 30th 2009 at 1:02 pm
Arthur, thank you for your questions. The alkaline food test I developed is free at this link: http://www.besthealthfoodstore.net/alkaline_food_test.html. You may take it as often as you like.
You are absolutely right to assume that there is a connection between live enzymes and fitness. The live enzymes in raw fruits and vegetables are the catalysts for the nutrients to be absorbed into the cells. In other words, the live enzymes are the keys that open the doors to the cells so that the vitamins and minerals can get in and do their work. When live enzymes are present in whole foods then your metabolism is more efficient, which always leads to better health and fitness.
Tambra // Sep 10th 2010 at 1:57 pm
Question! Where can I find documentation, that enzymes are live? My husband thinks I’m crazy to believe, that something so small is alive. Could use any help you have to offer. Thank-you. Tambra
recipfresh // Nov 23rd 2010 at 11:09 am
Fresh Healthy Vending is the only vending franchise company that offers locations 100% juices, fresh vegetables and fruits, smoothies, and yogurts in every one of its healthy vending machines. potato chips and low fat popcorn like Pirate’s Booty.
Fresh Healthy Vending // Dec 1st 2010 at 6:43 am
Fresh Healthy Vending, an innovative vending machine company, provides healthy, natural and organic vending machines for sale nationwide.
Food franchise // Dec 2nd 2010 at 2:46 am
Fresh healthy vending locations finding places to install your machines is made easily accomplished via our heavily national database of schools, shopping malls, health clubs, hospitals and office buildings where new Fresh Vending machines can be successfully operated.
Fresh vending franchise // Dec 8th 2010 at 8:45 am
Fresh vending franchiseFresh Healthy Vending Machines for Schools and Money for Schools. Fresh Healthy Vending donates up to $500 for each Fresh Healthy Vending Machine a school takes. Fresh Healthy Vending Machine Products meet or exceed all state nutritional guidelines.
Fresh healthy vending // Jan 11th 2011 at 6:49 am
Fresh healthy vendingFresh healthy vending Machines for Schools and Money for Schools. Fresh Healthy Vending donates up to $500 for each Fresh Healthy Vending Machine a school takes. Fresh Healthy Vending Machine Products meet or exceed all state nutritional guidelines.
Leave a Comment