The Importance of Food Enzymes and Why You Must Preserve Them

Enzymes carry out each chemical reaction within cells, and as such, they represent the "life force" of the cell. If the enzymes are weakened, in short supply or not able to properly function, the health of each cell would be in jeopardy, and hence the life of the whole being.

Food Enzyme Pioneer - Dr Edward Howell

Dr Howell (1898 - 1988) believed that we can become deficient in enzymes and that this can lead to degenerative diseases. His research suggested that at birth we have an enzyme potential which has to last our whole lives. They need to be preserved by eating food that still contains its enzymes, not wasted on enzyme deficient food that forces the metabolic enzymes that run our bodies to be diverted to digesting food.

The Fatal Process

Dr Howell used this phrase to describe the practice of cooking foods. Cooking at temperatures above 119 degrees Fahrenheit kills off the enzymes in food.

Raw Foods & Fasting

Raw food therapies have a long tradition in some parts of Europe where they are used as a therapeutic tool to overcome health problems. Raw foods contain enzymes, preserving the enzyme potential as does fasting to an even greater extent. Metabolic enzymes are now able to focus on the job of healing the body.

Although an all raw diet would seem the best type of diet to follow, Howell thought this would be unpalatable to most people and suggested that with cooked food, digestive enzyme supplements could be taken to good effect.

To ease the burden on the digestive organs and the body as a whole I would suggest the following:

Don't overeat. This is about the worst dietary offence you can commit. Aim to eat just enough to satisfy you and no more.

Increase raw fruit and vegetable consumption. Decrease cooked, refined and adulterated foods, especially high calorie sugary/fatty foods.

Cut out those foods which you may enjoy eating but you are well aware that they don't agree with you.

Consider food combining which separates concentrated starches and protein, thus easing the burden on the digestive system.

Drink plenty of water. Ideally drink half a pint of water about half and hour before meals. Water is important in the digestive process and helps metabolic enzymes function more efficiently.

All the above measures will help to preserve enzymes, take the load off the digestive system and ease the burden on every cell in the body.