Enzymes are used to speed up
biochemical reactions within your
body by lowering the
energy level necessary to initiate the reactions. They are
proteins composed of
amino acids, each type with its own highly specific purpose. They can do thousands of similar reactions because they are not altered during the catalyzing process. Enzymes have the ability to both build and disassemble
cells although it is not known exactly how they do their job.
J. Robert Lemon calls enzymes the "biochemical agents of
life". They can be found throughout your body (and those of all plants and animals) and are essential for nearly every
metabolic process. They are required for regulating
digestion,
hormone production, the
immune system,
energy production and even cell recycling.
Most enzymes are manufactured within the body, the rest must be consumed. They are extremely sensitive to heat (at
100C/212F all enzymes are dead), which is why your Health teacher tells/told you to eat your
fruit and veggies raw.
Raw meat consumption is frequently being linked to longer life and less chance of
chronic diseases. Enzymes have also been used in the
treatment in a wide range of
medical problems including
HIV,
obesity and
prostate cancer. They are used in the creation of a wide variety of unlikely products such as
detergents,
pulp/
paper and
textiles.
Sources:
http://www.homeworkhelp.com
http://www.lifeplusvitamins.com
20030501: Props to
Oolong for a correction in the definition of enzymes. He also pointed out a wicked
metanode that
BaronWR wrote up.