My response to the enzyme talk

[jurence]

Here it is:

Anyone with half a brain knows that enzymes denature in heat and high acidity hence the "Don't eat canned fruits/veggies, they are heated and kill the enzymes"

Sure, this is true.

But what are enzymes doing for you?

Enzymes are proteins that bind with molecules and change them. They lower the amount of energy needed for a reaction to take place. If you were baking a cake, an enzyme would alter the cake as so it would require less heat to bake fully.

Enzymes in the leaves of a flower have one function, and that is involving photosynthesis . Enzymes do NOT change function. That is Structure => Function, key and lock. Can anyone tell me ONE INSTANCE in which a human body can use an enzyme for photosynthesis? I didn't think so.

A plant is SO different from a mammal in SO many levels. If you want enzymes that might even remotely have a reaction with your body you would be better off draining chicken/monkey/pig liver excretions and drinking it than eating a million pounds of plants.

I know this wasn't very informative, but I hope i've helped show you that enzymes DON'T MATTER in a raw food diet. It is an entire myth that is used to "confuse" people when arguing pro-raw agenda. I am raw, yes, but it bugs me to frequently read about people claiming enzymes as a major benefit of being raw.

[spicyfull]

Thanks for Sharing.

[HolyGuacamole]

Here it is:

Anyone with half a brain knows that enzymes denature in heat and high acidity hence the "Don't eat canned fruits/veggies, they are heated and kill the enzymes"

Sure, this is true.

But what are enzymes doing for you?

Enzymes are proteins that bind with molecules and change them. They lower the amount of energy needed for a reaction to take place. If you were baking a cake, an enzyme would alter the cake as so it would require less heat to bake fully.

Enzymes in the leaves of a flower have one function, and that is involving photosynthesis . Enzymes do NOT change function. That is Structure => Function, key and lock. Can anyone tell me ONE INSTANCE in which a human body can use an enzyme for photosynthesis? I didn't think so.

Where on earth did you get all this?

Where did you see it suggested that humans use enzymes to assist in the process of photosynthesis?



A plant is SO different from a mammal in SO many levels. If you want enzymes that might even remotely have a reaction with your body you would be better off draining chicken/monkey/pig liver excretions and drinking it than eating a million pounds of plants.

You're entitled to your opinion, however in this case, your opinion is wrong.
That's simply not how it works.
In brief, different enzymes perform different functions, yes, in assisting various metabolic processes. Or, for our purposes, different enzymes digest or break down different proteins.
The origin of the enzymes is irrelevant, as is the medium in which they are used, so long as all the elements necessary for the reaction are present.
Substance A is converted into Substance B by an enzyme, regardless of where Substance A or the enzyme came from. Wherever they came from, if the proteins are there and the enzymes are there, the reaction will occur.
The enzymes in your laundry soap aren't of laundry origin, but they still clean your clothes, and the enzymes in the tomato you eat also do their jobs in your body, even though they're not of human origin.

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proteolysis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzyme
http://www.enzymestuff.com/digestion.htm
http://www.nutritionalwellness.com/archives/2006/jul/07_proteolytic.php
http://www.doctormurray.com/articles/Penzymes.htm
Etc.


All of which is not to say that all enzymes are created equal or achieve the end result with the same efficiency.
There is evidence, in fact, to the contrary of what you've suggested here, that enzymes of microbial origin are superior to those of animal origin, as summarized in this well-referenced short article:


Sections : Enzymes - Facts
Apr 10th, 2006 - 12:14:17

The Advantages of Microbial Enzymes versus Animal Enzymes

Feb 8, 2002

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There are many advantages of using supplemental microbial enzymes as opposed to animal derived enzymes. Fermented enzymes have been used in foods for centuries. Microbial enzymes have been specially selected on the basis of each enzyme's unique characteristics. Fermented enzymes exhibit broad ranges of pH, temperature and substrate specificities. Supplemental microbial enzymes are chosen on their ability to work within the gastrointestinal system of mammals.

Specially selected for compatibility with the body's temperature, microbial enzymes also exhibit activity across a broad pH range. Unlike supplemental enzymes of animal origin, microbial enzymes work at the pH found in the upper stomach. Food sits in the upper portion of the stomach for as long as an hour before gastric secretions begin action. Several studies conducted at major universities have shown that the enzymes in saliva continue their digestive activity in the upper stomach and can digest up to 30% of the ingested protein, 60% of ingested starch and 10% of ingested fat during the first 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. Although salivary enzymes accomplish a significant amount of digestion, their activity is limited to a pH level above 5.0. Supplemental microbial enzymes are active in the pH range of 3.0 to 9.0 and can facilitate the utilization of a much larger amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat before hydrochloride is secreted in sufficient amounts to neutralize their activity. In contrast, supplemental enzymes of animal origin are destroyed by the low pH within the stomach unless they are enterically coated. Yet, this coating can prevent the dissolution of the enzymes and prevent any digestive benefit. Studies have shown that non-enteric coated products can be more effective than coated products. Furthermore, animal-based enzymes function only at the narrow pH ranges found at specific anatomical sites. Pepsin is only active in the highly acidic environment of the active stomach. Pancreatin, trypsin and chymotrypsin are only active in the alkalinity of the duodenum. Supplemental microbial enzymes exhibit activity throughout the entire digestive process. Therefore, microbial enzymes can play a significant role in improving food nutrient utilization.

Another advantage of microbial enzymes is the variety of enzymes available for supplementation. While pancreatin offers only protease, lipase and amylase activities, microbial enzymes offer protease, peptidase, lipase, amylase, glucoamylase, invertase, malt diastase, lactase, alpha-galactosidase, cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase and phytase activities. Pancreatin is a pre-defined blend and the only alternatives are proportional increases in total activity that may not be necessary. Customization and flexibility to match the appropriate enzymes to the diet is another strength of supplemental microbial enzymes.

Yet, another advantage of microbial enzymes is that they are animal-friendly. These enzymes are vegetarian and cruelty-free.

References:
Beazell, J.M.,
“A Reexamination of the role of the stomach in the digestion of carbohydrate and protein.” Am J Physiol 132: 42-50 (1941).
Graham, D.Y. Enzyme replacement therapy of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in man. NEJM 296: 1314-7 (1977).
Griffin, S.M., et al. “Acid resistant lipase as replacement therapy in chronic pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: a study in dogs.” Gut 30: 1012-5 (1989).
Guyton, A.C. Textbook of Medical Physiology, 8th edition. (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1991).
Hesseltine, C.W.; Wang, H.L. “Traditional Fermented Foods.” Biotech Bioeng 9: 275-88 (1967).
Howell, E. Enzyme Nutrition. (Wayne, NY: 1985).
Lennard-Jones, J.E. “Functional gastrointestinal disorders.” NEJM 308: 431 (1983).
Prochaska, L.J.; Piekutowski, W.V. “On the synergistic effects of enzymes in food with enzymes in the human body.
A literature survey and analytical report.” Med Hypoth 42: 355- 62 (1994).
Schneider, M.U., et al. “Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: comparative effects of conventional and enteric-coated microspheric pancreatin and acid-stable fungal enzyme preparations on steatorrhea in chronic pancreatitis.” Hepato-gastroenterol 32: 97-102 (1985).
Schwimmer, S. Source Book of Food Enzymology. (Westport, CT: The AVI Publishing Company, Inc., 1981).
Thacker, P.A.; Campbell, G.L.; GrootWassink, J. “The effect of enzyme supplementation on the nutritive value of rye-based diets for swine.” Can J Anim Sci 71: 489-96 (1991).
http://www.enzymeuniversity.com/artman/publish/article_100.shtml

[HolyGuacamole]

Here is a summary of some of the benefits of enzymes.
Note this is based on the results of scientific studies:

MEDICAL SUCCESS STORIES

How enzymes have alleviated a wide variety of serious health problems



CIRCULATORY AND BLOOD PRESSURE

PROBLEMS HELPED WITH ENZYMES

Doctors Berker and Meyers found deficient lipase in individuals who had arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and slow fat absorption. Their investigations showed that the blood of individuals 77 years of age had only half the blood lipase as 27-year-olds in the same study. A study by Stanford University discovered that lipase was deficient in patients who had hardening of the arteries.



In another study, three British physicians found that patients with hardening of the arteries were deficient in blood enzymes. Further, when they administered lipase to patients with slow fat metabolism and blood fat problems, there was an immediate improvement in their metabolism rates.



HELP FOR DIABETES PATIENTS AND PEOPLE

WITH SKIN AFFLICTIONS

In five of six diabetes patients, the lipase and trypsin levels in their pancreatic juice was found to be decreased. Dr. Ottenstein, in a similar study, showed low levels of anylase. Further, when there was a rise in the amylase level, there was an improvement in the general condition of each patient.



TREATMENT FOR COMMON ALLERGIES

It is a known fact that unassimilated proteins, yeast cells, carbohydrates and fats can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, causing allergies, skin diseases and other illnesses. Dr. Oelgoetz proved that when pancreatic enzymes are administered to patients who have such allergies accompanied to low blood levels of enzymes, the allergy subsided. Functionaldegestive disturbances, hyperacidity and skin problems were also relieved in the same way.



DIABETES CONTROLLED WITHOUT INSULIN

It has been shown that anylase supplements cause a lowering of blood sugar levels in diabetics. Bassler showed that 86% of the diabetics that he examined had a deficiency of anylase in their intestinal secretions. After administering anylase to a majority of these patients, 50% who were insulin users could control their blood sugar levels without the use of insulin. Thus, anylase seems to help the storage and utilization of sugar in the blood.



BETTER THAN GOLD FOR ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

Dr. George Klein, head of the Rehabilitation Center for Rheumatic Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease in Saalfelden, Germany, treated one group of arthritis patients with proteolytic enzymes and the other with gold. Results of the study suggest that the patients who received the enzyme therapy enjoyed improvements comparable to and in some cases superior to those who received the conventional gold treatments.



Dr. Klein then conducted a second study on long-time arthritis sufferers in advanced stages. Not only did the enzyme treatments alleviate the arthritic symptoms, but the treatment reduced the external signs of the disease, such as joint swelling, pain and stiffness.



Dr. Klaus Uffelmann of Gemundsen, Germany did an eight-week, double-blind study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. He found that proteolytic enzymes were particularly effective in reducing pain, improving mobility and reducing soft tissue swelling and muscle stiffness.



FASTER RECOVERY FROM SPORTS-RELATED INJURIES

In a highly controlled, double-blind study conducted through the Department of Sports Medicine at Portland State University, the rate of injury recovery was compared to two groups of athletes. The first received an orally ingested, proteolytic enzyme mixture. The second received a placebo. Neither group nor the doctors know which group was receiving the enzymes. Test results indicated the time lost to injury was reduced in enzyme group compared to the placebo group.



Dr. Rahn studied the effectiveness of enzyme treatment of knee surgery patients. Eighty patients participated in the double-blind study. On average, patients i the placebo group were able to bend their knee 90 degrees on the ninth day after surgery. However, the patients who were given enzymes could bend the knee sooner, and showed faster recovery from edema, pain and limitations of mobility.



RELIEF FROM FIBROCYSTIC OR CYSTIC BREAST DISEASE IN WOMEN

Fibrocystic disease occurs in almost 50% of premenopausal women. Although benign, it can cause pain and discomfort. Enzyme therapy has been successfully used as treatment. Drs. Wolfgang, Scheef and Konig studied 247 women over a period of five years. After six weeks, more than 65% of the women taking the enzyme therapy were free of complaints.
http://www.stopcancer.com/enzymes2.htm


I know this wasn't very informative, but I hope i've helped show you that enzymes DON'T MATTER in a raw food diet. It is an entire myth that is used to "confuse" people when arguing pro-raw agenda. I am raw, yes, but it bugs me to frequently read about people claiming enzymes as a major benefit of being raw.

Indeed it wasn't informative at all.
Enzyme activity is neither a myth nor a propaganda used by those "pushing" some hilarious so-called "pro-raw agenda." It's verifiable science, and it happens to support how we choose to eat.



Thanks for Sharing.

You are a nice person, spicyfull.

[Bananna]

Very good HG!

I used to be somewhat skeptical of the enzyme thing too, then in biology class I learned a lot about them.

I would ask, if you don't believe we use the enzymes found in plants, where do you think all the vibrant energy comes from? Just the vitamins and minerals and calories? The chlorophyll? ...but wait, chlorophyll is chalk full of enzymes too....I guess I'm just curious what your alternative theory is?

Anna
...off wondering about where chickens, monkeys and pigs get there's from.

[Dimond]

Stop digestive problems today!

You don’t have to live with heartburn, indigestion, gas or bloating.

More than 80 million people (approximately 1 in 4) are believed to suffer from such discomfort at least once a week and two of the most successful prescriptions in history are for digestive discomfort. Though many suffer, few have to. Nearly every digestive complaint is caused from an inability to properly digest the food(s) consumed.

The simple solution in such cases is enzymes. Enzymes are responsible for breaking down the foods we eat, delivering the nutrients found in those foods to every cell of the body and re- moving any toxins or ingredients that may be in the food that the body will not derive any benefit from.

SYMPTOMS OF POOR DIGESTION
• Gas
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Poor Sleep
• Allergies
• Candida

Life’s Energy
Enzymes do so much more than relieve the symptoms often associated with digestive distress or disorders. They are the foundation to good heath. Enzymes are energized protein molecules. They have been called the “spark of life”, the “vitality of life” and the “energy of life”. The word enzyme literally means life. When we wake up tired, catch a cold, can’t recall the name of our firstborn child or find ourselves sleeping during an important seminar, we don’t say, “I wish I had more enzymes,” we say, “I wish I had more energy.” To fully comprehend the benefits we must first understand what digestion is, and the vital role enzymes (energy) play in this process.

Digestion: The Basics
Digestion begins in the mouth where the act of chewing breaks down and grinds the food into smaller pieces to be swallowed. Think of the mouth as a food processor where mixing and grinding take place. Here is where three different types of an enzyme called amylase are secreted to digest the carbohydrates we eat.

We then swallow the food and it travels to the stomach. There are two sections of the stomach. The Cardiac section (upper) is what Dr. Howell called the food enzyme stomach. This is where the majority of the carbohydrate digestion occurs due to the activity of the amylase found in the saliva. Only the raw foods we eat that have not been cooked or processed are digested in this section of the stomach. This is because these foods contain the enzymes that nature provides to break down the proteins, fats and carbohydrates that are part of that particular food. The food stays here about 30 to 45 minutes then enters the lower section or Pyloric section of the stomach.

The Pyloric section of the stomach is where the enzyme pepsin and HCL (Hydrochloric acid) are secreted for protein digestion. The amount of protein consumed and the efficiency of the individual’s digestive system will dictate the length of time the food remains in this portion of the stomach. It is usually about two hours. The combined activity of Hydrochloric acid, pepsin and muscular movement result in a thoroughly mixed watery solution called chyme.

Chyme leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. When the chyme enters the small intestine (duodenum) it is mixed with the enzyme lipase from the pancreas and bile secreted by the gallbladder for fat digestion. The acid is neutralized by bicarbonate ions, which the pancreas also manufactures and secretes. It is at this point that the body takes a type of inventory of what we have eaten and what has been digested. It then determines the additional amount of enzymes (or energy) that will be needed to finish the process. The pancreas will continue to manufacture and secrete them as needed. This is called the law of adaptive secretion. The body will only make the amount of enzymes required to digest, assimilate and transport the fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals found in the foods we consume.

As the food continues to travel through the intestinal tract it finally enters the large intestine. The large intestine is basically responsible for absorbing water and ionic compounds (electrolytes). Much of this is actually re-absorbing what the body has provided in the way of gastric juices. The large intestine is also home to a number of different kinds of bacteria. These beneficial bacteria live off of some of the foods that make it this far without being digested. Finally the waste is eliminated. This entire process normally takes 3-10 days.

80% of your energy
When we eat a meal, we often take for granted the process that is initiated that we casually call digestion. The fact is that 80% of all the energy we will use in our entire lifetime will be spent on this amazing process. This leaves a mere 20% to handle all other processes of the body. Imagine if you could get back even a small percentage of that energy to assist in immune function, endocrine function or cardiovascular function. The possibility exists that it could change both the length of your life and the way in which you live it.

Digestive Problems
The symptoms that often occur which cause digestive discomfort are the result of an inability to efficiently break down and absorb the essential nutrients found in those foods. For example, the common gas and bloating is often a problem breaking down carbohydrates in the form of raw vegetables or beans. The acid indigestion is often caused by a problem breaking down protein. Though many people may tend to dismiss such “minor” symptoms as an inconvenience, it is important to provide the body with the support it needs during these times so as not to develop anything more serious over time.

Increase Your Energy
As you have no doubt figured out by now, the more we eat, the more energy our body will spend digesting what we have consumed. For many who chose most of their foods from a fast food menu or eat large portions of cooked and processed foods they are spending needless amounts of energy on the difficult job they have forced upon their digestive system. One of the best choices we can make is to eat living foods. Raw foods have the ability to digest 5%-75% of them-selves in the Cardiac section of the stomach. This one act alone will free up enormous amounts of energy and reduce the common symptoms of digestive distress (gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn) while supporting other body functions and helping maintain optimal health. Of course, as mentioned earlier, another simple solution to this energy crisis is to provide the body with supplemental digestive enzymes with every meal. These enzyme supplements have the ability to assist the body in breaking down or digesting the foods we consume, regardless of our food choices.

Look for an enzyme supplement that contains high active units of numerous enzymes. The four main categories of enzymes responsible for the digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber are called proteases, lipases amylases and cellulases. Though most companies label enzymes in “active units” to indicate potency, it is best to look for a product that uses multiple enzymes per category (for example: four proteases instead of just one. May say thera-blend next to each of these essential enzymes.). This will greatly increase the effectiveness of the product.

[Amberly]

It does not matter if 'enzymes' actually exist or not. I am not saying that they do not, BUT in practice it is irrelevant. I'm probably going to be misunderstood here. Not good at this, but they could be place holders as a way of understanding something, as are 'atoms' or 'gravity'. People with a deep understanding of these things may know them not to exist themselves, but to be tools in understanding a process, a way of talking about something, a way of explaining mechanics to the lay people.

Sort of like trying to determine the functions of a pocketwatch by looking at its relationship to the world, but without being able to open the back of it and see what is ACTUALLY in there.

I do not know if enzymes exist, but I have to pretend that they do or I will get fat and my bones will ache. I do not believe in gravity, but I am still afraid of heights.

[Amberly]

What I should have said was: I do not know if enzymes have this affect in my body, but I have to pretend that they do until I have a different way of understanding it.

[raven]

Jurence,

I've given the enzyme question a lot of thought over the years and you may be correct. I'm not definitively convinced that enzymes play their alleged role in a raw diet. They may be designed solely for the use of the plant. I do take proteolytic enzymes, however. I'm going to ask a clinical nutritionist about this in the next few days.

Suzy

[michigan roman]

heres how i put the ' enzyme ' topic :

what people refer to as enzymes , and which are said to be destroyed by raw foodists when a plant is heated , i term ' the energy / heat a plant absorbs and stores from a star ' . now just exactly what this energy / heat that a plant stores from stars does inside our bodies thats good i dont care to analyze . i just know from observation / tasting that if you heat that plant up and in the process remove that star light from it its not going to bring you to as healthy a state as a raw plant food still charged with star light would . just try living on raw spinach or oranges or apples a while , then for that same amount of time live on baked / boiled / heated spinach or oranges or apples etc and youll find out your not as energized / healthy . end of topic , forget the science i dont need it . just like i dont need a scientist to explain to me what happens if i get bit by a great white shark , the results are obvious . and if you want to see results of eating heated plant matter / un-natural diets just look around america at all the fat / soft / diseased people made of cookies / donuts / pepsi / etc , end of story - no science needed .

[Stina]

Okay, I challege you to a wrestling match and whoever wins wins the debate!

[snoops]

Stina, I love your signature line. Do you know who said that?

[Stina]

Stina, I love your signature line. Do you know who said that?

I put together two phrases from the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous. :p

[snoops]

Cool, I love it:)

[jurence]

When a plant is heated, more is killed than the enzymes. What I am trying to get at is that enzymes are NOT the main component to being raw. Heating food and killing enzymes therefore lacking enzymes in a SAD diet does NOT mean that because you are raw and healthier, enzymes are healthier for you.

The acidity of your stomach is GOING TO KILL THE ENZYMES no matter what you think. The enzyes that are produced by your body are found in the liver, kidneys, intestines and other more suitable environments. 100 degrees F' in a nonacidic environment is perfect for such enzymes, however the enzymes that we claim benefit us from eating them have to pass through the stomach (Which has a pH around 1-3 aka Battery acid) and therefore denature.


Let's look at it from a perspective that I see a lot.


"There are a lot of proteins/amino acids in vegetables, and they die when cooked. Take a piece of hair and hold it in a flame for half a second. What happens? It melts! Hence, cooking food kills the proteins."

Take a piece of hair, and put it in your stomach. Think its going to last?

Hair is protein.
Enzymes are protein.

Enzymes simply cannot survive the digestion process and need to be removed from all things in support of raw food. As a biology student it is embarassing to see a community basing facts off of personal belief and more or less a placebo effect than true science. Those studies you provided GC do not hold firm ground in my mind.

edit: Here is a thread that answers some questions in more simpler terms
http://www.biology-online.org/biology-forum/about250.html

HG: In response to your first post with quote, this is referring to microbial enzymes. MICROBIAL enzymes. These are enzymes found in dirt, with bacteria, etc. These are NOT the enzymes I am referring to that we claim help us when eating raw food. Microbial enzymes by nature have great ability to defend themselves, but even then I would doubt that they would get through our digestive process.

[RawHeaven]

I don't claim to be an expert, but my take on enzymes since being raw and doing some research:

It just seems that if you eat (raw) foods that digest themselves, well then it just goes that you will experience better digestion and more energy due to the fact that your body is not knocking itself out trying to digest foods that need to be broken down 4 and 5 times. This extra energy can be expended on other things, like having fun!, getting better sleep and so on and so forth. I think enzymes are just one piece of the puzzle, but a vital piece nonetheless.

The other pieces of the puzzle include; but are not limited to, being mindful, peaceful, relaxed, playing, taking time for one's self, having positive thoughts, getting proper rest, exercise, fresh air, sunshine, loving one's self and sharing love.

[jurence]

Enzymes are not hard to digest rawheaven(and that is the point) , fiber is hard to digest.

[mmmfood]

Thanks for posting this thread. I've always had trouble accepting that plant enzymes could first of all make it through the human digestion system intact, and then actually be of use...I'm still really confused.

[HolyGuacamole]

HG: In response to your first post with quote, this is referring to microbial enzymes. MICROBIAL enzymes. These are enzymes found in dirt, with bacteria, etc. These are NOT the enzymes I am referring to that we claim help us when eating raw food. Microbial enzymes by nature have great ability to defend themselves, but even then I would doubt that they would get through our digestive process.

I know what microbial enzymes are. :rolleyes:

Enzymes perform the same function no matter where they came from, some more efficiently than others. It is NOT a matter of opinion, it is a matter of SCIENCE.
You are obviously misunderstanding the whole issue and your posts on this subject (as well as many others) are rife with staggering negativity backed up by illogic.
No biggie to me. Have at it.
Carry on.

[Stina]

Fact: Whatever your belief system is, there is science to prove it

[miabella]

I have thought about the role of enzymes in raw food and our bodies forever and this is what I have come up with.

As we know enzymes function at an optimal temperature. Our bodies digestive enzymes would probably function at an optimal temperature of say 37 degrees or whatever body temperature is.

When we eat cooked food the temperature of the cooked food is way above body temperature therefore possibly denaturing our digestive enzymes in the saliva. Therefore it might be possible to conclude that digestion will not occur in the mouth. If certain things do not start to digest in the mouth they have lost that opportunity for digestion as enzymes are specific. This scenario will occur in the stomach due to the temperature of the food being to hot. This may completely denature the enzymes or increase the time that it takes for the reaction or digestion to take place.

I know that I did not explain this really well but the bottom line is that I was thinking it is the temperature of the food that effects our own digestivie enzymes ability to carry out thier function.

I also read some experiment on the internet that focused on comparing the amount of vitamins and minerals between raw and cooked food. It showed that the amount of vitamins and minerals in the cooked comparison had decreased significantly. Anyway it was a really good site but I don't have an address for it.

So I think raw foods are great because there temperature makes them easy to digest and their vitamins and nutrients are abundant!

Factors that effect enzymes are temperature, concentration and pH.