Dorothy FarrarEnzyme
Countless biochemical reactions take place in the body as part of the various metabolic processes. Enzymes , which are mainly represented as protein chains, ensure that the process is timely and functional . They serve the constantly necessary conversion of substances in the body and also play a decisive role in other bodily processes.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are mostly made of protein and act like a spark plug and catalyst to activate and speed up biochemical reactions in the body. In addition to their influence on numerous metabolic processes, enzymes also play a role in digestion, respiration and growth. Substances taken in through food are converted into other substances by enzymes. Large molecules are split.
Enzymes regulate and control the biochemical processes. They increase the activation energy of specific biochemical processes in the body. Enzymes are multifunctional and can consist of one or more protein chains. Individual enzymes can take on different tasks.
Enzymes can also complete a task together in a network and with interactions. The intensity of an enzyme’s effect is determined by the temperature, the protein content and the pH value.
Which substances (substrates) are converted by which enzymes results from the specific nature of the enzymes (active center), which can be used to assign suitable substrates. Enzymes have been researched since 1833. In the past, the word ferment was used for the term enzyme.
Occurrence and mode of action
Enzymes are found in large numbers in the human body. Other important enzymes must be supplied regularly through the diet. It should be noted that the food is fresh and raw so that the enzymes do not break down.
In particular, the consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables, salad or nuts ensures that the body is optimally supplied with the additional enzymes it needs.
Vegetables and salads that are particularly rich in enzymes include broccoli, tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers. Fruits rich in enzymes include bananas, pineapples, and kiwi, as well as papaya, pears, and figs. In the human body, enzymes primarily occur as metabolic and digestive enzymes in five groups with different tasks:
• Lipase
• Peptidasen
• Lactase
• The glycosidase
• Nucleases
The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase is found in the liver, muscles and red blood cells. The enzyme gamma-GT is found in the brain, kidneys and liver. The heart muscles contain the enzyme troponin T.
The active center of the enzyme formed is such that only a suitable substrate can bind for a conversion. According to the so-called lock-and-key theory, the molecules of the enzyme and substrate must fit together like a key that fits a lock. This specification determines the different functions of the enzymes:
• Lactase breaks down milk sugar into glucose and galactose
• Lipases are produced in the pancreas to break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol
• Peptidases convert peptides and proteins into amino acids through decomposition processes
• Glycosidases convert starch and glycogen into simple sugar molecules. • Nucleases cleave nucleic acids
• The enzyme troponin T is released into the blood by the heart muscle during a heart attack
• In the case of organic diseases, the level of the enzyme gamma-GT in the blood increases
Why are enzymes necessary?
What role do enzymes play in digestion?
The digestive enzymes ensure that the ingested food is broken down into its basic building blocks such as amino acids, sugar molecules and fatty acids. The individual building blocks can then be absorbed into the blood via the mucous membranes and transported further after the metabolic process for utilization or storage. If the diet does not provide enough enzymes, metabolic problems arise and the food cannot be fully digested. Food residues that have not been converted remain in the body as waste products or fats.
enzymes as messengers
Enzymes are also needed in the body to transmit stimuli. Messenger substances are degraded or activated via enzymes, which influences the signaling effect of receptors for the transmission of information between cells. Enzymes are also involved in the regeneration of cells and tissues. They help eliminate waste and toxins as well as boosting the immune system.
enzymes in food
Enzymes also have an effect in food and beverage production. In fermentation processes, they are involved in the conversion of sugar into acid. In addition, enzymes from lactic acid bacteria influence yoghurt production and are used in the manufacture of baked goods and alcoholic beverages.
Application in medicine
Enzymes are increasingly used in medicine for treatments in a wide variety of areas. This includes strengthening the immune system in general and specifically the accelerated healing of inflammation through to the prevention and healing of cancer. The anti-inflammatory effect is used therapeutically for inflammations such as rheumatism and arthrosis. By improving blood flow, joints and muscles are supplied with a higher level of nutrients.
Enzymes also ensure that the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory messengers is restored. This results in a faster reduction in symptoms of inflammation. Pulled muscles, joint pain or sore muscles as a result of excessive physical exertion also present themselves as inflammation. Enzymes are often used to relieve pain so that regeneration can take place more quickly and training can start earlier again.
Enzyme therapy is useful for the following complaints, among others:
Enzymes are also helpful for medical diagnostics. Increased activity of the enzymes lipase and pancreatic amylase can indicate inflammation of the pancreas. The enzyme troponin T can provide indications of a heart attack and the severity of heart damage in a blood test . With the help of enzymes on a test strip, diabetics can measure their blood sugar in a practical and inexpensive way. Numerous drugs develop their effectiveness by enhancing or inhibiting enzymes.
Application in naturopathy
In traditional medicine, enzyme-intensive herbal extracts are used when the effect is controversial. Stomach compatibility can be problematic depending on the herbal mixture and individual requirements. Many natural active ingredients contained in food can be beneficial due to their enzymes when prepared and portioned according to requirements. The enzyme bromelain, which is particularly found in pineapple, has an anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effect. To strengthen the immune system as a health measure, enzyme therapies are used in naturopathy. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect, diseases of blood vessels or joints as well as injuries and pain can also be treated. For this purpose, preparations with the enzymes bromelain, papain,
What is an enzyme deficiency?
Inhibitions can also develop in enzymes due to various causes, which are either resolved again in the further process or can lead to the inactivity of the enzyme.
A major problem is a lack of enzymes. Missing enzymes can trigger genetic defects. Inherited enzyme defects can affect digestion in particular.
In the case of lactose intolerance ( milk sugar intolerance ) or celiac disease (gluten intolerance), those affected must avoid certain foods because the enzymes required for digestion are lacking. An enzyme deficiency can be improved by a targeted diet. Systemic enzyme therapy with targeted enzyme preparations is also possible.
Enzymes are highly effective in important bodily processes such as metabolism and digestion. A lack of enzymes can be compensated by a targeted diet or special preparations.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.