The chemical substances that are produced in a living being are termed as “Enzymes”. All the chemical reactions that take place in a living organism are controlled by these wonderful organic catalysts. They are a part and parcel of all living cells including those of animals and plants.

Even though enzymes are produced in a living cell, the vital processes of the cell do not affect them; and they work outside the cell. A basic feature of enzyme is that when they enter into a chemical reaction they remain intact in the process. Proper amount of temperature is required to maintain their efficiency. Raising the temperature above the specific level or lowering down it below the level hampers their efficiency and slows down the reaction.

According to recent estimates, it has been stated that there are 20,000 enzymes in the human body. The basis of this estimate is the number of body processes that seem to require action. But however only 1000 enzymes have been identified so far and their major role in living processes and nutrition has been firmly established. Enzymes are protein molecules which are made up of chains of amino-acids.

Specific cells make up the enzymes and use them. These enzymes are known as intracellular enzymes. There are also cells which produce these enzymes and secrete them to the other parts of the body. These enzymes are known as extracellular enzymes. Examples of extracellular enzymes are digestive juices.

There are few of the enzymes whose names have been established by long usage such as Erepsin, Trypsin, Pepsin and Ptyalin. There are many enzymes which act upon several substances in various ways. Thus a deaminase is an enzyme which contains deaminations and oxidase is one which contains oxidising.

Food undergoes various chemical changes during digestion. Enzymes play a decisive role as they are responsible for these chemical changes. Examples of these chemical changes are breaking up large molecules of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into smaller ones or conversion of complex substances into simple ones which can be easily absorbed by the intestines. These substances are later used by the body for producing energy and building up new tissues. All these variable reactions are controlled by enzymes. Their power does not decrease at the beginning, or at the end of the reaction.

The process of digestion starts in the mouth. Saliva in the mouth not only helps in chewing and grinding the food, but also carries an enzyme called Ptyalin which begins the chemical action necessary for digestion. At this stage breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar takes place. Although this enzymatic action takes place in the mouth proper digestion takes place when it reaches the stomach. Gastric juice present inside the stomach contain hydrochloric acid and mucus. The enzyme or the active agent of this gastric juice is Pepsin. Pepsin along with hydrochloric acid starts the process of breakdown of proteins into amino-acids which can be easily absorbed. In the stomach of small children, especially infants an enzyme called rennin plays an important role. It curdles milk and allows pepsin to work upon it and there is no work left for gastric juices.

The process of digestion is completed inside the small intestine by several juices. A liquid called Bile comes from the liver which converts globules of fat into smooth emulsions. Various other enzymes are contributed by the pancreas, by which the breakdown of proteins takes place. They also help in dividing the starch into sugars and work along with bile in digesting fats. All these enzymes are secreted by the small intestine itself from its inner walls to complete the reactions. When all the enzymes complete their work, the food is digested and passed fit for absorption by the stomach.

Enzymes also form a basic part of the food we eat. They are present in abundance in raw foods. Picking, smoking, pasteurizing, cooking and all other processes destroy the power of enzymes. It is therefore necessary to include salads, fruits, vegetables and sprouts in our diet to gear up the functioning of the system and the digestive processes. Research has proved that if we do not consume proper foods necessary for the body, it may without adequate raw materials from raw foods tire up and produce few enzymes. This may result in the wear and tear of body processes and drain it up.

Thus we can conclude that enzymes are essential and powerful catalysts, which control all the processes beginning from the mouth to the stomach. They are responsible for maintaining proper health, energy and stamina, as the digestion and absorption of food takes place only with their help. They play a major role in the digestive processes and are essential for maintaining and preserving sound health and fitness.