Easing Your Fatigue with Natural Enzymes From Everday Food

Vegetables are filled with thousands of plant enzymes that naturally convert food into the energy we need to fuel our brain cells and muscles. However, the American diet is filled with processed foods, foods that are not locally grown and foods that are genetically modified - which means they start out with little or no nutrition.

We have to look for quality foods in order to benefit from enzymes.

Why are enzymes important?

We need enzymes in order for our digestive system to work. Enzymes break down food particles so they can be utilized for energy. If you are always feeling fatigued look to your diet for answers.

I do cook fresh vegetables so aren't I getting enzymes?

Unfortunately, no. If we do have fresh quality vegetables, the way we prepare them destroys these necessary plant enzymes. It only takes five minutes of cooking to destroy 100% of plant enzymes.

How do I get the benefit then from fresh foods?

Many people are opting for a raw diet in the hopes of getting necessary enzymes. Quick stir-frying can also help retain the plant enzymes. This also explains why juicing can be beneficial - you may not get all the fiber but you can get the enzymes necessary.

I did an interview with an established raw food chef. She uses live foods to heal and is called a "Culinary Healer." For a lot of information about enzymes and live foods you may want to read her interview (see link below).

Well, I don't want to sit around gnawing on carrots all day.

Fresh fruit also has enzymes. The good thing about fresh fruit is that it is generally not cooked. For more vegetable enzymes, have more salads. See the link below on how to build a better salad.

Any fruits in particular?

All fruits are beneficial but one fruit in particular has a long documented history of being enzyme-rich  - and that is papaya. Papaya contains vitamins C, A, E, and K, folate, potassium, fiber, and carotene. It belongs to the yellow and orange fruit group which is known to contain antioxidants.

Papaya is highly recommended for people with poor digestive systems because it contains the enzyme known as 'papain.' This explains why so many enzyme supplements on the market are simply labeled 'papain.'

Recommendation:

Keeping in mind how quickly enzymes are destroyed when food is cooked - vegetables are still highly recommended. Just cook them quickly - under 5 minutes. Or eat one to two cups of salad or raw vegetables daily.

Energy Boost:

Vegetables have thousands of enzymes crammed into them - these enzymes help convert food to energy which in turns fuels brain and muscle cells. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a necessary part of a healthy diet. Look for organic or locally grown. Lucky are the people who can grow their own fruits and vegetables.

See links below for additional healthy eating information.