Enzymes are energized protein molecules necessary for life. They catalyze and regulate nearly all biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. There are three primary groups of enzymes: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes are those enzymes that catalyze various chemical reactions within the cells such as detoxification and energy production. Digestive enzymes are secreted along the gastrointestinal tract to break down food so the nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Human digestive enzymes include protease, amylase, lipase, pepsin, ptyalin and trypsin. Food enzymes are naturally present in all raw foods, providing exogenous source of digestive enzymes when consumed. Raw foods contain protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase to aid in the breakdown of that foods protein, carbohydrates, fat and fiber, respectively. Dr. Howell observed a direct relationship between caloric content and food enzyme content stating "foods having a higher caloric content are richer in food enzymes."

What Digestive Enzymes Do

Naturally-occuring enzymes in raw food are activated by the moisture and heat introduced during mastication. Once active, these enzymes begin the process of pre-digestion as the food moves to the stomach. Pre-digestion continues in the fundus or upper portion of the stomach, sometimes as long as an hour before the food is mixed with gastric secretion and the enzymes are inactivated. Howell referred to this chronological compartmentalization as the "Food Enzyme Stomach". In the alkaline environment of the small intestine, the food enzymes return to their active state, contributing to the completion of the digestive process. When enzyme deficient cooked food is consumed, the entire burden of digestion is placed upon the body's digestive system.