“Enzymes are substances that make life possible. They are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in the human body. No mineral, vitamin, or hormone can do any work without enzymes…. They are the manual workers that build our body from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, just as construction workers build our homes. You may have all the raw materials with which to build, but without the workers (enzymes) you cannot even begin.”

    –Dr. Edward Howell, Enzyme Nutrition: The Food Enzyme Concept, p.33.

Examples of digestive enzymes:

Protease
Digests protein
Raw foods high in protein, like beans, contain high amounts of these hydrolytic enzymes.

Amylase and Alpha-amylase
Digest amylase (starch)
Raw foods high in carbohydrates, like grains and fruit, contain high amounts of these hydrolytic enzymes.

Lipase
Digests lipids (fats)
Raw foods high in lipids, like avocados and olives, contain high amounts of these hydrolytic enzymes.

Lactase, Maltase, Invertase, Phytase
Digest simple sugars from dairy products and grains.
Raw foods high in natural sugars contain high amounts of these hydrolytic enzymes.

Cellulase
Digests cellulose (fiber)
Raw foods high in fiber, like celery, contain high amounts of this hydrolytic enzyme. This enzyme is not made in the body and must be consumed in your diet.