Why enzymes?

Introduction

Enzymes are fascinating from a medical, scientific and even

philosophical point of view. Enzyme systems constitute an essen-

tial component of life for humans, animals, plants and all micro-

organisms. They can orily be formed from organic living matter.

Enzymes are required for the proper and normal functioning of

every organ system. They direct, accelerate, modify or retard all

body functions. They do so in a unique, step-by-step, highly effi-

cient, safe and remarkably economical manner. This step-by-step

function insures safety, efficiency, and in terms of energy expendi-

ture, economy.

Enzymes serve as the body s labor force to perform every single

function required for our daily activities and are required to keep

us alive. They are responsible for all of the functions of every

organ system in our bodies. At the same time, they are most

important in supporting our body defenses and immune system to

protect us from harmful forces and specific dangers to our health.

The immune system depends heavily on enzymes to conduct its

protective functions. For example, in the complement system, one

of the most important defense/attack branches of the immune

system that will be discussed later in the book, there are nine step-

by-step primary components involving 27 known subproteins, 22

of which are enzymes! (Figure 1)

In addition to our immune and defense systems, we require

enzymes not only to eat, digest and absorb our nutrients, but also

to see, hear, smell, taste, breathe and move. Enzymes are required

for our blood and coagulation system, cardiovascular functions,

kidneys, liver, elimination of toxic products, excretion, reproduc-

tion, etc. They are required even to think, dream or for sexual