04.03.2025

Live enzymes – easy to obtain at home and with powerful properties!

By Lesia

The concept of “live enzymes” often refers to the enzymes present in raw, unprocessed foods and fermented products. While you can’t isolate “live enzymes” in a pure form at home, you can certainly incorporate enzyme-rich foods and practices into your routine.

Here’s a breakdown of how to obtain and benefit from these powerful compounds:

Where to Find Live Enzymes:

  • Raw Fruits and Vegetables:
    • Papaya: Contains papain, an enzyme that aids digestion.
    • Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Avocado: Contains lipase, an enzyme that helps digest fats.
    • Mango: Contains amylases, which help break down carbohydrates.
    • Sprouts: Germinated seeds and legumes are rich in enzymes.
  • Fermented Foods:
    • Sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented vegetables: Contain enzymes produced by beneficial bacteria during fermentation.
    • Kefir and yogurt (with live cultures): Also contain enzymes from bacterial activity.
    • Miso and tempeh: Fermented soybean products with enzymes.
  • Honey (Raw):
    • Raw honey contains enzymes like amylase, invertase, and diastase.

How to Obtain and Utilize Enzymes at Home:

  1. Eat Raw Foods:
    • Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
    • Consider incorporating raw salads, smoothies, and juices.
  2. Sprout Seeds and Legumes:
    • Soak seeds or legumes in water for a period of time.
    • Rinse and drain them regularly until they sprout.
    • Sprouts can be added to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies.
  3. Ferment Foods:
    • Learn how to ferment vegetables like cabbage (sauerkraut) or cucumbers (pickles).
    • Make your own yogurt or kefir using a starter culture.
  4. Use Raw Honey:
    • Choose raw, unprocessed honey over processed honey.
    • Add it to tea, yogurt, or smoothies.

Benefits of Live Enzymes:

  • Improved Digestion: Enzymes help break down food into smaller molecules, making it easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
  • Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: By improving digestion, enzymes can enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
  • Reduced Inflammation: Certain enzymes, like bromelain, have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Boosted Immunity: A healthy gut microbiome, supported by enzymes from fermented foods, contributes to a strong immune system.

Important Considerations:

  • Heat Sensitivity: Enzymes are sensitive to heat. Cooking destroys most enzymes in food.
  • Individual Needs: Enzyme needs vary depending on individual factors.
  • Supplementation: If you have digestive issues, you may consider enzyme supplements, but consult a healthcare professional first.
  • Food Safety: When fermenting foods, always follow safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Balanced Diet: Enzymes are one part of a healthy diet. Focus on a well rounded diet.

In summary:

You can obtain “live enzymes” by incorporating raw fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, and raw honey into your diet. These enzymes can support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.