|
Q17-I've heard that enzymes are not destroyed once they have been used. Is that true?
Many college textbooks teach that enzymes are not destroyed and consequently are never completely used up during their enzymatic action. However, other research disputes this concept. New research supports the theory that the strength and availability of our digestive enzymes are lessened as we age. Research also has found that enzymes do more work at higher temperatures than they do at cooler temperature. The higher the temperature the faster they are used up. This refutes the idea that enzymes are not used up. When we acquire a fever, our bodies enzymes work faster than at normal temperature. Research has found that after a fever has subsided numerous enzymes are found in the urine.
Other evidence shows us that human beings have the lowest levels of starch-digesting enzymes in their blood of any creature. We also have the highest level of these enzymes in the urine, meaning that they are being used up faster. Here again, we have evidence that enzymes wear out and are discarded. |
