Health Glossary - For Everyone

Enzymes
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What are enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts - they are required in order to cause some type of reaction. Enzymes are made up of long chains of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.

Enzymes perform a vital function by controlling the metabolic processes whereby nutrients are converted into energy and fresh cell material. Enzymes also are the catalyst that help to break down food ingested into its simplest form.

Some examples of enzymes:

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Important enzymes facts



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Why enzymes are important

Cells use enzymes to grow, reproduce and create energy, and they often remove enzymes out of their cell walls too.

Enzymes allow the cells to carry out all the necessary chemical reactions inside them. Without the enzymes, cells would not survive long.

 

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Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007

 

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references

 

More information

To learn more, go to the following web sites


 

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

 

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