These helpers protect your health

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are specialised molecules that play a central role in controlling and accelerating numerous chemical processes in the human body. Although many of these reactions could theoretically occur without them, they would proceed either extremely slowly or under conditions incompatible with life, for example at much higher temperatures. Their main task is therefore to make chemical reactions more efficient by lowering the so‑called activation energy — the amount of energy required to start a reaction.

These molecules are usually composed of protein structures built from long chains of amino acids. Their structure is so precise that they specifically interact with certain structures — this is called high specificity. For a reaction to occur, the corresponding molecule must fit exactly into the enzyme’s active site, similar to a key that only fits a particular lock. At that moment a short‑lived enzyme‑substrate complex forms, triggering the reaction and then dissociating — the enzyme remains unchanged and is ready for the next cycle.

What types of enzymes are there?

Enzymes can be grouped according to the type of chemical reaction they enable. Basically, six major enzyme classes are distinguished. This classification is based on the function they perform in metabolism.

The first group comprises the oxidoreductases, which are active in reactions where electrons are transferred from one molecule to another. This is typical for so‑called redox processes. Representatives of this group include dehydrogenases, which remove electrons from a substrate.

Another important class is the transferases, which transfer functional groups such as phosphates or methyl groups from one molecule to another. A prominent example is DNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides to a growing DNA strand.

Hydrolases perform tasks in which chemical bonds are broken using water or reformed by water removal. This category also includes proteases, which break down proteins into smaller building blocks.

The group of lyases is responsible for reactions in which compounds are cleaved or formed without input of energy. An example is aldolase, which plays a central role in carbohydrate breakdown.

Isomerases, by contrast, reorganise molecules internally by changing their spatial or structural arrangement without altering molecular mass. Typical enzymes are racemases, which convert mirror‑image forms of a molecule into each other.

Finally, there are ligases, which join two molecules together at the expense of energy. Such reactions are needed, for example, in DNA repair, where DNA ligases link fragments of strands together.

Besides these six main categories there are numerous other enzymes that are distinguished not by their reaction type but by their target structure. In digestion, for instance, specialised enzymes such as amylases, which split complex carbohydrates into sugars, or lipases, which break down fats, are found. Other specific examples include lactase, which splits milk sugar, sucrase, which breaks down table sugar, or cellulase, which degrades plant fibres. Pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin also play major roles in protein utilisation.

How do enzymes work in the body?

Enzymes are involved in almost all vital processes in the human body. They act as biological catalysts, speeding up biochemical reactions without being consumed themselves. In every cell, enzymes perform crucial tasks: they govern cellular metabolism and participate in the synthesis, conversion and breakdown of molecules. They ensure that cells grow, renew themselves or are broken down in a targeted way when necessary. Many of these enzymes are produced directly by cells to carry out specific functions.

An essential area of their activity is the regulation of chemical processes, for example in energy production, the transport of nutrients or the elimination of metabolic waste. Enzymes enable these processes by specifically transforming starting materials (substrates) into usable products. This happens through formation of a transient complex between enzyme and substrate, allowing the reaction to proceed efficiently.

Enzymes are also indispensable for the production of signalling molecules and hormones. They contribute to maintaining genetic stability by repairing DNA damage. They also control protein synthesis, which provides the building blocks for tissues and organs. Without these structural proteins, heart, liver, muscles or connective tissue could not fulfil their functions.

Another important aspect is the involvement of enzymes in the body’s immune defence. They help the immune system recognise and combat foreign substances. Thus they render pathogens harmless and specifically regulate inflammatory processes.

What do enzymes do for the skin?

Enzymes are highly relevant in skin care because they gently and effectively remove dead skin cells. They work by breaking the bonds between dead cells, supporting natural skin renewal and promoting a fresh, smooth complexion. Enzyme peels containing these enzymes remove the upper layers of the skin without mechanical abrasion or harsh chemical agents and are therefore particularly suitable for sensitive or blemish‑prone skin.

In enzyme peels, enzymes such as bromelain, papain or pumpkin enzymes are used to loosen dead skin flakes while improving skin texture. These enzymes act directly on the skin surface and leave a soft, clean skin without abrasive particles. This gentle process helps to clear the skin of impurities, reduce pore size and decrease inflammation.

Enzymes also stimulate collagen production, which can help soften fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. In addition, enzyme peels prepare the skin to better absorb active ingredients contained in subsequent care products, making them more effective.

What problems can enzymes cause?

An enzyme deficiency can cause a variety of health problems that manifest in different ways. If an enzyme is not present in sufficient quantity or its activity is reduced, the body may not be able to properly process certain foods. This often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness and diarrhoea. Since undigested food is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, gases are produced, which can worsen the symptoms.

Besides digestive complaints, other symptoms may include headaches, skin changes, itching, asthma attacks, fatigue and even depression. In some cases there may also be hyperactivity, dizziness and high blood pressure. These symptoms are often non‑specific and can point to other conditions as well, which complicates diagnosis.

Persistent inflammations such as phlebitis or bladder infections may also occur, and injuries like sprains or bruises may heal poorly. An enzyme deficiency can also weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

Where enzymes are found: useful tips

• Eat fresh, raw fruits like pineapple, papaya, pears, kiwis and bananas to benefit from natural enzymes such as bromelain, papain and amylase. These support food breakdown and promote better nutrient absorption.
• Regularly eat avocados, as they contain lipases that help fat digestion. These healthy fats are easily digestible and aid nutrient uptake.
• Raw vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, lettuce and cucumbers also contain valuable enzymes that support digestion.
• Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir are rich in enzymes and probiotic bacteria. They support digestion and promote a healthy microbiome.
• Use raw honey as a sweetener since it contains enzymes such as invertase and sucrase. These enzymes help convert sucrose into more easily digestible sugars.
• Include mangoes, which contain amylase. This enzyme splits starch molecules into simple sugars, easing carbohydrate digestion and improving energy utilisation.
• Incorporate bitter foods into your diet, for example arugula, artichokes or dandelion. These stimulate the production of endogenous digestive enzymes and promote healthy digestion.
• When preparing food, take care to preserve enzyme activity. Cook gently or eat raw to prevent the enzymes from being destroyed by high temperatures.
• If you have digestive weakness or intolerances, consider combination supplements with digestive enzymes. These can improve nutrient uptake and relieve digestive issues.

Enzymes are indispensable biocatalysts that enable and accelerate vital metabolic processes in the body. Without their precise action, many chemical reactions in the organism would not be efficient or might not occur at all.