>7. The direct importance of enzymes is over-stated in raw/living
>foods. Enzymes are NOT the life force - they are simply chemicals,
>types of proteins helpful in reactions. If there are digestive enzymes
>present in food, the majority of them are destroyed in the stomach,
>and are of little consequence. The primary value of enzymes is as a
>marker for the life force: if the enzymes are intact, the food has not
>been heated and hence is still raw and may be "alive".

The following review from the July issue of the "Townsend Letter for
Doctors & Patients" indicates that some enzymes do survive the stomach
acid:

"Are orally administered enzymes absorbed?

Twenty-one healthy volunteers received a preparation of bromelain and
trypsin (400 or 800 mg, four times per day for four days) or a placebo,
in random order, in a double-blind crossover trial. Blood samples were
collected immediately before each dose and for two days after the last
dose.  Functionally intact bromelain and trypsin were measured in
plasma by using ELISA, western blot, and the corresponding specific
hydrolytic activity. Plasma concentrations (through levels and area
under the absorption curve) of both enzymes and their corresponding
specific hydrolytic activities increased in a dose-dependent fashion.
There was a close correlation between plasma trypsin concentrations and
its specific hydrolytic activity.
COMMENT: Orally administered proteolytic enzymes have been used for
many years to treat post-traumatic edema, pain, and bruising.  Although
reportedly effective, this treatment has not been widely accepted in
the medical community, possibly because of the belief that large
protein molecules cannot be absorbed intact.  The present study
provides strong evidence that enzymes can, indeed, be absorbed across
the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.  Proteolytic enzymes
are believed to work by an anti-inflammatory mechanism and by promoting
resorption of fibrin and other proteins from areas of issue trauma."

Donath F, et al. Dose-related bioavailability of bromelain and trypsin
after repeated oral administration. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1997;61:157.

Best from Peter,
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