In terms of nutrition and longevity, I can understand the value of enzymes 
in raw animal foods yet am not convinced of the value of enzymes in raw 
plants.  I am likely jaded because a stint with raw food veganism many years ago 
was disasterous for my health. Whether it's damaged metabolism or the fact 
both my parents were diabetics (type 2) -- I simply cannot handle all the 
carbohydrates and natural sugars from copious amounts of veggies, fruits, 
beans, whole grains etc found in vegan diets. Yet in today's Mercola newsletter 
-- he includes a clip of a purportedly 109 year old nearly all raw (70% or 
so) vegan (Bernando LaPallo) who appears to be in incredible health.  He has 
eaten this way since he was 5 -- he is also an herbalist. Unlike many vegans 
-- he is not a "starchatarian."   If he's for real -- he's amazing. Perhaps 
he is able to utilize the enzymes from raw fruits and veggies -- plus the 
interview mentioned he soaks his grains and beans (beans and nuts are his 
protein).  I believe that with the exception of fermented raw veggies and 
avocado, soaked nuts or papaya -- there would be far more enzymes present in raw 
animal products such as raw  fish, raw meat, raw dairy, raw eggs etc. 
 
 I was recently supposed to undergo unexpected surgery (very relieved to 
have dodged that bullet for now) and asked the German born and trained surgeon 
about using systemic enzymes to help minimize/prevent adhesions.  I've read 
that all hospitals in Germany routinely use them for that purpose and to 
reduce swelling, speed healing.  He seemed clueless about them and said he'd 
be suspicious of anything that is "systemic."  That was surprising and 
disappointing.  I do take Wobenzyme for tendonitis and have found it quite 
effective. They did nothing to reduce my uterine fibroids -- same with serrapeptase 
+ enzyme product.  My husband uses digestive enzymes and finds they help 
quite a bit.   I only take digestive enzymes if I've really over eaten because 
I generally seem to have very strong digestion. 
 
I would like to start incorporating much more in the way of raw animal 
foods into my diet.