The body doesn't benefit from the food we eat, but rather by what is digested and assimilated. The four major functions that support the body are:

• ingestion - what we eat;
• digestion - how the body breaks down the substances we eat;
• assimilation - how efficiently the body absorbs the nutrients;
• elimination - the way the body removes its wastes.

The food is taken in, broken into smaller and smaller parts until it can be absorbed and then the by-products are discarded.

There is a significant amount of scientific data that shows raw food is digested easier than cooked food. Dr. Howell, and many other scientists, believe that cooking food destroys the natural enzymes that exist in food. They contend the digestive function borrows enzymes from other metabolic activities to digest cooked food.

Enzymes do more than digest food. Enzymes are involved in every process of the body: building muscle, nerves, blood, and bones, and work in virtually every activity in the body. Life could not exist without them. There are three major classes of enzymes:

• metabolic enzymes, which work in blood, tissues and organs;
• food enzymes, derived from raw food;
• digestive enzymes, that break down the food.

One of the characteristics of enzymes is their inability to withstand heat; consequently, they are completely destroyed in all foods that are canned, pasteurized, baked, roasted, stewed or fried. Even the microwave oven destroys food enzymes. Studies have shown that eating enzyme-depleted foods affects the body adversely. It has been shown, time after time, that young adults have a higher enzyme reserve than the older subjects. The conclusion is - years of eating enzyme-depleted food has reduced the reserve of enzymes.

Dr. Howell, the eminent researcher, speaker, author and the father of Enzyme Nutrition, believes: Enzymes are a true yardstick of vitality. Enzymes offer an important means of calculating the vital energy of an organism. Since enzymes are so important, it only makes sense to make sure we have enough of them. There are two ways to preserve and replenish our enzyme level: stop cooking and eat all of your food raw or take enzyme supplements.

Bene•Zymes^® contains a synergistic combination of:
Protease, Amylase, Lipase, Cellulase, Lactase, Sucrase, Maltase, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Papain, Peppermint and Pantothenic Acid (B5).

Reference:
Enzyme Nutrition, Unlocking the Secrets of Eating Right for Health, Vitality And Longevity, Dr. Edward Howell.
Food Enzymes, The Missing Link to Radiant Health, Humbart Santillo, MH, N.D.