ENZYMES ARE IMPORTANT piece of the nutritional puzzle, especially when you’re trying to lose belly fat or any excess weight. They help break down food in the digestive system and produce valuable nutrients. One of the main reasons for excess abdominal fat comes from food that stays in the digestive system too long. Enzymes break down food and prevent it from turning into fat. And the enzymes release power nutrients that burn calories.
Enzymes are catalysts that help break down food for digestion. They are found in most fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, as well as foods like yogurt. Some of the top enzyme producers include pineapple, papaya, grapes, mango, kiwi, avocado, melons, carrots, celery, kale, cabbage, and raw honey. However, some fermented vegetables produce enzymes, most notably sauerkraut and pickles.
ENSURING THE VALUE OF THE ENZYME
You get the most value from your food when you follow these procedures:
1. Buy fresh, crisp produce first
2. Keep the skin of fruits and vegetables cool, especially during refrigeration.
3. Do not soak your fresh fruits or vegetables
4. Wash and scrub your products well
5. Enzymes are best obtained when the product is eaten raw
6. If you need to cook it, cook it whole or in large pieces with the skin on.
7. It is best to cook food for the shortest time possible
8. Use quick cooking methods: blanching, steaming, sautéing or roasting
9. Cook vegetables until soft but crisp and colorful.
10. Serve food promptly
INDIVIDUAL SPECIAL NEEDS
Women of childbearing age
Pregnant or lactating women
Individuals over 50 years of age
some vegetarians
Individuals who do not eat dairy products.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Enzymes help convert food into energy and aid in exercise. Enzymes help prevent fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, joint pain, and help preserve bone strength. In addition, they help burn calories, fight toxins in the bloodstream, maintain a good metabolism, break down and dissolve belly fat.
TIPS TO INCREASE THE CONSUMPTION OF ENZYMES
Fat-burning enzymes are more prevalent in fresh fruits and vegetables, so they:
Add fresh fruit to your breakfast
Eat fresh, raw vegetables with a small salad at lunch and dinner.
Add sprouted beans and seeds to your salads
Buy only whole foods like brown rice and whole grain breads and cereals.
At lunch and dinner, make sure there is something green as well as yellow or orange.
Don’t boil your vegetables
If you must snack, look for fresh, raw vegetables
Every once in a while try green smoothies or slushies.
Drink about 16 ounces of water before a meal, but no water during the meal.
Eat your fruits at the end of the meal.
Take a supplement if necessary, but talk to your doctor first!
