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Digestive enzymes are what help us digest food. Our bodies produce 22 of them with each one working specifically on one type of food. Usually, our bodies are able to connect with the enzymes that exist in the different foods we are eating, and together they work to get the digestion process going, but in cooked foods the structure of enzymes is altered and digestion becomes difficult.

The enzymes we don’t find in our bodies are catalysts found in raw foods and are needed to initiate the metabolic process in our cells. They are three-dimensional structures that, when heated above 118 degrees lose their overall structure and ability. That’s why it is often hard to digest processed foods or cooked foods.

Leafy, un-cooked greens are some of the more easily digested foods and are a great source of vitamins, enzymes and fiber. If you stew something, microwave it, or simply roast it, you are damaging the enzymes and it will take longer to digest and may prevent you from getting all the nutrients needed.

That isn’t to say, however, that all cooked food is bad for you. The enzymes that are damaged can be replaced in various ways. Taking enzyme supplements, or eating a balance of cooked against raw food will provide your body with what you need.

Stay away from processed, fast-food restaurant offerings and using the microwave. Try to eat as much raw food as you can. Learn to love salads, and you might find you feel more energetic, less heavy and are able to digest other foods with ease.