Checkout Enzyme Nutrition by Dr. Edward Howell for the full, scientific picture of the absolutely critical importance of enzymes. If we don't have enough enzymes, what we have will be used first for digestion, and the body may not be able to accomplish maintenance and healing. As we age we have less enzymes, so build up your enzyme bank account by eating foods such as raw milk and butter, bananas, avocadoes, figs, dates, mangoes, grapes and honey, or by taking an enzyme supplement. (: