There are several classifications for the different types of enzymes that are said to improve overall health, including high blood pressure. Food enzymes fall into seven groupings: lipase, protease, cellulose, amylase, lactase, sucrose and maltase. Alternative health practitioners claim that cooking foods at high temperatures reduces the enzymes present which effect the body's ability to properly digest food. As a result, people who do not have a high intake of raw foods may suffer from enzyme deficiency. An enzyme supplement that replaces the seven food categories can improve overall health, particularly the digestive system.

On the Other: Expert Response

Dr. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch.org refutes the claims that enzyme supplements will have any substantial effect on a person's health. Rather, he suggests, that if a person already has a healthy functioning digestive system such supplements will do nothing and those that do suffer from digestive issues and supposedly related problems such as high blood pressure may have, at best, a negligible response. Along with Dr. Barrett, Robert S. Baratz, MD, DDS, PhD, and Manfred Kroger, PhD, claim that that "enzyme deficiency" is not a real ailment.

Bottom Line

With the exception of lactase, which may or may not aid those with lactose intolerance, there is no evidence that enzyme supplements improve overall health or, specifically, high blood pressure. A diet rich in nutrients and low in fats and sugars have been shown to improve high blood pressure at a much more substantial rate than enzyme supplements.

Source:

AnyVitamins.com: Enzymes Information Page

Quackwatch.org: Enzyme Deficiency

Resource:

Enzyme Deficiency