“We literally can’t survive without this miracle antioxidant”, Glutathione
Glutathione is a ubiquitous tripeptide molecule, consisting of three linked amino acids. These are cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, three of the twenty-two amino acids, which comprise the building blocks of all known proteins. However, glutathione must be generated within the cell from its precursors before it can function effectively in the body.
Other names for glutathione include: Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH.
The presence of glutathione is necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the immune system. It is known to play a key role in the multiplication of lymphocytes (the cells that mediate specific immunity), which occurs in the development of an effective immune response.
Role of glutathione:
- anticancer agent: Glutathione is the strongest anticancer agent produced by the body.
- ace to detox: Participates in the detoxification of foreign compounds such as carcinogens, etc., and supports the normal active functioning of the immune system.
- As an antioxidant: Glutathione (GSH) is the main antioxidant in the body. Glutathione is only synthesized within cells, in a series of steps catalyzed by specific enzymes. It functions as both an antioxidant and an antitoxin and is an important defense
- anticancer agent: Glutathione is the strongest anti-cancer agent produced by the body’s anti-disease and anti-aging system. Our glutathione level actually indicates our state of health and can predict longevity. Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as an antioxidant to help protect the body from many diseases and conditions. It is also used to treat infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Glutathione is used to detoxify various chemicals in the body.
- Regulator of Other Antioxidants: Without glutathione, other important antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, cannot do their job properly to protect your body against disease. Efficacy depends on the availability of GSH.
- radiation protection: Glutathione plays a key role in defending the body against pollutants and ultraviolet radiation. The removal of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) from the body requires glutathione.
- Helps prevent disease: Oxidation-related diseases: accelerated aging, cell destruction, damage to cell DNA patterns leading to cancer, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease, immune system diseases, diabetes, cataract formation, Alzheimer’s, degeneration macular, COPD, allergy/asthma, stroke.
glutathione source
Unless people eat lots of live fruits and vegetables, their diets will not be high in GSH or its precursors. Some of the best options are: avocado, watermelon, asparagus, grapefruit, potato, pumpkin, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli, okra, peach, zucchini, and spinach. Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of glutathione. Cysteine is found in most protein-rich foods, such as ricotta, cottage cheese, yogurt, pork, sausage, chicken, turkey, duck, luncheon meat, wheat germ, granola and rolled oats.
Where is glutathione found?
The liver excretes glutathione directly into the bloodstream, where it is used to help maintain the integrity of red blood cells, as well as protect white blood cells.
Glutathione is also found in the lungs and intestinal tract, where it aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and breaks down oxidized fats.
Glutathione, the molecule that prolongs life
Low glutathione levels are found in immunocompromised people, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, male fertility, heart disease, arthrosclerosis, cataracts, pregnancy complications, the damage caused by many drugs, cancer and the low survival rates of AIDS patients.
A high level of glutathione will appear to protect against the danger of cancer, premature aging, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and chronic diseases.
“The main antioxidant in the brain is glutathione, its importance cannot be underestimated.”