Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in the body and works around the clock to fend off nefarious characters. Glutathione, known as gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine or GSH is a tri-peptide or a small protein molecule formed inside the body from three amino acids, Cysteine, Glycine and (Gamma) Glutamic acid.
In addition, some foods, particularly asparagus, spinach, avocado and squash, are high in a plant version of glutathione that the body converts to replenish its supply.
Health Benefits
GSH is a triple threat to toxins as it neutralizes free radicals, enhances the immune system and detoxifies the liver , minimizing the risk of chronic disease and promoting longevity.
As an Antioxidant
Glutathione is a water-soluble antioxidant, a detoxifier. Many medical experts and biological scientists claim that glutathione is the most important and effective endogenous antioxidant. It can act as a master healing agent also.
As we age the oxidative stress and the damages due to free radical increase to level where body can’t sustain the bad effects of them. So the accumulation of oxidative damages in the cells take place and it leads to aging, and its expressions in the body. So the deterioration in physiological function associated with aging makes the body less immune and more susceptible to diseases and degeneration.
It acts to reconstitute the antioxidant vitamins C and E after they have been oxidized, and therefore plays a determinant role in their function.
On Immune System
It has an important role in supporting body’s immune system. It can be called as the body’s first line of defense against oxidative stress and a number of xenobiotics (exogenous toxins such as benzenes, heavy metals and pesticides) which are constantly attacking our cells and enzymes. It directly acts on the power house of the cell, the mitochondria and protects it from all infections and mutations.
Detoxification of Liver
Even though GSH is found throughout the body, it is more concentrated in the liver. Being the body’s primary organ for detoxification, the liver absorbs the food and liquids supplied to the body . But expelling a toxin isn’t easy. It mainly happens in two phases. In phase one, liver enzymes should convert the toxins into a compound that can be flushed. In phase two, glutathione is used to grab hold of the toxin and escort it out of the body via urine or bile. If there isn’t enough glutathione on hand, the toxins get blocked up and accumulated, leading to damages of the liver. GSH in Skin care and Whitening Glutathione helps in skin whitening by reducing the activity of Tyrosinase, which helps in melanin bio synthesis. As the reduced glutathione intervenes the bio synthetic pathway of melanin, it helps in lightening the skin colour.
Other Uses
Glutathione is able to positively influence the quality of sperm in men. This effect is achieved by the lowering of blood pressure in cases of diabetic patients, decreasing oxidative stress on the sensitive sperm cells and therefore minimizing damage to their DNA cargo. Glutathione has also been used to treat asthma and airway restriction when used as an inhalant.
The side effects of chemotherapy and the growth of cataracts have been demonstrated to be significantly reduced with the addition of L-Glutathione.
Dietary Sources
Colorful, fruits and vegetables and foods high in Cysteine- like eggs, garlic and whey protein
Therapeutic effects
- Helpful in the treatments of cancer, heart diseases, chronic and autoimmune illnesses
- Controls premature aging
- Takes care of skin health
- Used in male infertility
- Detoxifies and rejuvenates body