Antioxidants are important to support overall health, as they help prevent and fight off oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can speed up the aging process. One of the most potent antioxidants is glutathione.
Glutathione is found in every cell within the body and is made up of amino acids.
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Unlike other antioxidants, glutathione is the only one which can be created in the liver.
Functions of glutathione include making DNA, supporting immune function, forming sperm cells, breaking down some free radicals, helping certain enzymes function, regenerating vitamin C and E, transporting mercury out of the brain, helping the liver and gallbladder deal with fat, and assisting in regular cell death.
Some studies have linked low levels of glutathione with an increased risk of disease.
Benefits of Glutathione
- As an antioxidant, it helps fight off free radicals, which protect the body from free radicals damaging effects.
- Glutathione is linked with reducing cell damage in liver disease and may help the liver detox and aid in fatty liver disease treatment.
- Studies have shown people with low glutathione may have a higher risk of insulin resistance, so healthy levels of glutathione may reduce the risk of insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes and other health complications.
- Studies have shown that glutathione may help reduce damage in ulcerative colitis. Additional research is required to determine these effects in humans as the studies have been conducted on mice.
As you can see, glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and consuming a diet to help support the production of glutathione can help you achieve these benefits.
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The best foods to consume to enrich glutathione in the body include sulfur-rich foods like cruciferous vegetables, garlic, shallots, and onions; vitamin C-rich foods; selenium-rich foods like beef, chicken, organ meats, cottage cheese, and some nuts; spinach, avocados, and whey proteins.
It’s also important that you exercise regularly and sleep well to help further support your glutathione levels.
Also read: How to Get the Most Antioxidants in Your Diet
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
