What is Glutathione?

"We literally cannot survive without this miraculous6. Protection from Radiation: Glutathione plays a key
antioxidant,"-Glutathionerole in the body's defense against pollutants and
Glutathione is a ubiquitous tripeptide molecule, consistingultraviolet radiations. Removal of heavy metals (lead,
of three amino acids joined together. These aremercury, cadmium) from the body requires glutathione.
cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine - three of the7. Help prevent diseases: Oxidative related diseases:
twenty-two amino acids, which comprise the buildingaccelerated aging, cell destruction, causes damage to
blocks of all known proteins. However, GlutathioneDNA cellular patterns which leads to cancer,
must be generated within the cell from its precursorsarteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, Parkinson's
before it can work effectively in the body.disease, diseases of the immune system, diabetes,
Other names for Glutathione include:cataract formation, Alzheimer's, macular degeneration,
Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH.COPD, allergy/asthma, stroke.
The presence of glutathione is required to maintain theSource of glutathione
normal function of the immune system. It is known toUnless people eat a lot of live fruits and vegetables,
play a critical role in the multiplication of lymphocytestheir diets are not going to be high in GSH or its
(the cells that mediate specific immunity), which occursprecursors. Some of the best choices are: avocado,
in the development of an effective immune response.watermelon, asparagus, grapefruit, potato, acorn
Role of Glutathione:squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe,
broccoli, okra, peach, zucchini, and spinach. Asparagus,
1. Anticancer agent: Glutathione is the strongestavocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary
anticancer agent produced by the body.sources of glutathione. Cysteine is found in most
2. As a Detoxifier: It is involved in the detoxification ofhigh-protein foods including ricotta, cottage cheese,
foreign compounds such as carcinogens, etc., andyogurt, pork, sausage meat, chicken,turkey, duck,
supports the normal active functioning of the immuneluncheon meat, wheat germ, granola, and oat flakes.
system.Where is glutathione found?
3. As an antioxidant: Glutathione (GSH) is the body'sThe liver excretes glutathione directly into the
master antioxidant. Glutathione is only synthesizedbloodstream where it is used to help maintain the
inside cells, in a series of steps catalyzed by specificintegrity of red blood cells, as well as protecting white
enzymes. It functions both as an antioxidant and anblood cells.
antitoxin and is a major defenceGlutathione is also found in the lungs and intestinal tract
4. Anticancer agent: Glutathione is the strongestwhere it assists in carbohydrate metabolism as well as
anticancer agent produced by the body.systembreaking down oxidized fats.
against illness and aging. Our glutathione level actuallyGlutathione, the life extension molecule
indicates our state of health and can predict longevity.Low glutathione levels are found in immune
Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as ancompromised individuals, neurodegenerative disease
antioxidant to help protect the body from manysuch as multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer's and
diseases and conditions. It is also used to treat infertilityParkinson's disease, male fertility, heart disease,
(difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, andarthrosclerosis cataract, pregnancy complications,
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Glutathione isdamage from many pharmaceutical drugs, cancer and
used to detoxify various chemicals from the body.poor survival rates for patients with AIDS.
5. Regulator of Other Antioxidants: Without glutathione,High level of glutathione level will appear to protect
other important antioxidants such as vitamins C and Eagainst the danger of cancer, premature aging, heart
cannot do their job adequately to protect your bodydisease, autoimmune disease and chronic illness.
against disease. The effectiveness depends on the"The brain's main antioxidant is glutathione- its
availability of GSH.importance cannot be overstated.