The coolest part about Glutathione (pronounced gloota-thigh-own) is that it is produced naturally in our body all the time! It is the combination of 3 amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine with a SH (sulfur) group that enables this molecule to be able to bind to free radicals and toxins.
Why we love glutathione:
- It recycles antioxidants
- Fights infections
- Critical component of the detoxification system
- Decreases recovery time
- Increase immunity
- Brain health
- Antiaging benefits
In a "normal" body glutathione is recycled, but when the toxic load becomes too much to handle that is when the body can get into some trouble. When the body becomes overwhelmed with oxidative stress from too many toxins and free radicals it becomes vulnerable to infections, chronic illness, and cancer. There are so many great foods to eat that boost our own personal reserves of this antioxidant.
Some foods that are rich in Glutathione:
- Asparagus
- Watermelon
- Avocado
- Grapefruit
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Strawberries
- Fish oil
In supplement form N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a amino acid is the precursor to glutathione and consequently stimulates synthesis in the body.