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Benefits of Glutathione

Many people are finding out more about products that contain high levels of antioxidants, in order to protect their bodies and skin from the damage free radicals can create. Glutathione, a substance found naturally within cells, can provide these protective benefits.

  1. What Is Glutathione?

    • Glutathione is a mixture of three amino acids--glutamate, cysteine and glycine. The three amino acids bond to form glutathione perioxidase, which is a powerful antioxidant.

    What Does Glutathione Do?

    • Glutathione is responsible for the repair and synthesis of DNA in humans. Glutathione can also boost the function of the immune system.

    Metabolism

    • Glutathione also has the ability to assist the body in metabolizing toxins and carcinogens. This fights off disease and keeps the body strong and free from harmful foreign substances.

    Additional Protection

    • The main substance that glutathione protects the body from is hydrogen peroxide. And, according to Dr. David Perlmutter, glutathione can be used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease.

    Oral Supplements

    • While glutathione supplements can be found at a number of health food stores, scientists are still not sure how well the body absorbs the ingredient, since the supplement may not be able to cross the cell membrane, according to Ray Sahelian, M.D. So, it may be best for individuals lacking glutathione to take acetylcysteine, an antioxidant that regenerates glutathione in cells.

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