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What Are the Benefits of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine?

"NAC is the pre-aceylized form of the simple amino acid cysteine," according to the DCnutrition website. N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or NAC, is reported to be one of the best forms of cysteine, according to Smart-Publications.com. NAC is found in all protein, but only in small amounts. There are many health benefits to be gleaned from taking extra supplements of N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

  1. The Beginnings

    • The first discovery about N-acetyl-L-cysteine was that it was capable of breaking up mucus in lung conditions such as bronchitis. According to Smart-Publications.com, NAC has the ability to increase glutathione levels in the body and to prevent damage caused by high doses of acetaminophen.

    Colitis

    • According to a study in The World Journal of Gastroenterology, N-acetyl-L-cysteine has proved to reduce many of the symptoms of people who have ulcerated colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease with many uncomfortable symptoms. Before this discovery, patients with ulcerative colitis were treated with the prescribed drug Mesalamine.

    Anti-aging

    • There are many vitamins, minerals and facial creams that are reported to make us live healthier, longer and look great along the way. People are living longer, and if we live longer, we want to feel and look our very best. N-acetyl-L-cysteine can improve many immune functions as well as cognition in the elderly and is undergoing studies in its role to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, according to Smart-Publications.com.

    Mercury Removal

    • We know that eating fish is healthy for us for many reasons, including its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. However, most of us are concerned about dangers of mercury content in large fish. According to Smart-Publications.com, N-acetyl-L-cysteine has the ability to remove excess mercury from the body.

    Heart Issues

    • N-acetyl-L-cysteine has been shown to have heart-related health benefits. It can lower homocysteine levels in your blood. It also offers protection when LDL cholesterol oxidizes in the blood, according to the Smart-Publications website. Although it certainly is not healthy to smoke, NAC can improve blood flow in smokers.

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