Glutathione
The Master Antioxidant

Glutathione (also called GSH for short) is a tripeptide, a small protein consisting of three amino acids (glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine) bound together. GSH is found in every cell of the body and is the master cell antioxidant.(see research The substance functions as a principal antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and toxins such as lipid peroxides that would otherwise damage, even destroy cells. It accomplishes this valuable task by working with an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. Further, GSH regulates the activities of other antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E.

Each cell produces its own GSH within the cell itself. The determining factor as to how much it can make to keep levels up to the needed 70% in active form, is determined by the availability of the amino acid cysteine. The production of cysteine becomes less and less efficient as we get older, going into a steady decline at around 55. This is the time when its most needed to protect our brains and neurological system from syndromes such as Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and other disease such as heart disease, stroke and especially cancer. All of these conditions are becoming more and more common.

Let me digress. There are two types of glutathione, active as mentioned above and inactive (also called GSSG) In a healthy cell there is normally about 90% GSH. The inactive glutathione GSSG is caused when the active molecule GSH gives away an electron (oxidizes) to stabilize another cell which had become a free radical. When GSSG rises to 30% the cell starts to get sick and may die if the proper nutrients are not present to allow the GSSG to regenerate itself back into active GSH.

If however, the cell damage was caused by outside sources such as toxins, smoking, chemicals and heavy metals then the GSSG cell is a dead player and can not regenerate. GSH can only regenerate if the damage was caused by our own metabolism working in the body. Therefore in order to have the proper amounts of GSH we have two choices, radically change our diets and or take supplements.

The chemical protein sstructure of GSH do not easily survive the digestive process, so taking GSH in pills and capsules is almost worthless. GSH and it’s precursors are also available in the foods we eat like the ones listed below.

Foods rich in GSH and the chemical precursors (other chemicals which make glutathione).
• Avocado
• Watermelon
• Asparagus
• Grapefruit
• Potato
• Acorn
• Squash
• Strawberries
• Orange
• Tomato
• Cantaloupe
• Broccoli
• Okra
• Peach
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Walnuts

Cysteine is found in most high protein foods such as
• Ricotta
• Cottage cheese
• Yogurt
• Pork
• Sausage meat
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Duck
• Luncheon meat
• Wheat germ
• Granola
• Oat flakes.

The largest amount of GSH is found in the liver (key organ for detoxification) the lung lining or epithelium.(to combat toxins in air and the abundance of oxygen causes more free radical production) Kidney.(again detoxification and purification) and the heart. The heart being a continuously active organ and the heart cells are jam packed with mitochondria, which is the organelles inside the cell which are responsible for energy production. The mitochondria use a great deal of GSH. And the most important organ, the brain, is highly active and free radical producing and uses GSH like a Hummer uses gas.

So you see, glutathione is a very important nutrient for every cell in your body. Without GSH cells do not do well. With GSH your cells will live longer, stronger and healthier. GSH can be the nutrient that is the fountain of youth.

Cysteine one of the building blocks of glutathione.

Undenatured Whey Protein is the best single source for the building blocks of glutathione.

One of the best sources for Undenatured whey isolate is our product Balance Shake or Super Fuel Plus. Whey protein is backed by years of research in the fields of immune system boosting, cancer and heart disease to name a few.

Glutathione benefits the immune system and helps prevent the flu.

Read what researchers say about the on going importance of the nutrient strength of GSH.

Glutamine essential amino acid, a precursor to Glutathione

In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional

Glutamine To GSH