Glutathione
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant found in both plants and animals. Glutathione is a tiny protein composed of three amino acids. It affects multiple cellular functions such as stress defense, detoxification, and cell signaling. Additionally, glutathione also impacts the regulation of DNA and protein synthesis, amino acid transport, gene expression, and cell proliferation and cell death.
What are the three amino acids in Glutathione?
- Glutamic Acid – considered one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, and is mostly concentrated in the brain and muscles. Plays a key role in energy production and protein synthesis.
- Cysteine – an amino acid that contains sulfur and plays an important role in proteins and enzymes. This is because of how it affects the structural and functional components of proteins and enzymes.
- Glycine – an amino acid that is used to produce proteins and aid with the absorption of calcium in the body. It is also involved in the transmission of chemical signals in the brain, making it impactful to neurological health.
Anti-Aging
Glutathione aids in anti-aging by scavenging each cell for toxins and free radicals and flushes them out of the system. It also protects skin cells from UVA and UVB radiations. Research suggests that Glutathione could help accelerate wound tissue to heal. Lastly, it aids in reducing wrinkles and dry spots which increases as we age.
Neurological Health
Glutathione could ease and decrease damages to the neural tissue. Glutathione can restrict free radicals that can cause oxidative damage, which causes cognitive decline.
Cardiovascular Health
Glutathione is important to cardiovascular health because it prevents high oxidative stress and heart complications if present. Glutathione’s reduction of free radicals could also reduce heart complications.
Skin Lightening
Glutathione has been found to inhibiting tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that aids in making melanin, which determines pigmentation of the skin. This causes the skin to appear lighter and younger.