Glutathione is an antioxidant that is produced naturally by the body. There are many benefits of glutathione that are important for health, including preventing damage to body cells, repairing damaged cells and body tissues, and supporting the immune system.
Glutathione (GSH) is produced by the liver and nerve cells in the brain. This antioxidant substance is formed from 3 types of amino acids, namely: L-cysteine, glycine, and L-glutamate. Besides being produced naturally by the body, glutathione can also be obtained from certain foods or supplements.
Here are 11 Benefits of Glutathione for Health
Glutathione has many important roles in maintaining a healthy body condition. The following are some of the benefits of glutathione:
1. Relieve psoriasis
In psoriasis sufferers, adequate intake of glutathione, both from food and supplements, can relieve psoriasis symptoms and prevent recurrence. This makes glutathione useful for relieving psoriasis symptoms.
2. Fight free radicals
The high number of free radicals in the body can make body cells damaged faster. This can increase the risk of various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and diabetes rheumatoid arthritis.
now, glutathione can help ward off and reduce the number of free radicals in the body, so the risk of developing these diseases is reduced.
3. Maintain heart health
Several studies have shown that taking glutathione supplements on a regular basis accompanied by a healthy diet, in the long term can reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels and prevent blockage of blood vessels due to high cholesterol (atherosclerosis).
This effect makes glutathione good for maintaining heart function and health, as well as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke.
4. Maintain skin health
To make skin look whiter and brighter, not a few people take glutathione supplements or use skin care products that contain glutathione. This substance is even often used in white injections. Besides being able to whiten the skin, glutathione is also believed to be useful for reducing wrinkles.
Unfortunately, the claims for the benefits of glutathione are still uncertain about its effectiveness. Therefore, the benefits of glutathione for skin health still need to be studied further.
5. Prevents liver cell damage
Lack of antioxidants, including glutathione, can cause liver cells to become damaged more quickly. This can increase the risk of fatty liver, both in people who consume alcohol or not. Damage to liver cells can also cause the function of these organs to be disrupted.
So far, several studies have shown that giving glutathione supplements is useful for protecting liver function and keeping liver cells from being damaged quickly.
However, not only with sufficient glutathione intake, you also need to maintain liver health and function by living a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat nutritious foods every day, such as vegetables and fruit
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Get hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations
- Practicing safe sex, namely by using condoms and not changing partners
6. Increase the effectiveness of insulin
With age, the production of glutathione in the body will decrease. This can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that glutathione is useful for preventing insulin resistance and improving insulin performance in controlling blood sugar.
7. Improve the mobility of patients with peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral artery disease occurs when the arteries in the feet or hands become blocked, resulting in poor blood flow in those areas. This disease can make it difficult to move, numb, or feel pain when moving.
Some research shows that taking glutathione supplements appears to improve blood circulation, thereby helping to relieve symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
8. Relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease that attacks the brain and causes sufferers to experience symptoms of tremors or body shaking, stiff muscles, difficulty speaking, and difficulty moving.
Some research shows that glutathione levels in the body of people with Parkinson's disease are usually low. Therefore, giving glutathione supplements is believed to be useful for alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Unfortunately, until now, clinical evidence showing the effectiveness of glutathione as a therapy for Parkinson's disease is still very limited. Therefore, further research is still needed to ensure the benefits of this one glutathione.
9. Reduces the symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a disease caused by a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. Patients with this disease are prone to lung infections and digestive problems. Cystic fibrosis is not treatable, but medication can be given to relieve symptoms.
Research so far has shown that administering glutathione via oral tablets or inhaled gas can help loosen phlegm and mucus in cystic fibrosis patients. Giving glutathione is also good for reducing inflammation experienced by these patients.
10. Relieve chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients
Giving glutathione supplements to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy seems to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as canker sores and inflammation of the esophagus. The benefits of glutathione are good for supporting the success of cancer therapy.
11. Increase endurance
Glutathione is also useful for increasing endurance so that you don't get sick easily. Not only in healthy people, the benefits of glutathione are also good for supporting the immune system in people with certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and malnutrition.
Glutathione can indeed be produced naturally by the body, but this substance is also contained in various types of food, such as:
- Red meat, chicken and fish
- Egg
- Milk
- Fruits, such as avocados, oranges, papayas, kiwis, and strawberries
- Vegetables that contain sulfur, such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, garlic
- Turmeric
- Peanut
Glutathione is also now widely available in supplement form. As an antioxidant, the benefits of glutathione are certainly not small. Therefore, it is important for you to meet your glutathione intake by eating a variety of healthy foods above.
However, if you want to get the benefits of glutathione through the use of supplements, you should first consult with your doctor to determine the right dose of using glutathione supplements.