The Most Powerful Antioxidant

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are formed from normal cell metabolism or from the exposure of pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, and medication. When there is an abundant amount of free radicals in the body this is called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of chronic and degenerative illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, aging, cataracts, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. One way the human body counteracts oxidative stress is through producing antioxidants within the body or eating food rich in antioxidants.

One such antioxidant produced my the body is glutathione, the master antioxidant, the most powerful antioxidant. Glutathione is produced by the body using the amino acids glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.

It is a natural detox agent as it protects against inflammation, oxidation, and toxins. It also supports your mitochondria and boosts immunity. What makes glutathione so powerful is its sulfur chemical groups it contains. Sulfur is a sticky molecule that grabs onto all the bad things floating in the body including free radicals and toxins like heavy metals. Glutathione also recycles antioxidants, however when we are succumbed to too many toxins or oxidative stress our glutathione stores become depleted. When our stores are depleted we can no longer protect ourselves against free radicals, cancer, and infections.

Ways to boost your glutathione levels:

1. Eat sulfur-rich foods. Sulfur is required for the synthesis of glutathione. Sulfur can be found in beef, poultry, fish, as well as cruciferous vegetable like broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress, mustard greens, garlic, shallots, and onions.

2. Increase your vitamin C intake. This vitamin protects the body against oxidative damage, thereby increasing glutathione levels. Strawberries, citrus fruits, papayas, kiwis, and bell peppers are all rich in Vitamin C.

3. Eat selenium rich-foods. Selenium is an essential mineral and cofactor to glutathione. Beef, chicken, organ meets, and brazil nuts are good sources of selenium.

4. Eat foods naturally rich in glutathione like spinach, avocados, and okra. Consumption of glutathione through food may not fully be absorbed by the body, but they may help decrease oxidative stress.

5. Exercise to increase glutathione stores.

6. As a last resort take these supplements to boost glutathione stores: N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, folate, and vitamin B6 and B12.