Dubbed as the “master antioxidant”, a lot of people are going gaga over glutathione due to its numerous scientifically-proven benefits. Increased energy levels, a stronger immune system and detoxification of the body are just a few of them. In the Asian market, glutathione supplements are sold as skin whitening products.
What makes glutathione so important is the fact that it is found in every cell in the body and experts say it is needed to have all the other antioxidants activated. Actually made up of 3 amino acids (glutamine, glycine and cysteine), glutathione is not regarded as an essential nutrient because the body can produce its own supply of it. Yes, you read that right — your body manufactures its own stash of glutathione.
So what’s the reason behind the current popularity of glutathione supplements? You see, glutathione levels in the cells can be easily depleted by a lot of things. Exposure to environmental pollutants is one of them. Stress and poor eating habits are factors, too. Then the intake of alcohol and certain drugs can also exhaust the amount of glutathione within you.
Does this mean that taking glutathione supplements is crucial in this day and age? Not really. Glutathione that comes in pill form is synthetic. Popping glutathione pills in the mouth on a regular basis may trick the body into thinking that it no longer needs to manufacture its own glutathione.
Eventually, your body will have to rely on glutathione pills which are not as good as the real deal (although studies say that glutathione administered intravenously can be utilized much better by the body, but it’s really pricey and not accessible to all). Quitting the consumption of glutathione supplement leaves the body completely out of the master antioxidant. This is the reason why the intake glutathione supplements is not really recommendable.
So how can you increase the levels of glutathione in the body in a more favorable way? Here are some tips and tricks on naturally boosting the amounts of the master antioxidant within you:
Include Cruciferous Vegetables in the Diet
Numerous studies have shown that people whose diet did not include enough cruciferous vegetables had lower levels of glutathione. To increase your body’s glutathione levels, ensure that your regularly consume the likes of cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, cabbage radish and watercress.
Eat Foods Rich in Selenium
Selenium, a mineral which also acts as an antioxidant, is something that can promote the production of more glutathione. The addition of selenium rich-foods in your everyday diet can help increase your body’s glutathione levels. Some excellent sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, beef liver, chicken, turkey, spinach and fish.
Consume Fruits and Veggies Packed with Vitamin C
According to experts, vitamin C is a nutrient that specifically helps boost the levels of glutathione in the lymphocytes and red blood cells. This is the reason why consuming citrus fruits can help maintain proper levels of glutathione. Bell peppers, broccoli, guava and kiwi are other top-notch vitamin C sources.
Have Vitamin E-Rich Foods
Other than vitamin C, studies have shown that vitamin E is also vital for enjoying optimal levels of glutathione. Luckily, there are numerous sources of vitamin E that you may regularly include in your diet. Some of them include almonds, butternut squash, avocados, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, spinach, wheat germ and olive oil.
Spice Up Your Food with Turmeric
Based on scientific investigations, curcumin found in turmeric is a compound that can help enhance the synthesis of glutathione in the body. It’s for this reason why it is a good idea to sprinkle some turmeric powder on your soups, stews and salad dressings. Also, you may consider taking turmeric in capsule form.
Drink High Quality Whey Protein
The consumption of whey protein supplies your body with cysteine, an amino acid necessary for the manufacture of glutathione. Just make sure that you opt for high quality whey protein when shopping. See to it that it’s the organic kind as pesticides and other harmful chemicals can deplete glutathione levels further.
