Health
5 Top Health Benefits of L-Glutathione
May
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, popularly known for treating skin conditions like psoriasis, autism (neurological damage in children), and more. It’s also essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, tissue building, and protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
Our body naturally produces l-glutathione; however, its reduced levels can make your body cells more vulnerable to oxidative stress. That’s when you’ll have to consume it through diet or supplements.
We have come up with the 5 top health benefits of l-glutathione and listed some foods rich in l-glutathione so that you never get short of it. Let’s get started.
5 Amazing Benefits of L-Glutathione for Your Health
May Improve Psoriasis Symptoms
Research on whey protein indicates that oral intake of it can improve psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, either with or without additional treatment. Consumption of whey protein is proven to increase l-glutathione levels. However, further research is still needed to back this claim.
Can Help Fight Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases causing chronic inflammation may lead to higher oxidative stress, such as celiac disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. A study suggests that glutathione can help reduce oxidative stress by either stimulating or reducing the immunological response. What happens is autoimmune diseases attack the cell mitochondria, whereas glutathione guards the mitochondria by destroying free radicals.
May Reduce Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the central nervous system and is currently incurable. Research reveals that maintaining a good level of glutathione has positive effects on symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but only when taken intravenously.
The effectiveness of oral glutathione supplements in Parkinson’s patients still needs further research to support its use. However, injected glutathione can reduce rigidity and tremors.
May Reduce Liver Cell Damage
Sometimes liver cell damage occurs due to alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. A study conducted in 2017 shows that antioxidant properties and detoxifying quality of glutathione can aid both non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, more research is required to confirm glutathione’s effectiveness in liver diseases.
Can Treat Autism Spectrum Disorders
Children having autism are reported to have low glutathione levels compared to those without autism. Results of a study conducted in 2011 suggest that intravenous or oral intake of glutathione can reduce some symptoms of autism. However, the study does not specifically involve children to see whether the symptoms improved or not, so larger research is required to determine the glutathione effect.
L-Glutathione Food Sources
You can maintain healthy levels of l-glutathione in your body by consuming foods high in sulfur. These foods are as follows:
- Eggs
- Legumes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Allium veggies like onion and garlic
- Chicken and fish
- Flaxseed
If you have insomnia or sleep apnea, that may also negatively affect l-glutathione levels in your body. Therefore, make sure to get enough sleep to boost its levels.
Take Away
L-glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced in the body’s cells. However, its levels often decrease due to excessive exposure to the sun, toxins, stress, and other reasons. Boosting l-glutathione levels through dietary or supplementary means can give many health benefits, such as reducing psoriasis, Parkinson’s disease symptoms, and liver cell damage.
