NUTRITION
GLUTATHIONE Its role in skin health and immunity Tina Viney
IN THIS DAY AND AGE WITH THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19, the issue of strengthening our immunity has become a hot topic. While there are numerous ways to achieve this, we are committed to providing you with the most researched and evidence-based data as it comes to hand, enabling you to stay informed with credible information. While we are aware of the benefits of vitamin D for immunity another master antioxidant that is worth investigating is glutathione. The research on glutathione is not only extensive, but on-going. We are thrilled to say that at our upcoming ONLINE AESTHETIC CONFERENCE we will have the privilege to present to you a leading expert who will bring you up-to-date with some exciting information and the latest research on glutathione and how to optimise your levels. Dr Stephanie Tan is the associate medical director of iXBiopharma and a dedicated academic in clinical trials. However, in this article, I would like to share some highlights of what we know about this amazing antioxidant.
Structurally, glutathione is a tripeptide consisting of three specific amino acids: Glycine, Glutamic acid, and Cysteine. It is found and synthesised naturally in both plants, and animals. Glutathione is an excellent antioxidising agent and acts as a very effective skin whitening agent, if available in sufficient dosages. It is the most abundant antioxidant in our bodies. In fact, virtually every organism on earth has some glutathione in its cells. Without adequate levels of glutathione, you are at risk of dangerous medical conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, susceptibility to viruses and even cancer. But when glutathione levels are healthy, that is when the magic happens. You can not only prevent health problems, but possibly experience amazing energy, glowing skin, a strong heart, and a sharp brain. WHY IS GLUTATHIONE IMPORTANT TO HEALTH? The role of glutathione in your bodily function cannot be underestimated. Healthy levels of glutathione possess some potent and important health benefits, these health benefits largely relate to glutathione’s role in these vital bodily processes:
WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE? Who would not like to get their hands on a naturally occurring substance that acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier? Something that can help your body repair damage caused by stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, ageing, injury, trauma, burns as well as improve the skin?
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Enzyme/protein function
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Cysteine carrier/storage
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Gene expression
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Cell differentiation, signalling and proliferation
Glutathione, also known as GSH, is an antioxidant naturally found in human cells that neutralise free radicals, boost the immune system and detoxifies the body. It can also contribute to skin lightening by converting melanin to a lighter colour and deactivating the enzyme tyrosinase, when taken in sufficient quantities.
But the most powerful functions glutathione offers your system are its antioxidant properties. Glutathione fights free radicals and the oxidative damage that cause disease. So how does this work?
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Many of us know the chef’s trick of sprinkling a little lemon juice over fruit to keep it from turning brown. Antioxidants are like that lemon juice. By consistently “sprinkling” your body with