Glutathione is a free radical harvester.
Glutathione repair mechanism
glutathione (r-glutamyl cysteingl +glycine, GSH) is a tripeptide containing gamma-amide bond and sulfhydryl group, composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, which is widely found in animals, plants and microorganisms, and is one of the most important non-protein sulfhydryl compounds in living organisms.
Basic properties of glutathione
Glutathione helps maintain normal immune system function and is found in the human body in two forms: reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG), of which reduced glutathione is the main form of biological activity.
The sulfhydryl group on cysteine is its active group (often abbreviated as G-SH), which is easy to combine with some drugs, toxins, etc., so that it has an integrated detoxification effect.
As the most abundant non-protein sulfhydryl compound in cells, glutathione plays a key role in maintaining normal physiological functions of the body and preventing diseases.
Glutathione can not only be used as medicine, but also as the base material of functional food, which is widely used in functional food such as delaying aging, enhancing immunity and anti-tumor.
Cellular repair mechanism of glutathione
1. Powerful antioxidant effect
The liver is the body's main detoxification organ and is constantly exposed to various toxins and free radicals.
As a powerful antioxidant, glutathione is able to react directly with free radicals, reducing them to harmless substances, thereby removing excess free radicals from the body and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
At the same time, it can also maintain the activity of other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which together enhance the antioxidant defense system of cells.
2. Participate in the detoxification process
The liver is responsible for processing toxic substances in the body, including drugs, alcohol and environmental pollutants.
Glutathione is involved in the detoxification mechanism of the liver, and can combine with harmful substances to form water-soluble complexes to be discharged from the body, reducing the toxicity of cells.
Especially in the second stage of detoxification, it is able to bind harmful substances, making it easier to excrete them through urine or bile.
3. Regulate cell signaling pathways
Glutathione is involved in the physiological regulation of cells by regulating the REDOX state in cells, affecting key molecules in cell signaling pathways.
Such as regulating nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, enhance the antioxidant and detoxification ability of cells.
Beneficial effects of glutathione
1. Protect liver health
Glutathione plays a central role in the detoxification, antioxidant and cellular repair processes of the liver.
Glutathione supplementation can enhance the detoxification function of the liver, reduce liver damage, and promote the repair and regeneration of liver cells.
2. Boost immunity
Glutathione can regulate the proliferation, differentiation and function of immune cells and improve the immunity of the body.
It can also regulate the inflammatory response and reduce the damage of inflammation to the body.
3. Slow down aging
Glutathione supplementation can enhance the antioxidant and repair ability of cells, remove excessive free radicals in the body, and delay the aging process of cells.
At the same time, it can also protect skin cells from damage, reduce the production of wrinkles, and maintain the elasticity and shine of the skin.
How to supplement glutathione
1. Food sources
Some protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, dairy, legumes, etc., as well as fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, oranges, etc., contain a certain amount of glutathione, or its precursor amino acids.
A proper diet helps maintain glutathione levels in the body.
2. Nutritional supplements
For the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, people with low immunity and other special groups, glutathione nutritional supplements can be considered.
When choosing, products produced by regular manufacturers should be selected and taken in accordance with the recommended dosage of the instructions.
Glutathione, as an important nutrient, plays an irreplaceable role in cell repair and health maintenance.
Through reasonable diet and necessary nutritional supplements, we can make better use of this "small cell repair expert" to escort health.
