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INGREDIENTS
The Master Antioxidant
by Ella Cressman
THOUGH IT MIGHT SOUND LIKE something from a galaxy far, far away,
glutathione is an extremely important endogenous compound that is
imperative in our own, personal physiological universe. But glutathione is
not a new power compound. In fact, we are born with a healthy supply in
nearly every cell of our bodies. Glutathione is involved in many biological
processes, including building and repairing tissue, making chemicals and
proteins that are essential for the body, fortifying the immune system, and
acting as an antioxidant.
Generally, antioxidants have a short life-span and are exhausted after
combating free radicals. Glutathione (GSH) is different. GSH is converted to
glutathione disulfide (GSSG) when it encounters, absorbs, and destroys free
radicals. GSSG, the oxidized version, is then converted back to GSH and is
restored to full, free-radical fighting capacity.
Glutathione is able to not only recharge itself but also resuscitate other
spent antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and it is often referred to
as the "master" or "mother" antioxidant for this ability. It is also known
for its effect in stopping and reversing the damage caused by free radicals.
Glutathione is a superhero (or superheroine) ingredient, although it is not
infinitely available.
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