Research tells us that human beings are the only few animal species that cannot produce their own supply of antioxidants. That is why we have to depend on the foods we eat in order to get that desired amount of antioxidants in our body to fight disease-causing free radicals. But what if research is wrong? What if there is such a substance that our body naturally produces and that acts as a natural antioxidant?

Research tells us that human beings are the only few animal species that cannot produce their own supply of antioxidants. That is why we have to depend on the foods we eat in order to get that desired amount of antioxidants in our body to fight disease-causing free radicals. But what if research is wrong? What if there is such a substance that our body naturally produces and that acts as a natural antioxidant?

A recent study has come up with enough findings to make this more than just a possibility. Glutathione or GSH is a tripeptide molecule composed of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. It is one of the main non-protein antioxidants in the cell. Because of this it has been referred to as the body’s master antioxidant with enzymes.

The Benefits of Glutathione

As a master antioxidant with enzymes, glutathione is present in nearly all living cells. Without glutathione, cells can’t survive. This master antioxidant with enzymes is essential in several major functions in the body, including protecting cells against the destructive effects of free radicals, detoxifying external substances such as drugs, and environmental pollutants and carcinogens, maintaining cell membrane stability. In addition to that, the master antioxidant with enzymes is also responsible for regulating protein and DNA biosynthesis and cell growth, enhancing immunologic function through its influence on lymphocytes, prostaglandin synthesis, and amino acid transport.

Thus, with such widespread function, it is obvious that the master antioxidant with enzymes, glutathione plays a major role with major effects on health at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels.

The Glutathione System

The master antioxidant with enzymes glutathione is actually comprised of several minute components. Two enzymes constitute the glutathione system – glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR).

Perhaps the most critical master antioxidant with enzymes to the healthy cell is mitochondrial glutathione. It plays a major role in antioxidant defense system of the cell’s mitochondria, which is known as the “powerhouse of the cell.” Age-related alterations in these enzymes can have a profound adverse effect on health.

Glutathione and Aging

Two biochemists from the University of Louisville, Drs. J.P. Richie and Calvin Lang, were the first scientists to propose that a deficiency in the master antioxidant with enzymes glutathione might be a biochemical cause of the aging process. As a person ages, his glutathione level also declines. The same thing has been shown with other animal species as mice and mosquitoes. Richie and Lang proposed that restoring master antioxidant with enzymes tissue concentrations to those of younger organisms might result in an extension of the lifespan.