Thursday, February 7, 2008

Cysteine, Glutamic Acid and Glycine- immune system

Glutathione is a tri-peptide composed of three amino acids: Cysteine, Glutamic Acid and Glycine.

Glutathione and the enzymes it forms, such as GTH peroxidase, are essential to all life and are found in tissues of virtually all plants and animals. GTH is present in all human cells, with the highest levels found in the liver, the lenses of the eyes, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

Glutathione acts as a powerful antioxidant, a key protector against all types of pollution and is effective in preventing aging. It protects DNA and RNA from free-radical damage.

Glutathione also protects against cellular peroxidation caused by exposure to pesticides, plastics, benzene and carbon tetrachloride, as well as heavy metals, cigarette smoke, smog, drugs, solvents, dyes, phenols and nitrates.

Glutathione works to inhibit the formation of free radicals, dangerous agents that suppress the immune system and promote the formation of mutagens and carcinogens.

Free radicals also speed up the aging process, and it is due to this powerful antioxidant activity that Glutathione is considered useful in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of degenerative diseases.

Studies at the Louisville School of Medicine have clearly shown that Glutathione possesses the unique ability to slow the aging process. While Glutathione aids in the protection of all cells and membranes, a study at Harvard Medical School found that Glutathione is especially able to enhance immune system cells, protecting against damage from radiation and helping to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and x-rays and alcohol. As a detoxifier of metals and drugs, Glutathione also aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders.

As individuals grow older, Glutathione levels drop, and the ability to detoxify free radicals decreases.

It can protect against cadmium, copper, and acetaminophen (the active agent in Tylenol) toxicity. Glutathione aids the liver in detoxification, slows the aging process, helps the cardiovascular and immune system, and is helpful in preventing or treating many other health conditions.

Supplementation may prevent, or be helpful with, the following conditions:
Aging
Alcoholism
Asthma
Atherosclerosis (heart disease)
Cancer
Cataracts
Dizziness
Hepatitis
Immunodepression (immune function)
Infertility (male)
Memory Loss (Alzheimer's disease, dementia)
Osteoarthritis
Parkinson's Disease
Peptic Ulcers

Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.

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