Boosting your intake of certain foods could ramp up the production of a powerful antioxidant that can help fend off diabetes and cancer risk.
Glutathione, an antioxidant found in a broad spectrum of plant and animal foods, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including tissue repair. However, its primary advantage as an antioxidant is its ability to mitigate oxidative stress in the body.
Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an overabundance of free radicals that can harm the body’s cells. This can lead to a host of severe health issues such as cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Nevertheless, increasing your intake of antioxidants like glutathione can help stave off these diseases. Bear in mind, though, that as you age, your body’s ability to produce glutathione diminishes, so it might be beneficial to consume more foods rich in this substance.
Luckily, glutathione is found in a wide array of foods that can easily be added to your diet.
Foods high in glutathione
Glutathione can be found in a wide variety of vegetable and animal products. Eating foods high in sulfur can also help the body produce glutathione so you should consider also incorporating more sulfur-rich foods, including:
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Brussel sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Legumes
- Avocados
It’s generally considered safe to consume a diet rich in foods that can boost glutathione production in the body. However, some individuals may experience side effects such as abdominal cramps or bloating.
Glutathione supplements
If you’re worried about not getting enough glutathione or want to increase its levels in your diet, you might think about taking supplements. However, it’s crucial to understand that there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of glutathione supplements, particularly when compared to food sources.
For instance, one study found negligible changes in oxidative stress when participants took oral glutathione supplements. Similar findings have been reported in other studies, although it has been suggested that more research may be required for a definitive answer on the benefits of glutathione supplements.
Before making any changes to your diet, it’s recommended that you consult with a doctor or health specialist to determine if this is appropriate for you.
