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What is Glutathione?

Health Benefits of Asparagus

OAGMB
May 1st, 2004

Glutathione is a small protein composed of three amino acids; cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Clutathione is involved in detoxification. It binds to fat-soluble toxins, such as heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, and transforms them into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in urine.

Glutathione is also an important antioxidant. Dietary glutathione from vegetables such as asparagus has been associated with protection against some forms of cancer (Sen CK. Nutritional biochemistry of cellular glutathione. Nutr Biochem 1997; 8:660-72. Flagg EW, Coates RJ, Jones DP, et al. Dietary glutathione intake and the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer. Am J Epidemiol 1994; 139:453-65) Glutathione has also "inhibited" cancer in test tube and animal studies. In preliminary research, higher glutathion levels have also been associate with good health in older adults.

Asparagus contains more glutathione than any other common food item. A one hundred gram serving of asparagus is approximately five (5) healthy spears.

According to the Washington Asparagus Commission, glutathion from asparagus can be...
A detoxifying agent; by binding to fat-soluable toxins thereby transforming them into water to be exreted in urine.

1. An anti-cancer initiator
2. A regulator of free radicals
3. A restorative to better health in adults with gluatathion deficiency to: help prevent aging, arrest and control bad cell growth in HIV subjects, maintain levels needed to control chronic fatigue syndrome
4. A "catalyst"; to keep and assist vitamin C
5. Useful to prevent clot formation during operations
6. Can reduce side effects of chemotherapy
7. Can increase the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs (particularly cisplatin in women with ovarian cancer)
8. Can reduce blood pressure in diabetics with high blood pressure.