“Antioxidant,” is a 2019 buzzword that we know links to being good for us, but not many of us fully understand what antioxidants are and why they are beneficial to our health.

From IG-worthy acai bowls to energizing and colorful natural juices, we habitually seek our antioxidants from food sources. However, the most potent antioxidant, termed “ The Superhero of Antioxidant s” by Dr. Oz, is actually produced by our own bodies and is made from three essential amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine.

Also deemed “The Mother of Antioxidants,” glutathione (GSH) is not only critical to preventing disease but to detoxification and overall healthy immune function .

What is an Antioxidant, Free Radicals, and Oxidative Stress?

An antioxidant is a molecule that reduces oxidative stress on a cellular level by combating free radicals and preventing them from stealing electrons and causing damage to proteins, DNA and cell membranes, a process commonly known as oxidation.

In short, antioxidants keep free radicals from running wild, and glutathione levels are a determining factor in keeping free radicals in check and detoxification. Without either of these processes functioning smoothly, free radicals cause detrimental damage to cells, our bodies do not detoxify and naturally, the onset of chronic disease begins

To put it simply, oxidative stress is necessary for the development of several diseases:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Parkinson’s
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Emphysema
  • Cancer
  • Lupus

Without sufficient levels of antioxidants, most especially glutathione, free radical levels exceed out of control and cause chronic levels of oxidative stress and the onset of disease. Symptoms of low glutathione levels include but are not limited to vomiting, headaches, depression, anemia,lack of energy, aching joints, frequent colds, etc.