Nutrition

15 High Glutathione Foods To Eat

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Glutathione has been referred to as the body’s master antioxidant and helps defend the cells against damage by free radicals, toxins, and other similar substances. Our body is also capable of producing glutathione but including foods rich in glutathione in the diet is also beneficial for the body.

An assortment of foods available in nature include glutathione-rich, nutrient-dense vegetables, acidic fruits, and proteins. By incorporating these 15 glutathione foods in your diet, you can improve on your immunity system, and detoxify your body.

1. Asparagus

Having many health benefits, Asparagus is known to be rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that prevents cancer. They also contain vitamin A, C, E and the group B vitamins, potassium, zinc and rutin which is essential in the strengthening of blood vessels and has the additional advantage of offering protection against radiation.

It is rich in fiber and can help alleviate digestive issues as well as lower the likelihood of contracting heart diseases, hypertension, as well as diabetes. This vegetable is extremely simple to incorporate as a healthier option into your salads, frittatas, omelets, and stir-fry dishes.

Benefits:

  • Aids weight loss
  • Prevent UTIs
  • Promotes reproductive health
  • Rich in folic acids
  • Ideal for gut health
  • Loaded with full of Vitamin K

2. Broccoli

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A cup of broccoli contains tremendous amounts of sulfur compounds that can assist the body increase its levels of glutathione. If cruciferous vegetables rank among your least favorite foods, you might want to start incorporating this one into your meals. Fiber supports digestive system, glucosinolates might have positive effects on neurological and cardiac diseases.

Experimental intervention has shown that broccoli raised the glutathione level in the liver, and hence, the total antioxidant value. But, experimental evidences are wanted to ascertain whether broccoli can indeed increase glutathione synthesis in the human liver – like it does in the animals.

Benefits:

  • Improves bone health
  • Aiding digestion
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Reduce risk of diabetes
  • Rich in antioxidant
  • Contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and other bioactive compounds

3. Cabbage

Cabbage like all the green leafy and cruciferous vegetables contains sulphur compounds that are essential in the production of glutathione. It is another member of the cruciferous group that has approximately 1.8 mg per 100 g.

Apart from its high fiber content the food also contains vitamins C, K, B, potassium and magnesium. It also contains a number of glucosinolates, which are precursors to isothiocyanates and which may assist in the expulsion of carcinogens from the body. While often overshadowed by trendier superfoods like acai berries, cabbage's impressive nutrient profile undoubtedly qualifies it as a superfood in its own right. 

Benefits:

  • Keeps heart healthy
  • May lower blood pressure
  • Control cholesterol levels
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Improve immune system
  • May help stomach ulcers heal.

4. Avocado

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Avocado is one of the few foods that provides incredibly rich doses of both vitamin C and E antioxidants while also having the chemical antioxidant called glutathione. Interestingly the National Cancer Institute conducted a study which identified that avocados contain 19mg glutathione per half fruit which is considerably higher than most fruit. 

But, that’s not all; avocados come with other multiple health benefits contained specially in their creamy interiors. Eating this peculiar fruit may help increase the body’s glutathione activity that has been credited with fighting oxidative stress.

Benefits:

  • Helps to reduce weight
  • Great for vision
  • Powerhouse for healthy skin
  • Great for healthy pregnancy
  • May prevent osteoporosis
  • Prevents diabetes complications

5. Tomatoes

While typically red when ripe, tomatoes come in a vibrant array of colors like yellow, orange, green, and purple, with diverse shapes and flavors to match their many varieties. Their bright red hue comes from lycopene, a powerful compound that protects tomatoes from the sun's UV rays and can similarly shield your cells from damage.

More than just lycopene, tomatoes are packed with potassium, B and E vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. These juicy, sweet fruits may help combat various diseases, especially thanks to their abundant lycopene linked to benefits like improved heart health, cancer prevention, and natural sunburn protection.

Benefits:

  • Lower cancer risk
  • Good for heart health
  • Beneficial for skin health
  • May prevent constipation
  • Boost your immune system
  • Lower your cholesterol levels

6. Spinach

Spinach offers versatility in preparation – you can enjoy it canned or fresh, cooked or raw, as a standalone dish or incorporated into recipes. But what makes spinach truly remarkable is its nutrient-dense profile. Just a 100-gram serving packs an impressive 28.1 milligrams of vitamin C, meeting 34% of the recommended daily intake.

Beyond vitamin C, spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and compounds that may confer numerous health benefits. Whether you prefer it sautéed, in a salad, or blended into a smoothie, spinach provides a nutritious boost to any meal. Likewise, it's a rich source of potassium, a mineral that can help lower blood pressure when consumed through potassium-rich foods like spinach.

Benefits:

  • Reduce or manage high blood pressure
  • Lessen the risk of asthma
  • Aids in good bone health
  • May prevent cancer risks
  • Aids weight loss
  • Reduces hypertension

7. Grapefruit

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Native to Barbados, the sour yet refreshing grapefruit is a cross between the sweet fruit, the orange and the large pummelo citrus fruit. Eating grapefruit is beneficial and it is less in calories one of the fruits with the least calories.

It is a juicy fruit that offers a blend of sweetness and tartness and is packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, making it one of the best citrus fruits for consumption. In addition, studies show that compounds of grapefruit may be beneficial in improving health since it helps in weight loss as well as in preventing heart diseases.

Benefits:

  • Controls blood sugar
  • Lowers cancer risks
  • Helps to manage your weight
  • May lower blood pressure
  • Boost your immune system

8. Mushrooms

Even though they are neutrally low in calories, mushrooms are packed with nutrients. They are crucial in the human diet as these vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and also contain high amounts of antioxidants. 

Fresh mushrooms create vitamin D when they are exposed to UV light, a nutrient most important for bone and immune system health. Researcher have pointed that ergothioneine and glutathione, in large supply in mushrooms, are great antioxidants, as affirmed by Robert Beelman, a former professor of food science and the director at the Penn State Center for Plant and Mushroom Products for Health.

Benefits:

  • Lower sodium intake
  • Protect brain health
  • Promote lower cholesterol
  • Support a healthy immune system
  • Lower the risk of cancer
  • Provide a source of vitamin D

9. Peaches

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Peach is a fruit of the drupe or stone fruit family which includes plums, apricots, peaches and almonds since they are characterized by a fleshy outside with a shell like husk containing the seed. Apart from being delicious when eaten fresh, many people use peaches in other culinary uses.

Besides being delicious, peaches are healthy fruits that help in digestion, getting a clear skin and handling with one’s allergy. Notably, they are pale in calories and fats but packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibers all of which contributes to their glorious dessert like taste.

Benefits:

  • May support eye health
  • Have antioxidant properties
  • Improve digestive health
  • Prevent cancer risks
  • Has anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Good source of vitamins C and K

10. Watermelon

While watermelon is a favorite fruit to eat during the summer, it is also known to have other health benefits. The study proves that its nutrients help lower blood pressure, enhance blood circulation for its cardiovascular benefits, lessen muscle pain, assist in weight loss, ease digestion, and even nourish skin.

This fruit has a high water content and is also a source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and minerals like cysteine that plays a critical role in the synthesis of glutathione. It is best used in smoothies, juices, fruit salads, or served as a healthy snack to reenergize yourself.

Benefits:

  • Keeps you hydrated
  • Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Effective for bones and joints
  • Relieve muscle soreness
  • Improve circulation to support heart health

11. Walnuts

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Described as having liver-supporting abilities, the walnut is a valuable addition in any kitchen. It is rich in amino acids that help the liver to metabolize ammonia Its glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids work together to support liver detoxification and healthy weight loss.

Walnuts are one of the most popular nuts that can be used in different dishes, sweets, and bakery products. Notably, they prove to be effective for diseases such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes. Apart from its use in cooking, walnuts are very important in the development of bone health, preventing possible gallbladder problems and in the control of epilepsy.

Benefits:

  • Lower cholesterol
  • Help prevent atherosclerosis
  • Nutrients to fight inflammation
  • Help prevent heart disease
  • Help to reduce blood pressure

12. Whey Protein

Whey protein has a higher cysteine level than other protein sources, which makes it unique. Intake of whey protein for two weeks as a supplement has been known to increase the level of glutathione as observed in a small set of participants.

It's also assists in the replenishment of glutathione by increasing the content of cysteine which is used to restore it after it has been used during an immune response. This following research shows that whey protein is one of the most effective ways of naturally raising glutathione levels in the body and this is key in fighting cancer, enhancing the immune system, boosting metabolism and appetite.

Benefits:

  • Aids weight loss
  • Lowering cholesterol
  • Lower blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
  • Reduce weight loss in people with HIV
  • Might improve the nutrient content of the diet

13. Oranges

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Oranges are well known as storehouses of vitamin C and known to help build immunity, but that’s not all there is to the fruit. These citrus fruits are also rich in compounds that facilitate the synthesis of glutathione to boost its antioxidant effect in the body.

Also, oranges are packed with potential cancer fighting compounds and an excellent source of water. Not only are oranges delicious eaten on their own, in their own juice, or as ingredients, they are nutritionally diverse as well. They may help with hunger management, aid in the recommended intake of water daily, and provide consumers with numerous vital vitamins and minerals for physical health.

Benefits:

  • Prevents dehydration
  • Aiding with digestion
  • Helping regulate blood sugar and insulin levels
  • Support the Immune System

14. Leeks

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More to being an Allium vegetable, leeks which is rich in sulfur has a possibility of having cancer preventative effects. Intake of Allium veggies like leeks reduce overall various types of cancer such as breast, prostate, lung, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal cancer or cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes or some neurodegenerative disorders.

Leeks are low-calorie foods that contain phytochemicals: traces of antioxidants which are beneficial to human health and can help reduce the risks of diseases, regulate digestion and improve the immune system. With a subtle, a little sweet taste, it blend well with most recipes like soups and pasta recipes.

Benefits:

  • High in lots of nutrients
  • Gives immune system a boost
  • May help your digestion
  • Lower risk of gastric cancer
  • Helps to maintain healthy eyes, skin, and teeth

15. Apples

Apples are a nutrient-rich fruit that provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, offering benefits for digestive health, brain function, and weight management. They are also versatile ingredients for producing ciders, juices, jams, and wines.

Beyond their delicious taste, apples promote healthy digestion and may confer protection against ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues, making them a flavorful and nutrient-dense addition to any diet. Numerous studies suggest apples may help guard against chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Benefits:

  • Support heart health
  • Support weight management
  • Slow down the growth of cancer cells
  • Prevent Alzheimer's disease