Everybody wants to believe that there are cures for everything. Or, at least that there is something that can be done about every conceivable human condition, if only you read the right literature. Every now and then everybody becomes excited when a new wonder drug or cure is discovered. That is one of the reasons why so many people have been asking themselves what is glutathione. It seems to promise unheard of benefits.

One of the main reasons why some scientists are so excited about this super antioxidant is the fact that is so small and that it is found in all types of cells. This means that it can deal with free radicals everywhere in the body. Some experts are of the opinion that this antioxidant is the most powerful and the most important of all the various types.

The importance of antioxidants simply cannot be overemphasized. Due to several factors, among which are smoking, stress and dietary shortcomings free radicals develop in the body. A free radical is a molecule that misses an electron, and that makes it unstable. These free radicals can cause many diseases and one of the best ways in which to neutralize them is to take antioxidants. The antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical, thereby rendering it harmless.

Because the antioxidant under discussion is found in every type of cell, it is ideally placed to neutralize all kinds of free radicals. Some studies have concluded that this antioxidant is also able to assist the liver in removing a variety of toxins and drugs from the body. Studies of people that are seriously ill have shown that hey inevitably have very low reserves of this powerful antioxidant.

The best way in which to increase the levels of this antioxidant is still a matter for debate. Some experts say that, other than other antioxidants, this one is not very well absorbed when taken orally. They recommend that precursors rather be taken. In this way the body will be enabled to manufacture the antioxidant naturally.

Despite opposing opinions some experts still think that the levels of the antioxidant can be raised in natural ways. One such way is to consume whey proteins that supply the body with the building blocks that are necessary for producing amino acid. Moderate aerobic exercise also encourages the body to manufacture more anti oxidants. There are even some indications that foods rich in sulphur enable the body to manufacture more antioxidants.

Most scientists agree that much research still need to be done on the benefits and potentially harmful side effects of glutathione. At present there is no evidence that it can cause any harm whatsoever. It has been used successfully in the treatment of many diseases associated with old age and it is even said to slow down the aging process.

Even some medical experts want to know what is glutathione. There are many indicators that it may turn out to be one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man, but much empirical research is necessary before a final claim can be made. Nobody will argue, however, that antioxidants play a vital role in the control of destructive free radicals.