Health starts in the head!

Glutathione (GSH) – As important as air for breathing

In daily life, people are always exposed to environmental attacks: pollutants from the air and food, UV radiation, noise and stress. They promote the formation of free radicals in the body. If more free radicals are formed than the body can neutralize, oxidative stress develops. Oxidative stress accelerates aging with all its side effects and has a decisive influence on the quality of life.

Antioxidants

Why antioxidants are so important for our body

The glutathione (GSH), naturally occurring in the body, is the most important and strongest antioxidant in the human body. Although glutathione is synthesized by the body itself, the glutathione content decreases sharply from the age of 40 onwards. Life processes in cells require a reducing environment, which must be maintained with the help of a multitude of antioxidative enzymes. The phenomenon is known from everyday life. A sliced apple or a piece of meat changes its colour quickly. The food spoils in the medium term, as atmospheric oxygen triggers chemical reactions in the tissue. The burdens of oxidative stress can be counteracted by a sufficient supply of antioxidants.

Glutathione in the plant world

The important role of glutathione in the plant world

Glutathione (GSH) is not only present in human body cells, but also in almost all plant cells in high concentrations and can be regarded as a kind of redox buffer, i. e. certain aggressive substances are bound to it. It is involved in the removal of toxic peroxides such as ozone and supports the binding of heavy metals in the plant.

Decontamination – Cleaning of polluted soil (including water or air) with the help of plants

Many plants have the ability to grow in polluted area (soil, water, air). Although they absorb pollutants with water or air, they have developed mechanisms to protect themselves from the toxic effects of pollutants. They store them in certain cell spaces of roots, stems or leaves or convert them into harmless substances. The pollutants are e. g. heavy metals, semimetals (arsenic), pesticides, explosives, solvents, salts or oils. Harvesting removes the pollutants enriched in the plants. Repeated cultivation and harvesting of the plants is often necessary in order to remove the pollutants completely from the soil.

Genetic engineering methods are also used to teach plants the ability to absorb pollutants and convert them into harmless substances. Poplars have been genetically modified in such a way that they have an increased glutathione content. Glutathione is required in the cells to bind heavy metals so that they lose their toxic effects. Poplars store the so harmlessly made heavy metals in their leaves, which can then be disposed of in an environmentally neutral way.

Source: www.pflanzenforschung.de

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The information contained in our websites has been compiled with the greatest possible care, but no liability is assumed for its correctness and completeness. The contents are for informational purposes only and do not replace medical advice in individual cases and should not be used for the purpose of self-diagnosis or treatment of a health problem.