Armour up with Antioxidants

How is it that one of the most beneficial plants for both health and beauty, and grows prolifically with ease, anywhere and everywhere is almost completely overlooked?

Purslane is that plant- often mistaken and even classified as a weed, but in truth, it is a nutritional powerhouse.

With high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, Purslane is one of the most nutritious plants on our planet.

One of these antioxidants, glutathione, is in abundance in Purslane.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in the body. It is made of three types of molecules known as amino acids.

Amino acids combine in different patterns to make all of the proteins in the body.

One unique thing about glutathione is that the body is able to make it in the liver, which is not true of most antioxidants.  There are a number of reasons why your body’s glutathione level may become depleted, including poor diet, chronic disease, infection and constant stress.

Glutathione  is often called the master antioxidant as it also boosts and recycles other antioxidants in the body.

It also protects your cell’s mitochondria, which are the power plants of your cells. Mitochondria convert amino acids, fats and glucose into energy for cell function.

Glutathione is involved in tissue building and repair enzyme and protein functions, gene expression and cell differentiation and proliferation.

One of the most powerful functions that glutathione provides is the antioxidant properties.

• Glutathione fights oxidative stress –the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.
• Free radicals may contribute to aging and some diseases.
• Concerning the skin, when free radicals accumulate, they cause cell and tissue damage leading to wrinkles, inflammation, and pigmentation disorders.
• Studies on glutathione and its benefits for skin show improved skin elasticity more even skin tones and wrinkle reduction. It has been beneficial in reducing psoriasis and decreases melatonin, which has been suggested to lighten skin.

But that's not all. Throughout the body, glutathione is critical in helping your immune system do its job of fighting infections. It is a large part of the detoxification system and helps us reach peak mental and physical function.

Research has shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.

Unfortunately, glutathione levels naturally deplete as one ages, so maintaining adequate levels is important. Purslane contains approximately 8 mg of glutathione per 100 grams, which is more than spinach, broccoli, or carrots.