Grapes are already renowned for their abundance of health enhancing polyphenals, vitamins & minerals. They are an antioxidant superfood, known to support the cardiovascular system and provide important nutrients for all tissues of the body. A recent study released by the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry has taken our understanding of grapes & heart failure prevention further: it’s all about the glutathione.
In patients with heart disease caused by chronic hypertension (high blood pressure), the glutathione enhancing effects of grapes help to reduce heart failure.
Glutathione is the most important antioxidant to your heart, and the most abundant. According to the study, glutathione deficiency is statistically linked to a greater occurrence of heart failure in both human & animals. The ability for grapes to reduce heart failure in patients with hypertension is now believed to be due to the increase in glutathione production. Grapes “turn on antioxidant defense pathways” that lead to higher blood levels of this vital antioxidant.
Grapes Aren’t the Only Way to Enhance Glutathione
Three amino acids are necessary for your body to produce glutathione: L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid & L-glycine. While glutamic acid and glycine are abundant in the body, cysteine is harder to find and is key in supporting glutathione production. Selenium, too, is necessary for activation of the antioxidant. Such nutrients can be supplemented or found naturally in food:
Example Sources of L-cysteine:
NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine)
Dairy products
Poultry & eggs
Onions & garlic
Example Sources of selenium:
Brazil nuts
Shellfish
Liver
Sunflower seeds
Glutathione supplementation is also available in the form of IV’s, subcutaneous injections and oral forms.
Glutathione Protects More Than Just Your Heart
Glutathione is in nearly every cell of your body. It plays an invaluable role in immune function, reduction of the oxidative effects related to everyday metabolic processes, cleansing the blood through neutralization of toxins for disposal in bile, heavy metal detoxification, DNA repair and more.
To best support your body’s glutathione protection and overall health, enjoy a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits (don’t forget your grapes!), nuts, seeds & lean meat. Speak with your healthcare provider to assess your need for further glutathione support.
Dr. Kaley Bourgeois
Sources:
University of Michigan Health System (2013, May 2). Mechanism for how grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension identified. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 2, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2013/05/130502120259.htm