Glutathione in Your Diet: Powerful Foods for Detox and Anti-Aging

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant crucial for neutralizing harmful free radicals, fighting illnesses, alleviating inflammation, preventing cell damage, making our skin healthier, detoxifying our liver, aiding DNA synthesis, supporting bodily functions and metabolism. Glutathione is very commonly used in anti-ageing and skin brightening treatments.

Our body produces Glutathione naturally, but there are some foods that can enhance this process. These foods are safer and can easily be incorporated in our meals. There are supplements available, no doubt, but they have side effects which may prove detrimental in the long run.

Foods that support glutathione levels in our body

1. Nuts and seeds

Pistachios: A source of healthy fats having antioxidant properties which support the glutathione levels in our body.
Walnuts: Rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids that support glutathione levels in our body.
Flax seeds: A source of Omega-3 and lignans that are essential for overall health.
Sunflower seeds: Rich in Vitamin E and selenium which boost our glutathione levels.

2. Fruits

Papaya: Rich in anti-oxidants and raw papaya is a good source of glutathione.
Pineapple: A source of an enzyme called bromelain which supports glutathione levels in our body.
Watermelon: This contains lycopene, that may enhance glutathione levels in our body.
Strawberries: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that maintain the efficiency of glutathione in our body.
Avocado: A natural source of glutathione, which contains healthy fats and being rich in nutrients, quickens the detoxification of the body.
Oranges, lemons, sweet limes, and citrus fruits: Rich in Vitamin C which boost the immune system and stabilize the glutathione levels of our body.

3. Legumes and pulses

Lentils: Rich in fiber, nutrients and sulphur, required for a healthy body.
Chickpeas: These are very nutritious and beneficial for our health.
Kidney beans: Rich in proteins and essential nutrients for overall health.
Mung beans: Rich in sulphur compounds that aid in the synthesis of glutathione.

4. Whole grains

Brown rice: This contains more fiber and nutrients and is a healthy substitute for white rice.
Oats: Rich in antioxidants and make an ideal nutritious breakfast.
Quinoa: Rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins and can be substituted for unhealthy carbohydrates.

5. Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli: This enhances glutathione production in our body and effectively detoxifies the liver. It keeps our skin healthy and glowing and protects us from oxidative stress.
Cabbage: This contains essential vitamins that enhance glutathione production in our body and effectively detoxifies the liver.
Brussels sprouts: Rich in antioxidants which enhances glutathione production in our body and effectively detoxifies the liver.
Cauliflower: This enhances glutathione production in our body and effectively detoxifies the liver.

6. Allium vegetables

Onions: Rich in quercetin, an antioxidant, that boosts the synthesis of glutathione in our body.
Garlic: This contains sulphur compounds which help to boost the synthesis of glutathione in our body that cleanse and detoxify our body in and out.
Leeks: These contain quercetin, an antioxidant, that boosts the synthesis of glutathione in our body.

7. Green leafy vegetables

Spinach, Kale: Rich in glutathione and other antioxidants that aid in the detoxification of our body.
Asparagus: Rich in glutathione that aids in the liver detoxification process of our body.
Tomato: Rich in lycopene and other antioxidants that elevate glutathione levels in the body and protect the skin from radiation caused due to UV rays

8. Herbs and spices

Holy basil (Tulsi): Rich in antioxidants and can effectively reduce oxidative stress, and support the glutathione levels in our body. It is known for its ancient medicinal properties.
Ginger: This has anti-oxidative properties that promote glutathione levels for overall health.
Amla (Indian gooseberry): The richest source of Vitamin C that regenerates glutathione levels in our body and enhances their efficacy.
Turmeric: A good source of curcumin that lightens the skin tone, improves skin imperfections, supports liver functions and aids in detoxification of our body.

9. Animal sources

Curd: A source of an amino acid named cysteine that produces glutathione.
Buttermilk: A source of an amino acid named cysteine that produces glutathione.
Eggs: Egg yolks are rich in sulphur-containing amino acids that helps in glutathione synthesis
Fish: These contain amino acids that help to naturally raise glutathione levels in our body.

10. Tea

Green tea: A good source of catechins that boosts the production of glutathione in the body for maintaining good skin tone and texture.
Black tea: A source of catechins/polyphenols that aid the production of glutathione in our body.

11. Ayurvedic herbs

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This has adaptogenic properties that maintains the oxidative balance and glutathione in the body
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): This is known for its detoxification and immunity enhancing properties
Shilajit: A mineral resin used in Ayurvedic medicine, which boosts energy and aids detoxification of the body