Slow aging with a protein shake!
Researchers
are getting excited about glutathione, a compound that your cells produce to repair damaged and aging tissues, break down toxins and convert food into energy. And now, at least six new studies show that the higher your glutathione level, the slower your body will age! How can you raise your glutathione? Easily!
Recycle it with milk thistle!
Taking 150 mg. of milk thistle daily could boost your levels of glutathione as much as 30%, research in the journal Phytomedicine suggests. This natural antioxidant and antiinflammatory herb helps your body repair damaged glutathione molecules so that they can be reused over and over instead of excreted, explains study coauthor Bahram Gargari, PH.D.
● Raise production with whey powder!
A daily dose of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate raises your liver’s glutathione production 30%, research shows—and whey protein powder packs all three! In fact, consuming one heaping scoop daily could significantly increase your energy, stamina and brain function in as little as eight days. Tip: Mix whey protein (sold in health-food stores) into oatmeal or add it to smoothies to create a protein shake.
● Energize your immune system with citrus
Oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in nutrients ( bioflavonoids) that help immune cells produce the glutathione they need to vigorously attack germs. Eating one cup of your favorite citrus daily could make your immune system as young and healthy as it was 12 years ago, French researchers say.
● Slow aging eight years by strolling
Moving your muscles encourages them to produce glutathione and release it into your bloodstream, says Mark Hyman, M.D., author of Eat Fat, Get Thin. No wonder Yale researchers say fitting in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, or 20 minutes of strength training three times weekly, could slow your overall aging process by eight years or more!
● Baby your heart and lungs with broccoli!
Eat three cups of broccoli weekly, and the sulfur in that veggie will help your heart—and your lungs— produce more glutathione, slowing the aging of those organs 40%, Italian research shows.