Cysteine is an amino acid that is important for several metabolic functions. Since your body can create cysteine naturally from methionine and serine, cysteine is considered semi-essential. However, the need for it arises when the diet contains low amounts of methionine and serine.
The most common high-protein foods with cysteine are turkey, sunflower seeds, yogurt, chicken, cheese, eggs, and pulses. In addition, people can consume a NAC supplement Australia. It is one of the most widespread dietary supplements recommended by doctors. Almost 20% of Australians suffer from fatty liver, and 31% suffer from respiratory disorders. And NAC helps to curb these diseases.
Cysteine and NAC are essential for your health because it replenishes glutathione, the body’s most potent antioxidant. In addition, amino acids promote good health for fertility, heart health, and the brain.
Here are some more of its benefits discussed.
1. Helps in detoxification
NAC is most helpful for the body in eliminating harmful toxins. It protects the cells against toxicity caused by environmental pollutants, including heavy metals like lead, pesticides, and diesel and gasoline fumes. For instance, soldiers exposed to mustard gas demonstrated improved lung function when treated with NAC in a randomized controlled trial. Moreover, it is used to treat at hospitals for acetaminophen overdose and poisoning that causes extreme oxidative stress.
2.It supports the immune system
A high amount of glutathione is necessary for the body’s immune cells to function perfectly. A study examined the effects of glutathione supplementation on the immune system. The findings suggested that the supplemented subjects had higher glutathione levels and higher natural killer cell activity than those not supplemented. This is a significant consequence because natural killer cells are crucial in eliminating infections.
3. Reduces oxidative stress
Studies have shown that oxidative stress can lead to heart conditions and hypertension. In Australia, 1.2 million people have cardiovascular diseases, and 2.6 million people suffer from hypertension. Research suggests that NAC reduces hypertension (high blood pressure) when used daily. Hypertension is a common cause of atherosclerosis (plaque accumulation in the arteries). It is caused when your body is overrun with free radicals, which damage your cells and tissues.
4.Boosts brain health
People suffer from various brain illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse problems. The stress may cause mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Nearly half of Australians have suffered a brain disorder at some point. By regulating glutamate levels, NAC helps maintain a healthy brain function. Excess glutamate coupled with glutathione depletion can cause brain damage.
Taking NAC may improve the body’s overall function and reduce bipolar disorder and depression symptoms. Further, research indicates that it might help treat moderate to severe OCD.
5.Anti-inflammatory
NAC is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that prevent many health conditions. For example, preterm birth is associated with bacterial infections and the immune system’s inflammatory response. Due to its ability to combat inflammation, NAC may help override this risk factor. However, if you plan to take an NAC supplement in Australia during pregnancy, it is essential to consult your doctor about the supplement’s safety.
Another benefit of NAC as an anti-inflammatory supplement is that it acts as an expectorant, loosening mucus in the air passageways and reducing respiratory symptoms. NAC reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes and lung tissue by replenishing glutathione levels in the lungs.
Conclusion
So, these were some of the most popular health benefits of NAC. Though cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid, it is essential for various body functions. Now that you know how it affects your body, you should give it a try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
