NAC, or N-acetylcysteine, is a powerful compound with
numerous health benefits. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an amino acid derivative of cysteine. The body produces some cysteine, but due to its many advantages, NAC has a justified place as occasional support to the basic diet.
Cysteine is especially needed in the formation of glutathione,
the body's strongest antioxidant. Antioxidants are vital for the body's defense system and cell health. They protect the body from oxidation caused by free radicals.
Health benefits of NAC
1. Liver detoxification
NAC enhances the detoxification of harmful substances
in the liver. It aids in the removal of dangerous substances from the liver. NAC is approved for medical use in cases of paracetamol poisoning that threaten liver and kidney function.
2. Building block of important antioxidants
NAC is a building block of the antioxidant glutathione. Other components are also needed for glutathione formation, but cysteine is the least abundant amino acid in the body.
Antioxidants boost immunity and help the body's
defense system fight harmful cellular changes. They protect cells from oxidative stress and remove harmful substances from cells. Oxidative stress is linked to many diseases and bodily imbalances, making its removal a good starting point for health.
3. Support for respiratory health
NAC is used medically as a cough medicine because it
effectively loosens mucus. The glutathione antioxidant is also associated
with the treatment of bronchial inflammations, and NAC effectively enhances glutathione formation. NAC has been found helpful, for example, in treating bronchitis.
4. Balances blood sugar
Tissue inflammation can lead to insulin resistance according to studies. Insulin resistance means the tissues' reduced ability to take in sugar. It raises blood sugar levels and increases
the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
NAC can balance blood sugar levels by reducing inflammation in fat cells. The connection between NAC and indirect reduction of insulin resistance has been studied, and research continues.
Additionally…
The connection between NAC and fertility in men and women has been studied. Encouraging results have been obtained, as NAC's ability to reduce harmful oxidative stress in cells has been linked
to increased fertility.
Besides glutathione formation, cysteine participates in regulating the brain neurotransmitter glutamate. It has shown possible effects in the treatment of neurological diseases.
Additionally, cysteine may help in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. It balances the ratio of glutamate and glutathione in the brain among people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
