Also known as NAC, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a supplement form of the sulphur containing amino acid Cysteine. The body can only produce small amounts of cysteine. Getting an adequate amount into your diet is important for a number of health reasons. Most protein rich foods such as chicken, yogurt, cheese and legumes contain cysteine, but some people choose to supplement with NAC to increase their cysteine intake.
The key benefits of N-Acetyl- L-Cysteine are;
Detoxifying and Anti-ageing
Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant within the body; playing an important role in the body’s immune function; it helps to detoxify the liver, and protects it, as well as the brain, from the damaging effects of immune suppressing and ageing toxins such as alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. As Cysteine is a precursor to the free radical fighter/scavenger glutathione, it is needed in order to replenish and maintain adequate levels in the cells; N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is used in processes by the liver and lymphocytes to help detoxify chemicals and other poisons from the body. This furthermore helps to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails, and fight the signs of ageing that are often related to free radical and oxidative damage.
Improve Psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviour
NAC helps to regulate glutamate levels. Glutamate is recognised as the most important neurotransmitter needed for normal brain function. Both glutathione depletion and abnormal glutamate neurotransmission have been found in a number of mental health conditions such as bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Immune Function and Relieve Symptoms of Respiratory Conditions
For respiratory infections with lung or sinus congestion, NAC is often recommended as a remedy to help break up mucus because of its ability to break up specific bonds in mucus proteins.
As glutathione is the primary antioxidant in the lungs, NAC and its effects on boosting glutathione levels has been studied as a natural treatment for lung and respiratory tract conditions including COPD, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and asthma.
Studies have shown that taking NAC during the winter months may boost the body’s ability to fight infection, and help to treat and prevent flu-like symptoms. Results indicate a significant decrease in the frequency of influenza-like episodes, their severity, and the length of time confined to bed.
Heart Health & Fitness Benefits
Oxidative damage in the heart often leads to heart disease which can be a cause strokes, heart attacks and other serious conditions. NAC may therefore reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing oxidative damage to protect heart tissue. NAC has also been shown to boost nitric oxide levels in the body, this helps veins dilate and improves blood flow. This facilitates the blood transit back to the heart and can lower the risk of heart attacks.
The free radical scavenging and effects on boosting the critical antioxidant glutathione in the body has led to many in the fitness communities taking an interest into the benefits of supplementing with NAC. Many take it in their effort to help reduce exercise induced oxidative-stress, speed up recovery from heavy training, and lessen muscle fatigue. Also boosting nitric oxide levels in the body increases the blood flow to muscles to enhance energy levels during workouts; aiding endurance, muscle strength and growth, which can help you to get more results from a workout, even helping with fat loss.
Because it is a rich source of sulphur, NAC can have a very distinct odour described by some as much like a rotten-egg smell. This is the characteristic Sulphur smell and entirely normal.
At Hellenia we manufacture supplements of NAC in capsule form. Convenient, you can take just one 600mg capsule a day to get it in your daily diet. For further product information, or to order CLICK HERE
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