Too Much Of An Anti-Oxident Linked To Heart Disease

Dr. Ivor Benjamin and colleagues at the University of Utah said the protein alpha B-Crystallin normally helps other proteins fold inside cells. When it works properly, the cell produces the correct amount of reduced glutathione, which is healthy for the body — but if the gene that makes alpha B-Crystallin is mutated, the protein unfolds improperly into aggregates and produces reduced glutathione in such excessive levels that it harms the heart.

I know, I know, what in the world are they talking about? Don’t worry, I am here to de-code this for you. It is a simple case of too much of a good thing. Anti-oxidents have little proof in aiding heart disease. And high levels of reduced glutathione can lead to an increased risk for heart disease. We need to remember that even “natural” or herbal type treatments have to be closely monitored to ensure safety.

via Science Daily