Sulphur
Updated Oct. 13th, 2017
Sulphur is a mineral that is found in several of the building blocks of protein, called amino acids. Methionine, cysteine, taurine and glutathione contain sulphur. They assist in the breakdown of fats and prevent fatty buildup in organs and vessels. Sulphur-containing compounds also act as antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect cells from damage and prevent the oxidation of other vitamins and nutrients. They do this by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.
Free radicals contribute to cardiovascular disease by producing oxidized LDL cholesterol, which causes atherosclerotic plaques. Thus sulphur is important for the health of the cardiovascular system. Sulphur’s antioxidant properties also help in cancer and the side effects of cancer radiation therapy, which can result from free radicals damaging cellular genetic material. Sulphur is believed to be an anti-aging supplement because as an antioxidant it detoxifies environmental pollutants and other substances that and lead to aging. It also is needed for the synthesis of collagen, which makes the skin appear vital and young.
Most people’s diets contain sufficient amounts of sulphur through the intake of protein. Organic sulphur can be supplemented in the diet by the use of amino acid complexes, methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO ). Amino acid complexes are simply protein tablets that have been pre-digested into its amino acid building blocks, making it easy for the body to take it in.
MSM is a sulphur-containing compound that is also used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It can be helpful for those individuals who require more sulphur and have inflammatory conditions like arthritis. MSM can be purchased as capsules or powder. DMSO is a sulphur containing liquid that is used topically to heal injuries. The sulphur compounds gain entrance to the body through the skin. Sulphur, as DMSO or other organic compounds, is often added to creams and ointments for the healing of skin conditions and relief of joint pain.
Moisture and heat destroy the sulphur content of foods and supplements.