Plant-based foods contain which of the following?

• A. Glutathione
• B. Glutathione Peroxidases
• C. Both
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

Plants defend against oxidative stress with a range of antioxidant components, including enzymes that neutralize peroxides. Glutathione peroxidases are one such family of enzymes in plant tissues; they use glutathione to reduce hydrogen peroxide and other peroxides, helping protect the plant from damage. Because plant-based foods come from living plant tissue, these enzymes can be present (at least in part) in the foods, especially when raw. While glutathione itself is also found in plants and contributes to antioxidant capacity, the question emphasizes the enzyme form, making glutathione peroxidases the most fitting choice. Keep in mind that cooking can reduce enzyme activity, so raw plant foods may show more of this enzymatic activity.