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Alpha Lipoic Acid: "The Master Antioxidant"
"Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits"
Why is alpha lipoic acid known as the "universal antioxidant?
Because this antioxidant is water and fat soluble, which means that thanks to this unusual ability, is able to reach every cell in the body, protecting our organism from free radical damage, and hence several diseases caused by their harmful action. You can find out more about
antioxidants and free radicals
here.
One interesting fact is that ala is not classified as a vitamin because it can be produced by our body in small amounts. With few exceptions, our bodies can't produce vitamins, and we have to take them from food or supplements. You can find out more about antioxidant
skin vitamins
here
Beneficial effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid:
- Offers great protection from oxidation
- It helps to dissolve toxic substances in the liver such as mercury, cadmio, arsenic... by increasing the production of
glutathione
- It helps to regenerate some antioxidants, specially
vitamin e
and others like vitamin c, glutathione and coenzyme q10
- It plays an important role in turning glucose into the energy necessary for our body
- It may help to increase short and long term memory
- research indicates that could be beneficial for diabetic people, helping to control blood sugar levels
- some suggest that can be helpful in treating glaucome and loss of hearing, but more research is needed
- It can be beneficial for HIV patients
- It could help with arteriosclerosis
- It helps to regenerate the liver, specially when is related to alcohol consumption
Can be beneficial in preventing
- heart disease
- cancer
- cataracts
There is plenty of ALA supplements in the market today. The recommended daily dose is 20 to 50 mg, but we can get our daily intake just by eating a balanced and healthy diet. The side effects of this antioxidant are low, but if you are thinking in taking any supplements, you should always consult your doctor first.
And for those of you who are interested in skin care, specially anti aging skin care
Can alpha lipoic acid help prematurely aged skin?
As we get older our skin loses its elasticity and ability to regenerate. Free radicals attack our cells, and collagen breaks down. Thanks to the power of the antioxidants, our body is able to fight their harmful effects.
If antioxidants help us fight the aging process, it makes sense that they will help us fight aging skin too. ALA is not known as the "universal antioxidant" without a reason. Apart from improving the performance of other antioxidants, that have been known to help aging skin such as
vitamin c
, vitamin e, glutathione and
coenzyme q10
it is also used as an ingredient in many anti aging skin care products.
Many skin care companies are incorporating ALA in their products because:
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