Alpha Lipoic Acid – The Amazing Antioxidant for Health and Longevity
The first line of defense belongs to a compound in the body called alpha lipoic acid (ALA). You may already know the importance I place on this multitasking, multi protective supplement. But recent studies have shown that it is even more powerful than previously thought.
Alpha lipoic acid is a very powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, but additional amounts can be obtained only from supplements, because it is almost nonexistent in foods. ALA is unique among antioxidants because it is soluble in both fat and water.
It is also unique in having the ability to penetrate the lipid-soluble portions of the cell. Because alpha lipoic acid can protect both the fat- and the water-soluble parts of the cell, scientists have named it the “universal antioxidant.” Because alpha lipoic acid is found as part of an enzyme complex in the mitochondria that converts food to energy, it is also known as the “metabolic antioxidant.” Here are some of the highlights of the amazing properties of alpha lipoic acid:
• Alpha lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost cellular glutathione level, an antioxidant of tremendous importance in overall health and longevity and essential for the functioning of the immune system. People with chronic illnesses such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer, and autoimmune diseases generally have very low glutathione level. White blood cells are particularly sensitive to changes in glutathione levels, and even subtle changes may have profound effects on the immune response.
• Alpha lipoic acid helps regulate glucose metabolism. Sugar can be extremely damaging to our cells if it is not well controlled, as it can react with molecules within the cell in a permanent bond called glycation. Once these bonds between sugar and protein are formed, they become mini factories for the generation of free radicals that can attack our cells and their mitochondria and produce inflammation. Alpha lipoic acid helps prevent damaging glycation while also increasing the cell’s ability to use glucose. When taken orally as a supplement, alpha lipoic acid can concentrate in both the cell and mitochondrial lipid membranes, where it protects both from free-radical damage, thus preventing the commencement of an inflammatory cascade.
• Alpha lipoic acid is especially protective to the mitochondria in nerve cells and can therefore help prevent degeneration of the brain seen with aging and age-related diseases of the central nervous system. In addition, A alpha lipoic acid has been used successfully to treat patients with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic retinopathy (diabetes eye).
• Alpha lipoic acid works synergistically with other antioxidants in the skin to reduce the damaging inflammatory effects of UV radiation. Alpha lipoic acid’s capacity to regulate production of nitric oxide, which controls blood flow to the skin when applied topically, helps to transform the complexion from dull, pasty, and pale to vibrant and glowing. Topical alpha lipoic acid will also reduce puffiness in the face and eye area and decrease wrinkles and pore size.