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What is Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)?
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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is the only antioxidant that is both fat and water soluble. This is important because Alpha Lipoic Acid can access all parts of the cell, giving it tremendous ability to trap free radicals wherever they may be. Free radicals are One of the leading causes of the symptoms we know as aging.
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What are the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid?
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Its main function is to increase production of glutathione, which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver. An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in our bodies and protects our cells from damage. A free radical is an unstable molecule that tries to steal electrons from other molecules, thus causing damage. Smoking, pollution, car exhaust, fried foods are some sources of free radicals.
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Where Can I Find ALA?
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ALA can be found in foods such as meats and vegetables, especially spinach. It is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and it can also cross the blood brain barrier. Two of the best natural sources of lipoic acid are yeast and liver, but the body can synthesize it when necessary and it is available as a supplement. Most alpha lipoic acid in food is derived from lipoamide-containing enzymes and is bound to the amino acid, lysine (lipoyllysine) [5]. Meat that is rich in lipoyllysine includes kidney, heart, and liver, while plant sources that are rich in lipoyllysine include spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes.
But there is little free ALA circulating in your body, unless you consume supplements. Foods contain only tiny amounts of it.
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