Alpha lipoic acid is a type of antioxidant found in various plant foods. This compound is praised for its ability to destroy free radicals and slow down the process of aging.
But, one of its most popular health benefits is the capacity to help in the treatment of diabetes. Our bodies produce small amounts of this compound on their own; however, when we consume foods rich in it, we can increase the amount.
It’s found in green veggies, potatoes, and some yeast types. It’s also available in supplement form.
It plays a role in the restoration of essential vitamins in the body, like vitamins E and C. It’s also a co-factor for mitochondrial enzymes. It’s both fat- and water-soluble, making it unique in comparison with other nutrients.
With this in mind, the body can absorb it adequately no matter the foods you consume and almost all parts of the body can use it.
The Best Health Advantages of ALA
- Increase glutathione levels
A master antioxidant, glutathione is said to be pivotal for cellular health, prevention of illnesses, and immunity.
In a controlled trial, 300-1,200 mg of ALA helped boost the glutathione’s capacity to regulate the immunity of the body.
This may play a role in the prevention of other illnesses like type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and HIV/AIDS.
In adults, it seems to have a positive effect on patients with immune deficiency syndromes and severe viruses.
It achieves this by restoring the glutathione levels and bettering the T-cell mitogen and lymphocyte functional reactivity.
- May avert loss of memory and cognitive decline
ALA supplements are used by some health care professionals to reduce risk in patients from memory loss, neuron damage, and changes in cognitive functioning.
ALA makes its way into the brain by passing through the blood-brain barrier. There, it protects the sensitive nerve and brain tissues.
It may also be of aid in stroke and dementia prevention.
Experiments done recently with lab rats show that ALA has the power to reverse the aging cell brain damage and enhance the memory tasks and decrease the oxidative damage.
- Maintains the eye health
Oxidative stress may damage eye nerves and result in vision issues, particularly in individuals who have diabetes or the elderly.
ALA can manage eye-disorder symptoms such as loss of vision, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.
Some studies have shown that long-term use of ALA may stop the oxidative damage causing DNA retina modification.
A nutrient-rich diet prior to old age is pivotal in decreasing eye tissue degeneration and a loss of vision and eye tissue early.
- Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Since it plays a role in decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, ALA may help in the fight against the damage inflicted on the brain, neurons, organs, and blood vessels. Antioxidants are pivotal for strong immunity, optimal muscle mass, and lower risk of heart illnesses, and memory issues.
Some evidence suggests that ALA is a heavy metal chelator and that it attaches to metals in the body like iron, arsenic, and mercury, forms of free radicals that enter our blood through the water, air, etc.
- May help in the fight against diabetes
ALA may keep the neurons and cells participating in the production of hormones safe and provide protection from type 2 diabetes.
ALA supplements may better insulin sensitivity and may provide metabolic syndrome protection.
This is a cluster of conditions like body weight, cholesterol, and hypertension.
In a review and clinical trial, ALA was found to be a helpful drug in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage associated with numbness, tingling, and burning in the limbs.
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