Alpha lipoic acid for fat loss and anti-aging

The importance and characteristics of Alpha-Lipoic Acid was first discovered by scientists in the 1950s. Since then it has been the subject of many research projects around the world both human an animal. Some have claimed that its antioxidant properties can prevent or treat many age-related diseases such as heart disease, strokes and cataracts. In 1999 Berkeley Wellness took a look at this much-touted supplement and concluded that ?it might one day prove to be very important but that it was too early to recommend it.? Since that time, though, many more studies have been completed and the benefits of ALA have become well defined.

ALA plays a crucial role in the body?s ability to produce energy. In fact, the body itself makes ALA for that purpose. However, when there is more ALA in the system than is required, it takes on the properties of an antioxidant. The only way to reach an excess of ALA, though, is to take supplements containing it; the body rarely manufactures more than it needs. It also works with vitamins C and E as well as other antioxidants by recycling them which makes them more effective.

There are many ongoing human studies of using ALA as a preventative or treatment for heart disease, strokes, Parkinson?s and Alzheimer?s. It is also being looked at to counteract declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function and immunity. Other possible uses of ALA include treating HIV and multiple sclerosis. ALA removes peroxyol, peroxynitrite, hydroxyl, alkoxyl and superoxide radicals among many others. It is both fat soluable and water soluable. Its small size allows it to prevent oxidation in areas where other supplements cannot such as oxidation within the cell nucleus allowing it to protect the DNA, helping to prevent the degredation of DNA that can cause many age related diseases.

Other benefits include

Stabilization of Blood Sugar ? As mentioned earlier, ALA has proven to be an effective treatment for diabetes. It changes glucose uptake by improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance decreased blood flow, oxygen availability an glucose uptake in muscle during exercise. It may read more