Alpha Lipoic Acid - A Powerful Nutritional Supplement

You might have only heard rumors about the nutritional benefits of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) as of late, or maybe you've been reading up on its benefits as a powerful antioxidant. Whatever you might have heard, alpha lipoic acid is a nutrient that packs a very powerful nutritional punch when taken as part of a daily supplement regimen.

Alpha lipoic acid is derived from many common food sources such as spinach, broccoli and potatoes and it can also be found in kidney, heart and liver meats. ALA as a dietary supplement has been around for decades now, and was originally thought of as a common vitamin like the one's found in your every day multi-vitamin supplements. However, it was in the late 1980's that researchers discovered the antioxidant properties and nutritional benefits inherent in alpha lipoic acid. Not only has it come to be known as a beneficial antioxidant aiding in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and stroke, but clinical studies have also shown ALA to assist in countering Vitamin C and Vitamin E deficiencies in the human body.

Beside its use in the area of prevention, alpha lipoic acid has also become a valuable tool in the goal of recovery. ALA has been used to assist individuals recovering from heart attacks by prevent further tissue damage and tissue death post heart attack. Clinical studies have also shown alpha lipoic acid to be an aid in limiting brain damage in stroke victims. This is due to ALA's easy passage of the blood-brain barrier and absorption by the brain.

Because ALA is the antioxidant most easily absorbed by the brain, alpha lipoic acid may also be a preventive measure to counter the damage caused by free radicals within the brain and nerve bodies. ALA assists the liver in recycling of glutathione and increases the rate at which cellular bodies themselves produce glutathione. Glutathione is an essential amino acid necessary for the body to maintain the normal functions of the immune system.

Alpha lipoic acid is easily absorbed by the body when taken orally, making it an ideal daily nutritional supplement for those looking to boost their antioxidant intake. Alpha lipoic acid enhances the antioxidant properties of both Vitamins C and E, increasing ALA's value as an antioxidant itself. Vitamin C is water soluble being useful to the watery areas of cell bodies, and Vitamin E is fat soluble making it affective in cell walls. ALA is both fat and water soluble, greatly increasing its ability to move into cellular bodies and eliminate free radicals.

Finding the right combination of nutrients for an individual is a highly personal matter that should employ the advice of a health professional experienced in cancer treatment. Alpha lipoic acid is available for purchase in 100mg to 400mg doses at any of your favorite online or in-store nutritional retailers.

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