Introducing the water and fat soluble Alpha-Lipoic acid

The human body is a marvellous machine that has the ability to produce many compounds, including one of the least known, but remarkably potent, alpha-lipoic acid.

Also known as ALA or Lipoic Acid, is has remarkable antioxidant properties and can be useful when it comes to weight loss.

The human body produces it in minute qualities, it is made inside the mitochondrion (also known by many as the powerhouse of the cells) and helps enzymes turn nutrients into energy.

Also known as thioctic acid, not all ALA is created equal, with it important to ensure that all products are purchased as R-ALA (which is the most active isomer of alpha-lipoic acid).

For lifters, it is a wonderful supplement as it essentially sucks in carbohydrates to increase cell volumisation.

ALA is an organic compound and is found in all cells.

It is remarkable for the fact that it is both water and fat soluble.

This means it’s benefits can be felt in every cell or tissue of the body.

The bulk of antioxidants are only fat or water soluble.

Vitamin C for example is only water soluble, while vitamin E is only fat soluble.

WATER SOLUBLE

A vitamin or antioxidant that dissolves in water. These are carried directly to the tissus of the body and are not stored (Some examples are Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12).

FAT SOLUBLE

Vitamins and antioxidants that are stored in body fat (as well as being locked away in the liver) and have critical functions from keeping one’s heart working properly through to preventing blood clots (these are Vitamins A, D, E and K).

ALA is found in red meats and organ foods (such as animal liver) while plant foods including sprouts, spinach, broccoli and tomatoes contain them.

In saying this, ALA supplements contain up to 1,000 times more alpha-lipoic acid than food sources.

Remember, ALA is not classified as a vitamin, but as it is easily synthesized by the human body it is considered essential.

Some medical and diet professionals call it the “universal supplement”.

Not only are it’s antioxidants qualities powerful noted, it aids with weight loss – proven after numerous studies across the globe.

It also aids skin health, memory loss and other chronic health conditions.

For those with diabetic conditions, the ability of ALA to balance blood sugar stablisation and enhance insulin sensativity makes it worth it’s weight in gold.

After major surgery, supplementation of ALA can decrease the complications that come after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Like all critical supplements, it is important to ensure that the source of ALA is researched.

Some countries actually produce it with no controlled conditions, and some forms of Lipoic Acid have be found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.

Supplement City stocks pure sourced ALA; it and other products which can be viewed here.