Alpha-lipoic acids (also called ALA) are an antioxidant made naturally by the body. It is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. Other antioxidants work only in water (such as vitamin C) or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E). But alpha-lipoic acids are both fat and water soluble. That means it can work throughout the body while antioxidants are used up as they attack free radicals.
Alpha Lipoic acid is found in foods like red meats, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, potatoes, and green peas. When your body produces the correct amount of Alpha Lipoic acids, it can help fight free radicals and turn glucose into energy. However, as we age, our body doesn’t produce these nutrients as easily and as a result, we must pay additional attention to the foods and supplements we consume.
The addition of alpha-lipoic acid as a daily supplement has many benefits including: reducing the risk of diabetes, improving skin aging, increased memory, better heart health, and the promotion of weight loss.
Another core benefit to supplementing your body’s natural ability to create these acids is to help fight neuropathy, nerve damage that can be painful and debilitating. Certain people are more susceptible genetically to neuropathy, similar to diabetes. People with neuropathy, or those who are genetically more prone to it, can take Alpha lipoic acid to help reduce future damage caused by free radicals since ALA helps fight the cell damage caused by them. In addition, ALA can help relieve the nerve pain associated with neuropathy and can help lower blood glucose, which can also protect the body from nerve damage.
In addition to helping prevent cell damage, Alpha lipoic acid can lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. CRP is an inflammation marker that is linked to diabetes and cancer. Also, because ALA is an antioxidant, it can reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs naturally with age and plays a role in memory loss. It is also one of the primary causes of heart disease.
Alpha lipoic acid is safe to take as a daily supplement and has been found to have little side effects.
Due to ALA’s high antioxidant content, it is a common addition to skin care products that assist with anti-aging and protect your skin against free radicals.
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/alpha-lipoic-acid-skin