Alpha Lipoic Acid 

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant with acidic properties that acts as an electron transporter to help balance and stimulate the function of vitamin C.

Alpha Lipoic Acid with vitamin C increases the efficiency of vitamin C’s mechanism of action, ALA helps boost efficacy when synergized with the functions of vitamin E (Vitamin E) and coenzyme Q10 (Co-enzyme Q10). ALA has been called a Universal Vitamin Antioxidant, which is an important enzyme that helps in various metabolic systems.

ALA and vitamin B-complex help transfer electrons from inside the cell driving the metabolic system. Restores the metabolic mechanism and makes it work better. ALA also helps get rid of the remaining lactic acid and also has the ability to capture heavy metals. Assist with the reduction of the toxin levels in the body. 

Therefore, ALA and vitamin B-complex play important roles in promoting the body’s immunity, reducing the survival rate of cancer cells plus reducing the rate of cancer cell division.

Apart from the metabolism of sugar, ALA is a catalyst for insulin to burn sugar better in individual cells. This is done by increasing the activity of glucose to drive the cells to burn well. This action enables the mitochondria to generate energy well, helping to reduce acidity, and lactate production and increase the efficiency of cancer cells atrophy (fighting cancer at the root cause).

Other benefits of ALA are as follows:

ALA is also known as a universal antioxidant because it works in both the fatty cell plasma membrane and the aqueous interior (cytosol) of the cell. It protects DNA and the mitochondria energy-producing part of the cell by reducing cellular inflammation.

• Increase glutathione activity

• Very supportive of detoxification of drugs and poisons

• Reduces fibrosis

• Responsible for fibroblast matrix deposition

• Very important in restoring kidney filtration.

• Recycles Vitamin C and E

• Blocks heat shock proteins

• Improve insulin function and reduces resistance

• Essential for production of immunoglobulins

• Improves mitochondrial energy production

• Powerful therapy for all forms of neuropathy

• Reduces angiogenesis

What to Know

The LA in food is bound to a specific protein that makes it less available for absorption. On the other hand the LA in supplements is in free form and easily absorbed. Before stocking up on foods that contain alpha-lipoic acid, it’s important to know that consuming LA-containing food has not yet been found to meaningfully increase LA levels in the blood. It’s recommended that adults looking to benefit from this nutrient consume 200 to 400 milligrams per day in the form of supplements, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. 

Leafy Greens

If you’re looking to obtain alpha-lipoic acid from food, eat leafy greens like spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. While these foods contain small amounts of LA, leafy greens are known for containing a wide variety of other antioxidants. If you need creative ways to add more leafy greens into your diet that aren’t salads, prepare a fresh leafy green soup or make spinach wraps filled with your favorite protein, plus some whole grains like quinoa and a drizzle of olive oil.

Beef Liver

Animal tissues like beef liver provide a protein-rich source of LA, and while fruits and vegetables are known for their vitamin and mineral content, liver far surpasses them in providing well over 100 percent of many essential nutrients. You’ll get much more than LA from liver, and it’s especially rich in iron and vitamin B-12.

Rice Bran

The outer coating of your everyday grain of rice (the bran) provides another source of alpha-lipoic acid, and as a bonus, it’s also high in B vitamins. The rice bran also contains healthy oils and is an inexpensive fiber source. You can add rice bran to your oatmeal, pancakes, and even baked goods to get an extra boost of LA and other nutrients.

Yams and Potatoes

The starchy root vegetables yams and potatoes contain small amounts of alpha-lipoic acid. Both foods are simple and easy to add to your diet and yams contain complex carbohydrates that digest slowly to provide gradual energy. Whether you’re making mash or cutting them into wedges both can make a nutritious addition to your diet.