Alpha Lipoic Acid
Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Metabolism
- Cellular energy
- Form: Acid
- Food source: Broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts and beetroot.
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a compound found in every cell of the body. It works alongside the enzymes that turn food into energy inside our mitochondria, and it has antioxidant activity. The body makes small amounts itself, and it is also found in food.
What does the research say about Alpha Lipoic Acid?
The most studied area of Alpha Lipoic Acid research is glucose metabolism, the way the body processes and uses sugar from food. A body of clinical research has looked at its effect on markers of glucose control.
Researchers have also studied its role in how insulin, the hormone that manages how cells take up glucose, works in muscle cells, as well as its wider biological activity and its relevance to heart health as we age.
You may be interested in reading 'Symptoms of high and low blood sugar' and 'Best foods for Type 2 diabetes'.
Why it's in GlucoBalance®
Potent antioxidant: ALA reduces oxidative stress, a main factor in insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction.1
ALA mimics insulin: This mimicking makes it useful for improving glucose uptake in people with insulin resistance. It works through key signalling pathways (p38 MAPK, PI 3-Kinase, Akt1), which are also activated by insulin.2
Blocks p38 MAPK: Blocking p38 MAPK reduces glucose uptake and helps control GLUT4 activity.2
Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a type of bio-active phytosterol that can naturally be found in plant cell membranes. Among the various plant sterols that exist, Beta-sitosterol is the main compound that is found in abundant amounts in plants.
Black Garlic
Black Garlic is garlic that has been aged in a certain way, and this ageing process has been widely studied for its benefits for cardiovascular health and blood cholesterol.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that is used by the body for the metabolism of carbohydrates. A healthy balance of Chromium helps the body control the levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood.
CoQ-10
Found in almost every cell of the body, Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) is a fat-soluble, enzyme that helps convert food into energy and is required in large amounts in the heart muscle.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Ginger Root
Ginger roots are edible and used widely both as a spice in cooking and as a natural remedy. Ginger's active compounds are antioxidants and support healthy digestion and blood glucose.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of sugar produced by our kidneys and used throughout our body, in particular in our brain and in cell membranes, and it influences the effectiveness of insulin.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a compound responsible for the bright red colour it gives to tomatoes, grapefruits and watermelons, among other fruits and vegetables. It is characterised by its high 'antioxidant' content which is the highest among carotenoid pigments.
