The benefits of lipoic acid are so similar to those of vitamins that it has always been considered one. For a long time, this type of acid in the body was confused with vitamin B itself.
Present in many foods, the ones that contain the most are animal organs and viscera. You can eat liver, kidneys, and many offal products to find a good source of lipoic acid.
But if you prefer greener foods and prefer to eat more from the garden, you can find it in leafy vegetables. Spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, etc. All vegetables with intense green colors are associated with it and provide good amounts of trace elements and chlorophyll. You can also take cereals or even brewer’s yeast.
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Benefits of Lipoic Acid
This substance is naturally produced by the body when you eat. In principle, there is no need to add it to the diet, but as with other organic substances, enriching your meals with foods that contain lipoic acid can be a good idea. You boost your natural levels, and if there is a deficiency, you eliminate it.
And it’s a powerful antioxidant, and if you want to stay young longer, it is essential that it acts on the skin cells, blocking free radicals. So we assure you that it’s good to have a small amount always in your food.
Another property of lipoic acid is that it improves the function of vitamins E and C. These are known for their antioxidant effects and are very beneficial to people’s health. So, in addition to its action to keep cells healthy and alive for longer, it promotes the better functioning of other vitamins with complementary benefits.
One feature that makes this lipoic acid and its properties so important is that it plays a key role in the metabolism of muscle glucose and proteins. So many athletes use it to improve their physical condition. Since it is water-soluble, it is very easy to take and prepare. It is sold in stores in various forms, either in powder supplements or capsules, and even in cosmetics, it is a molecule widely used for external application on the skin, like an anti-aging cream.
What Lipoic Acid Is Used For
- Anti-aging.
- Weight loss.
- Improve performance.
- Regenerate liver health.
Since it is involved in the process of absorbing glucose, it improves calorie burning by accelerating the disappearance of sugar in the blood. You can improve performance, but you will need higher energy consumption. If you have some fat you want to get rid of, it can be a good ally to promote the body’s activity while you tighten your cardio routines to burn fat and lose weight.
As you improve performance, you need a greater caloric intake, and the sugar you consume is used for maximum sports performance; it is not stored as fat tissue, and this creates a cycle of muscle gain and physical appearance renewal day by day. The more exercise, the less fat; the less fat, the more muscle, and at the same time, a younger and firmer skin tone. Remember, it’s also a great antioxidant.
In our organs, lipoic acid improves liver function. It provides an essential molecule for regeneration and strengthening. So it will also help you have a better synthesis of proteins, vitamins, and glycogen. Moreover, the liver is critical for detoxifying the body and better digestion, as it produces bile.
In the brain, lipoic acid protects neurons. This is excellent because it helps prevent the loss of mental capacity as we age. It can boost brain health and prevent some diseases like Alzheimer’s or senile dementia. It has beneficial effects on the entire nervous system.
Likewise, just as it protects the liver and brain, it also protects the heart. In general, it is a good ally for all the vital organs that allow you to have a better quality of life.
It is evident that it alone cannot do everything the body needs. More substances, fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, and trace elements are necessary. But if we gradually add these small doses of substances that are good for health and can also improve physical performance, it is undeniable that, over time, health improves and you feel better.
R-Lipoic Acid and A Lipoic Acid
R-lipoic acid can be found naturally in the body. Its other forms, like “A” and “S,” are used for dietary supplements. The “R” form is bound to proteins, while the version you consume through products is free and does not contain proteins. These molecules are isomers of lipoic acid (same molecular form but different structure). However, nowadays, you can purchase products that contain any of its variants interchangeably. Once you take it, the function does not differ, or at least it’s not detected in the studies done. Supplements contain both the R-lipoic acid isomer and the S and A forms.
As for absorption, the R version is better and more efficient, and it is actually used to treat diseases related to blood glucose, such as diabetes, since it can improve insulin function.
Where to Buy Lipoic Acid at a Good Price?
The good thing about lipoic acid is that it is inexpensive and easy to find in various stores. It is available in online herb shops, natural health stores, and in the form of sports and dietary supplements. There are many options you can buy both in Spain and in other countries. Thanks to the internet, it’s very easy to access and purchase lipoic acid at a reasonable price.