This vitamin-like substance in the form of a light yellow crystalline powder with a bitter taste is independently synthesized by the body. But after they knew how to extract it from beef liver cells in the 50s of the last century, the world received a drug with great potential and a wide variety of properties. Lipoic Acid (LA), like that Figaro, has time everywhere and reacts with many substances, forming numerous compounds with varying degrees of biological activity. Weight loss, improved liver function, antioxidant effect - this is an incomplete list of what is subject.
A tool for high-quality weight loss and not only
Lipoic or thioctic acid is an endogenous antioxidant capable of combining inherently aggressive free radicals. Soluble in water and fat, it plays the role of a coenzyme in the transformation of substances, enhances enzymatic hydrolysis in the mitochondria, providing cells with energy. First of all, scientists discovered the protective properties of this substance, that is, its ability to protect cell membranes from the negative effects of reactive radicals, which are the result of both the metabolism of intermediate materials and foreign elements entering the body from the outside, for example. , heavy metal salts.
According to the details of action, thioctacid is compared with B vitamins. Having a lipotropic and thermogenic effect, it accelerates the utilization of lipids and induces fatty acids to move from the liver to various organs and tissues. LA molecules can be called secondary recycling microscopic breeders. They bind to the products of amino acid processing and maximally squeeze out the substances necessary for our body, and remove waste. Some scientists believe that it is lipoic acid that will become part of the elixir of youth in the future, because its ability to prevent cell DNA damage, which leads to cell aging and the extinction of cells, has already been demonstrated. vital functions.
How is effective weight loss achieved with thioctacid?
The mechanism of operation of this substance gives reason to actively use it to fight extra pounds and the greater the physical activity of the person losing weight, the brighter the effect. How does it work? This weight loss tool is capable of activating the fat burning mechanism and is supported by intensive training. During exercise and changes in the usual diet, oxidation processes are triggered in tissues and muscles, and along with them free radicals are formed in large quantities. Thioctacid enters the antioxidant "battle", increasing fat burning, increasing the body's resistance and working for effective weight loss, improving the effectiveness of physical activity.
As already noted, it is capable of cooperating with other nutrients. Regarding weight loss, its association with other antioxidant vitamins and glutathione can be of great benefit. As a result, the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates improves, the concentration of cholesterol in the blood normalizes, and liver function improves.
Who should take lipoic acid?
Part of thioctic acid is synthesized by the body on its own, and part we get from food, which is enough for a person who is completely healthy and not obese. Another thing is if the body is deficient in vitamins and other nutrients, suffers from overweight and diabetes, poisoning with salts of harmful metals, and liver disease. In this case, you can discuss with your doctor the advisability of taking lipoic acid preparations, and as an added benefit, you will receive a powerful antioxidant that acts as a means of preventing degenerative changes in the brain.
Currently, drug manufacturers produce two variants of thioctic acid - the R-isomer and the S-isomer. Their chemical composition is somewhat different, and it is known for certain that for effective weight loss and healing of the body, it is more useful to take the R isomer, since its absorption is greater, as well as its potential properties, the ability to improve tissue sensitivity to insulin. However, the preparations of analogs of R are more expensive, and therefore on sale you can most often find alpha-lipoic acid in a more accessible form, in which the "right" and "left" chemical compounds are in the same proportions.
As for food products rich in natural LA and capable of making a viable contribution to weight loss, they include most by-products, vegetables: Brussels sprouts, green broccoli florets, spinach, fresh tomatoes, peas. Sources of this weight loss remedy include both unpolished rice and brewer's yeast.
How to take dietary supplements to lose weight?
As a means of maintaining and strengthening the body, a standard dose is recommended, ranging from 25 to 50 mg per day. If your goal is effective weight loss, which you plan to combine with physical training, then it makes sense to combine dietary supplements with levocarnitine. The amino acid included in its composition activates the metabolism of fats, releasing them from the cells and stimulating energy consumption. In this case, the dose of alpha-lipoic acid itself can be increased to 100-200 mg per day. To prevent neurodegenerative changes and get rid of the consequences of long-term use of fast carbohydrates, the dose can be increased to 600 mg per day.
In recent years, American nutritionists have conducted numerous studies on the effect of LA on the human body and have discovered the ability of this slimming product to reduce weight even without adjusting the usual diet. So, by increasing the daily dose to 1800 mg, you can lose up to 9% of your total body weight excess weight in 20 weeks. In any case, doubts about the amount of LA taken daily should be resolved with your doctor, since an overdose of a weight loss drug can cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and a sudden drop in blood glucose concentration. blood at risk of developing hypoglycemia
Also, if for better weight loss you decide to buy the innovative and expensive R-isomer of thioctic acid, the recommended dose should be reduced by a factor of two due to its higher bioavailability.