New Research Shows Alpha Lipoic Acid Promising for Weight Loss

It is the heart of swimsuit season, and many people are anxious attempting to shed those extra pounds that are still hanging around. Not surprising, this leads to a rush to the supplement aisle and an increase in the sale of diet pills.

However, many people find that as soon as they step away from their current diet program, the pounds start to sneak right back on. This little bit of discouragement leaves many people depressed and unwilling to continue the battle of the scale.

Alpha lipoic acid may be the key

But what if you could include an ingredient in your diet that helps you to keep the pounds off even after you stop the diet? According to recent research, alpha lipoic acid, a dietary supplement, could do just that. While it doesn’t seem to have much of an effect when taken with your daily diet, scientists have found that alpha lipoic acid does help the body maintain the results of a weight loss program.

How does it work? Apparently, alpha lipoic acid causes the body to think that it is still on the same diet. Normally, when you go back to eating regularly, you start to gain the weight back. Alpha lipoic acid makes your body think it is still on a diet, helping to keep that weight down.

What the study found?

Dr. Goyns of the University of Liverpool performed the study, which looked at alpha lipoic acid supplementation and its effects on rats that were given normal and low calorie diets. The rats that ate less were able to live 25-40% longer than the rats whose diets remained the same. However, if they returned to a normal diet, they lost the life extension. But, if the rats were given alpha lipoic acid when they returned to a normal diet, they still enjoyed the same life extensions. This unusual and unexpected result could have numerous benefits for humans who use the diet supplement.

Low calories equal longer lives

Not only is this good news when it comes to sticking to your diet and weight loss goals, but it can also be good news to your ultimate longevity. The same study confirmed that eating fewer calories led to longer life spans. This effect had previously been observed in Japan, whose Okinawan islands have the largest proportion of centenarians.

By adding alpha lipoic acid to your diet, you help to keep the weight off after returning to your regular diet. Plus, alpha lipoic acid gives the added benefit of providing you with the same life extension effects as eating a low calorie diet.

Current uses

Alpha lipoic acid is sold on its own as an antioxidant, and is often included as an ingredient in health and beauty supplements. It has also been used in the treatment of other health conditions, including liver damage and stroke. By adding alpha lipoic acid to your supplements, you can see greater benefits from your weight loss program, as well as the potential for a longer and healthier life.