Anti-Oxidants and Where To Find Them -- Part Two
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of amino acid that increases the use of fat as an energy source. It performs the very helpful task of transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria, which are particularly susceptible to free radical damage.
It also increases levels of acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter needed for memory and learning. As such, it can delay the onset or improve the condition of Alzheimer's. It may also protect against muscle disease; help build muscle; protect against liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes; and may increase energy and activity in people with congestive heart disease.
Acetyl-L-carnitine can be found in avocados, tempeh, dairy products, lamb, and organic, pasture-fed beef.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an essential coenzyme involved in the production of energy in every organ of the body and is also a powerful antioxidant.
Because ALA is both water- and fat-soluble, it is readily available to the body. It can actually recycle other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, glutathione, CoQ10 when they are depleted. It also detoxifies the liver of metal pollutants (extremely important!), interferes with the formation of cataracts, reduces cholesterol levels, and protects nerve tissue.
It is found mainly in broccoli, spinach, and organ meats (which Americans typically don’t eat).
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is a substance produced by the liver that is quite similar to vitamin E. There is evidence that CoQ10 slows the ageing process, produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) at the cellular level, boosts the immune system, increases blood circulation, slows the spread of cancer, and helps in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. In Japan, CoQ10 has been approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Deficiencies in CoQ10 have been linked to cancer, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, obesity, periodontal disease, lowered immune function, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. It is also well-known that statin drugs, heavily prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol, deplete the body's store of CoQ10 and can lead to hepatic disease or death. Therefore, CoQ10 is essential for all people taking prescribed statin drugs of any kind.
CoQ10 is readily available in avocados, beef, peanuts, soy oil, rice bran, broccoli, spinach, and seafood, particularly in salmon, mackerel, and sardines.