Researchers now tell us that free radicals damage throughout the body is a major cause of aging and age-associated disease.

A free radical is an unstable incomplete molecule because it is missing an electron which exists in pair in stable molecules. Free radicals steal an electron from another molecule, thereby create another free radical. This new free radical then duplicates the process, resulting in a chain reaction of events, which can ultimately damage the body.

1. Lipid peroxidation cause damage to fatty compounds releasing more free radicals into the bloodstream.
2. Cell membrane damage leading to cell death.
3. Cross linking between proteins and genetic materials (i.e. DNA) will alter the DNA structure which produce useless debris and sometimes cancerous cells.
4. Lysosomal damage with leakage of enzymes resulting in cell death.
5. Miscellaneous reactions forming residues which accumulate with time and interfere with cell function and life processes.

Antioxidants are able to easily donate electrons to molecules in need of an electron, such as free radicals, before they steal one from someplace else, thus stabilize and prevent a damaging chain reaction. Antioxidants are a class of nutrients which can destroy free radicals and thus prevent the diseases associated with free radical damage. Antioxidants also help alleviate the symptoms and side effects of many of these diseases.

• Capillary fragility (Bruises)
• Wrinkles
• Heart disease and clogged arteries
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Cataract
• HIV
• Allergy or asthma
• Memory loss, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's
• Premature aging
• Impaired immunity
• Diabetes

Dr. Lester Packer, professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, among the world's leading antioxidant researchers, descried ALA as " An ideal antioxidant"

1. ALA is the only antioxidant which is both fat and water-soluble. This means that ALA is easily absorbed and transported across cell membranes, offering us protection against free radical damage both inside and outside the cell. This is unlike many other antioxidant which provides extracellular protection only.
2. The structure of ALA is very small which allows it to easily slip through cell membranes. Many other antioxidants are too large to pass through the cell membrane.
3. ALA processes antioxidant properties in its origin form and also in its reduced form, DHLA (Dihydrolipoic acid is an even more potent antioxidant than ALA). Most antioxidant substances Like vitamin C and E can act as antioxidant only in their reduced forms. After they have donated an electron, they are then "used up" unless they are regenerated by another antioxidant like Alpha Lipoic Acid.
4. ALA is a coenzyme in the metabolic process, specifically it is necessary for the conversion of glucose to energy (ATP).
5. ALA works with vitamin C and E. ALA also recycles and regenerates other antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E.
6. ALA increases Glutathione levels. Glutathione, a major antioxidant within cells, is the major repair enzyme.
7. ALA prevents glycation damage from high blood sugar level.

• Diabetes Mellitus: ALA has been used throughout Europe to control blood sugar and prevention and treatment of diabetic complications including retinopathy, neuropathy, renal disease and atherosclerosis. ALA looks like the most potent natural insulin mimicker, even better than Vanadyl sulfate and Chromium.
• Liver diseases, including those caused by toxins, viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C, alcohol and drugs.
• Eye disease, including macular degeneration and cataracts. ALA prevents cataracts and glaucoma. ALA reduces risk of aged related macular degeneration.
• Peripheral neuropathy. ALA reduces diabetic neuropathy and reverse nerve damage.
• Neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injuries. ALA improves memory in older individuals. ALA helps slow progression of Alzheimer's. ALA may protect against Parkinson's.
• Coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. ALA wards off heart disease by protecting against Apolprotein (Lp(a)) oxidative damage of coronary arterial wall. ALA speeds recovery following heart attack and stroke - prevents free radical damage.
• Vascular protective agent -- such as for varicose veins, leg cramps, easy bruising from capillary brittleness and hemorrhoids.
• Reduction of the negative effects of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, allergies, sinusitis, hives, arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease etc.
• Cancer protection - protecting damage from radical agents to DNA, cellular membranes, lipids, proteins etc.
• Inhibiting the replication of HIV and other viruses.
• Removal of heavy metals from the body
• Prevention of radiation damage (Internal and external) such as from the sun or x-rays, etc.
• Protection from premature aging.
• Prevention and relief of dry skin.
• Prevention and relief of erectile dysfunction in some males.
• Improvement of circulation such as experienced by cold hands, cold feet, cold nose, etc.
• Speeds tissue healing and injury repair.
• For general maintenance of ideal antioxidants status in the body, in combination with other antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E and coenzyme Q-10.

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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. He is not in any way try to replace your physician. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.