Can this nutrient really eliminate a potbelly? My friend recently told me that when she took an ALA supplement to lower her cholesterol, she dropped two pant sizes. I could use this “side effect” to get rid of my belly bulge—but can I expect similar results?
It’s true: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), an antioxidant known to lower cholesterol and ease symptoms of diabetes, can also stimulate the shedding of visceral fat. This type of fat is tough to burn because it’s located deep within the abdominal cavity, where it surrounds organs (and creates the outward appearance of a potbelly). The good news is, ALA increases activity of the hormone leptin on visceral fat cells. This spurs the cells to release their contents for energy, slimming the waist by up to an inch per week. While ALA is found in food sources such as beef and broccoli, a supplement is required to hit the study-backed daily dose of 600 mg. One to try: Source Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg (at VitaminShoppe.com).
