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Posts tagged ‘cardiovascular health’

Acetyl L-carnitine: Powerful Stuff!

Healthy fatty acids from plants

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One of the nutrients that has been used to improve memory is acetyl L-carnitine, a vitamin-like nutrient that is derived from L-carnitine. It plays a major role in the healthy functioning of the mitochondria, the energy powerhouse of the cell. Acetyl L-carnitine also acts as a transport mechanism for free fatty acids as well as act as an acetyl-group donor for energy metabolism. It is primarily found in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Among the many different functions of acetyl L-carnitine are: it improves concentration, memory and focus; supports nerve cell function; enhances cardiovascular health; enhances sperm cell health in men; and supports antioxidant defenses to promote healthy aging.

A typical starting dose is 500 mg/day, taken on an empty stomach. The usual maximum dose is 2000 mg/day, taken in divided doses. It is generally safe to take but caution should be exercised if a person’s pregnant, nursing, has a history of seizures or taking prescription drugs. Always consult with a nutritionally-minded physician before incorporating this into your healthcare program.

Move Your Body

Marine of the United States Marine Corps runs ...

Image via Wikipedia

All these years, we are led to believe that we need to spend hours at the gym to improve our cardiovascular health or improve our body composition (less fat, more muscles). Well, it’s not actually the amount of time that you spend at the gym that improves your overall health. I, for one, would listen to my body and spend 30 minutes max at the gym. Intuitively, I felt that this was healthier for me. So, when one of my clients told me about a book by Dr. Al Sears called the PACE Revolution, I knew I was on to something. Dr. Sears explains how doing vigorous exercise for short periods followed by rest improves cardiovascular health, body composition as well as improve objective parameters such as pulmonary function tests, which is one of the best predictors of longevity. We no longer need to be guilty about not spending an hour or more of long, boring, repetitive exercises. Enjoy training again!