Supplements are rich sources of vitamins and nutrients for our health. Alpha palm supplements are no exception.
What Is an Alpha Palm Supplement?
Alpha palm supplement is derived from the African palm oil tree’s fruit (Elaeis guineensis). Alpha palm is a rich source of multi nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. You can find it in multiple forms, like capsules, soft gels, and liquid extracts.
Alpha palm supplement contains vitamins A and E. Vitamin A maintains healthy vision, skin, and immune functions. The primary source of vitamin A is beta-carotene. Alpha palm supplement contains beta carotene (which can be termed as a precursor to vitamin A).
Generally, alpha palm contains 70% alpha tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E).
Alpha tocotrienols help people who are suffering from diabetes improve their wounds.
Exceptional Benefits of Alpha Palm Supplement
Alpha palm supplement is full of enormous health benefits. Let’s look at them one by one.
Improvement in Skin, Hair, and Nail Health
Alpha palm is a nutrient-rich supplement for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It contains Vitamin E and other necessary fatty acids for protecting healthy skin and hair.
A Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology study found that topical application of alpha palm oil improves human skin hydration.
Anti-Inflammatory and Boosts Immune System
Alpha palm supplements have the features to boost the immune system and are also believed to be anti-inflammatory. With such properties, they can minimize the risks of chronic diseases with overall health improvements.
A journal of Medicinal Food study stated that alpha palm supplements minimize inflammation and oxidative stress issues in obese patients with metabolic syndrome.
Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
Like its other health benefits, alpha palm supplements have the power to boost heart health. A European Journal of Nutrition study found that healthy people’s consumption of alpha palm oil improves their blood lipid levels.
Another research by the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism has concluded that alpha palm supplement reduces atherosclerosis risks (hardening of arteries) in rabbits with a high-cholesterol diet.
Boosts Cognitive Functions
As a nutrient-rich supplement, the alpha palm has enormous cognitive benefits. It helps to enhance cognitive functions.
A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that alpha palm oil supplements boost cognitive functions in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.
Rich Against Cancer
Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant that protects cells in the body from free radical harmful molecules. Free radicals can damage DNA and cells, which leads to cancer.
Beta-carotene in alpha palm prevents lung cancer by neutralizing free radicals.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
According to the International Journal of Biomedical Science, oxidative stress may lead to the following illness or diseases:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Arthritis
- Rheumatism
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
- Memory Loss
- Depression
- Glomerulonephritis
- Chronic renal failure
- Cancer
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Preeclampsia
- Cataract
- Retinal diseases
- Arteriosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Ischemia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
This is a long list, but all these conditions or illnesses can be induced by oxidative stress. If you have any of these, ask your doctor if alpha palm supplement is right for you.
Contains nutritional properties
According to Nutrition Reviews, palm oil is the source of the following nutrients:
- Tocotrienols
- Tocopherols
- Carotenoids
- Phytosterols
- Squalene
- Coenzyme Q10
They all show oxidative stability, which is very important for your health.
Harvard School of Public Health on Alpha Palm Vitamins
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, alpha palm contains carotene or provitamin A.
According to the school, Alpha Palm Vitamin is essential for your immune system. The vitamin helps maintain the strength of the mucous membranes. Thus it reduces the chance of infection.
Scientific Study
A study published in Nutrition Reviews concludes that red palm oil:
- contains β-carotene and vitamin A
- improves ocular complications
- shows cardioprotective effects in ischemic heart disease
- contains antiatherogenic and anticancer properties
- supports normal reproduction for both males and females
- improves the management of diabetes and chemotherapy
- improves the management of hypobaric conditions
- protects against infection.
Conclusion
As a nutrient-rich content like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the alpha palm is a popular source of potential health benefits.
Being an immune booster, the alpha palm supplement is a unique choice for improving heart health and cognitive functions.
However, it’s always good to consult your healthcare professional before starting any supplement intake to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your health conditions.
FAQ
Alpha palm supplements’ side effects are rare. However, there is insufficient research on whether they have long-term side effects. The only known side effects are skin rash and an upset intestine. Nothing is concluded about what may happen if you overdose on the supplements.
Alpha lipoic acid occurs in the body naturally. It converts sugar into energy, a vital process the body must not fail. However, if you don’t have enough ALA in your body to do the job, you can get some help from alpha palm supplements.
Additional Info
- Comparative Study, 2005 Jun;40(6):575-80
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- National Cancer Institute
- International Journal of Biomedical Science
- Nutrition Reviews
- Harvard School of Public Health