Benefits of L-Carnitine

By Cara Trentadue
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Updated: August 3, 2014

By Cara Trentadue – Many people I speak to ask me what L-carnitine is used for as a supplement. Well there are many benefits of this essential amino acid, that is found primarily in red meat. Here is a simplified explanation:

L- Carnitine, is a naturally occurring amino acid that is synthesized by the liver using lysine and methionine, but needs the presence of vitamin B-6, niacin and iron ( ironically also found in abundance in red meat). This Amino Acid helps transports toxins out of the liver and kidneys as well as fats ( which store toxins) into the mitochondria of the cell. The mitochondria is the metabolic boiler or furnace of the cell, which metabolizes fats and transports them through the body for use as energy.

L-Carnitine, has many other benefits, it is cardio protective especially during and after a heart attack as it protects the heart muscle from damage. It protects all muscles in the body from atrophy in the presence of those wasting diseases like HIV, AIDS and Cancer.

In supplemental doses exceeding 200mgs a day, it is suggested that this amazing Amino Acid also improves brain function, such as memory, motor functioning and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It is even used to treat mild depression in certain people.

Knowing this about L-Carnitine raises a question about red meat. Can red meat be bad for you if it provides an abundance of this cardio protective, fat metabolizing amino acid? In my humble opinion, no. This information just confirms and enforces my belief that coupled with a healthy lifestyle and in the absence of processed refined foods, red meat is a healthy addition to any diet and supports the functions of the heart, muscles and brain. So go grill that flank steak, just eat it over salad. L- Carnitine can be supplemented also in doses usually around 1,000mg a day*. Happy healthy living.

*Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a supplement regime.

My name is Cara (www.carashealthyliving.com) and I have been studying nutrition and practicing an alternative healthy lifestyle for over 20 years. After learning how the body has the innate ability to heal itself in most cases proving you give it what it needs to do so I wanted to share this knowledge with the world.

I studied Nutrition and Weight Management Counseling at American Fitness Professionals and Associates and I am always pursuing new knowledge about healing the body and prevention of disease. With over 20 years of practice behind me there is no argument that prevention is the easiest way to avoid sicknesses like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. I do not advocate “diets” I teach lifestyle change. The children of America in this generation are said to be the only generation whose parents will outlive them. Diet and lifestyle play a major role in this trend. We need to turn it around.