CLA
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a naturally occuring fatty acid that has cancer-fighting properties and can help with weight loss. The only way to get enough CLA is either by eating dairy and meat products or by taking CLA supplements. It is known to prevent fat deposits by speeding up the body’s metabolism, significantly reducing body fat.
Benefits
- CLA increases metabolic rate.
- Decreases abdominal fat, enhances muscle growth, lowers cholesterol and tryglycerides.
- Lowers insulin resistance, reduces food-induced allergic reactions.
- Enhances the immune system.
Risks
- There is a slight risk risk of nausea and other minor gastrointenstinal side-effects when the supplement is taken without protein, which typically disappear over time.
What do experts say about CLA?
According to a study published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, CLA was found to reduce fat and preserve muscle tissue.
According to Dr. Michael Pariza, who had conducted research into CLA, "[CLA] doesn’t make a big fat cell get little. What it rather does is keep a little fat cell from getting big."
Pariza's colleague, Mark Cook, adds that "All cellular membranes are made out of fat, and fatty acids (the building blocks of fat) are involved in cellular signaling. Fat is a very important constituent of life."
Cost
Approximately $22.00 per bottle.
Sources
- Blankson H., Stakkestad J.A., Fagertun H., Thom E., Wadstein J., Gudmundsen O.
Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans..
Journal of Nutrition 30 (12): 2943-2948. PMID 11110851. Dec, 2000. - Pariza M.W., Park Y, Cook M.E. The biologically active isomers of conjugated linoleic acid.
Prog. Lipid Res. Jul, 2001 40:283-98 - Pariza M.W. A fat that reduces cancer, heart disease, and body fat?. Retrieved Nov 6, 2006
http://www.cals.wisc.edu/media/news/05_97/CLA_update.html