I know the title is throwing everyone off, but CLA is known for its ability to help your body burn MORE fat. If you’ve been avoiding red meat then you might want to think twice about cutting it out completely from your food pyramid. CLA is found in both read meat (grass fed) and dairy. I personally don’t eat dairy so this is a great supplement for me and many others who are lactose intolerant. However, the BEST possible sources of CLA come from RAW dairy products, not the overly processed ones that many Americans are eating today. These powerful fatty acids in CLA are linked to long term weight management and optimal health.
Benefits of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) – Has properties that help to combat all of these listed below.
Cancer – Even a small amount of CLA in the system (.05) can reduce cancerous tumors up to 50 %. These are related to breast cancer, lung cancer, skin, stomach and Colorectal cancers.
Asthma – Asthma is known as inflamaroty condition. CLA has the ability to change into both DHA and EPA which are known to be powerful anti- inflammitories.
Osteoporosis
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Heart Disease
Inflammation
Food Allergies
BODY FAT –
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [1] found that individuals who took 3.2 grams of CLA per day had a drop in fat mass of about 0.2 pounds each week (that’s about one pound a month) compared to those given a placebo.
CLA achieves this reaction by it reduces body fat by enhancing insulin sensitivity so that fatty acids and glucose can pass through muscle cell membranes and away from fat tissue . This results in an improved muscle to fat ratio [2].
Lowers Insulin Resistance – CLA helps to lower insulin resistacance. High insulin levels have been linked to diabetes, as well as high levels of body fat.
Fitness Tip : CLA isn’t made in the human body. Therefore, you must consume it in the form of Grass Fed Beef, raw dairy products, and supplements.
Don’t Confuse Organic for Grass Fed Beef
While organic meat is good it is not always grass fed. The average consumer believe that these are one in the same. Its best to do both! Eat organic, grass fed beef to get the most bang for your red meat. After making the switch you will notice that grass fed beef has a much different flavor then grain fed beef.
Trainer Tip: If you are gluten intolerant, you should also be eating grass fed beef. If you eat grain fed you may still have a strong reaction to the foods that the animal is eating. Very few people know this, even those who have been gluten free for a number of years.
How Much CLA Should I Take?
There are several CLA supplements on the market. While choosing which one is best for you look at the label. In the above research, it stated that you need at least 3.2 mg for CLA to have similar affects. In the one I takes from the MRM brand, I need to take at least 3 pills to get that dosage. Another popular brand (and one with smart marketing) is the “Ab Cuts” brand.
JWOW Reports Losing 20 pounds with the help of CLA. She also worked out 5 days a week and endorses the “Ab Cuts” product line.
CLA isn’t an expensive supplements, it’s actually one of the cheapest ones I’ve taken thus far! It ranges from 11 – 35.00. The MRM brand that I listed above is about 15.00 at Sprouts. With all the benefits listed above and the added fat loss, it should be something you try ! Keep in mind that since CLA has be linked to insulin, it’s also linked to belly fat loss. If you can decrease your insulin levels you will always have a reduction in fat around your midsection. I will do a follow up article in a month to let you know how my results pan out!
Keep Burnin,
Adria Ali
Resources
1.) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2004, 79(6):11181125 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/79/6/1118
2.) Lawson, RE, Moss, AR & Givens, DI (2001) The role of dairy products in supplying conjugated linoleic acid to man’s diet: a review. Nutrition Research Reviews 14, 153-172.
Cristie says
Adria Ali says