Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a natural, polyunsaturated fatty acid. Beef is the richest source of CLA, but it is also found in other meats as well as in non-meat animal products. This fatty acid, found and proven to be a very powerful antioxidant, can be beneficial in weight loss regimens and also seems to have other more serious benefits to recommend its use.
First, studies have proven that CLA supplements not only help dieters lose weight, they also help to maintain weight loss. CLA also assists in establishing a safer and healthier fat/muscle ratio in the body. A side-benefit is the burning of abdominal fat, deemed to be the most dangerous fat in the body.
Second, CLA supplements appear to have benefits in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as in keeping the arteries clear. We all know the dangers of high cholesterol and triglycerides. We also know that keeping our arteries clear so that our heart does not have to work as hard to pump oxygen rich blood to all of our body parts is important as well.
Third, CLA does not damage Vitamin E or other vital nutrients, which allows them to fulfill their antioxidant potential within the body. CLA is considered to be a powerful antioxidant itself, providing necessary protection against damages caused by free radicals and other dangerous compounds found within the body. CLA in the heart muscle, for instance, is thought to strengthen it and protect it, not only from the normal wear and tear of living, but also from stress related damage.
Fourth, CLA may have anti-cancer properties. Additional studies have shown a reduction in benign and malignant tumors when CLA was supplemented in test rats. The cancers most widely studied and affected by CLA were breast, prostate, and metastatic lung cancer.
Additionally, CLA may have benefits for maintaining healthy bones. In our quest for weight loss, we may forget that we actually need some healthy fats. This is especially true for women. CLA, a beneficial, natural fatty acid may help to prevent some of the risks associated with an extremely low fat diet and the resulting bone loss. Many people jumped on the anti-fat wagon a few years ago. It is now known that there are actually good fats that are actually needed for optimum health and healthy weight loss. We are aware of the good Omega 3’s and what they can do for us. Now it is time for us to learn about CLA and its benefits.
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Thank you once again for a very informative article. This sounds like the perfect thing for me, particularly since any extra weight that I have seems to gather around my midsection. Being a woman, I am also interested in the healthy bone benefit and in the cholesterol lowering benefit for my husband. I am not a beef eater, however. Can you tell me what non-beef products contain CLA? Also, can you take it in supplement form?
It’s true that people think of all fat as BAD. Healthy is a balance of ALL the good things from nature. That’s why I wouldn’t ever rule anything out even if “scientist say” that it causes cancer. First they say grapefruit, then coffee, eggs, what next? I eat and enjoy many different and sometimes exotic foods. But, like I said, you have to have a balance. I don’t rule out ice cream or pasta but I definitely wouldn’t pig out on them. Just like many people are scared of red meat. To some it screams heart attack, but as we’ve just heard from Dr. O the CLA in beef can actually help rid of abdominal fat which is the most dangerous fat to accumulate. Enjoy the world given to you……….in moderation!
I come from a small boned family, so I guess you could say I can eat whatever I want and not gain a pound. Of course, it makes it harder for me to watch what I eat, but I do eat the delicious sweets in small portions. I have heard if you want peanuts, you should only eat about half a cup so it isn’t overdone. I also heard the same with ice cream. Luckily, it’s not like we can’t any of the good stuff that’s bad for you! Even though I stay the same weight I know that it is still very important for me to eat healthy and stay healthy.