conjugated linoleic acid

If you have been looking for ways to enhance your weight loss or to become healthier you have probably run across something called conjugated linoleic acid or CLA. There are a lot of claims connected to this fatty acid but are any of these claims true? What exactly is conjugated linoleic acid and do you really need it? Read on to find the answers to these questions.

First of all, let's determine the source of CLA. Biological synthesis of this fatty acid takes place in the digestive tracts of what is known as ruminant animals. A ruminant animal can be defined as any animal that has hooves and chews a cud. So any species of ruminant animal and the product they produce are rich dietary sources of CLA. But why is CLA so great?

Numerous studies on animals prove that conjugated linoleic acid can reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. These same studies also prove this fatty acid can enhance the immune system and aid in weight loss. However, these studies were performed on lab mice; the results on humans remain controversial.

There are a few factors that will influence the amount of CLA found in food products. The temperature of the food along with the protein quality and the period of aging will affect how much CLA you receive from the food you eat. The type of diet the animal is fed along with the age or breed of the animal can greatly affect amounts of conjugated linoleic acid.

There are people out there who use CLA supplements faithfully. These people claim CLA has been responsible for their weight loss. Some may claim that CLA has cured their cancer or their diabetes. These claims may certainly be true. The one thing you need to remember about CLA is that it can be metabolized differently by different people. So while CLA may work great for your best friend it may provide minimal results for you.

The quality of the CLA you find will have a lot to do with the effectiveness. You should find a CLA supplement that is sourced from all natural products. You want a supplement that is derived from pure safflower oils since this is the best non-animal source of CLA. The only way you will know if conjugated linoleic acid is beneficial to you is to give it try. Take a CLA supplement as directed for one month and keep track of your progress. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that CLA works great for you when it comes to weight loss and staying healthy.

Bob is the webmaster of Conjugated Linoleic Acid alternative health website.