Conjugated Linoleic Acid

You know I promised a little spiel on the CLA- Conjugated Linoletic Acid - so here it is. Well actually - it’s really boring stuff to write down but lets just say it’s a fatty acid that apparently reduces the body’s ability to store fat. It also supposedly increases the body’s use of fat for energy.

CLA used to be obtained naturally in the meat and milk of grass fed cows. Because most cows are now grain-fed and all those antibiotics interfere with it’s production , CLA is now made from safflower or sunflower oil; (Some companies are bragging that their products are better as they only use Safflower which is the highest quality of the two). The high linoletic acid content of these oils is converted into CLA. Yippee!

Those smart Norwegians did a pile of studies a few years ago. Punch it into your internets and you’ll find it all. It must be good because all of the big vitamin companies and fat-fighters are branding their own forms of CLA. Why not ? Yet another supplement that will help people attack that fat and empty their wallets at the same time!!

After doing some research I saw that CLA is the wonder-supplement that will not only knock off the blubber but also enhances the immune system, maintains blood glucose and insulin levels and lowers cholesterol. Why wouldn’t you rush out to Capers and buy a case of the stuff.

Alas... the Wikipedia is not so optimistic. According to their data CLA is a trans fat- not a bad trans fat though. However, taking CLA may actually result in insulin resistance and give you diabetes. What the hell? I’m trying to change my lifestyle to avoid the big “D” and now I’m taking a supplement that might provoke it! Well, I’m not currently taking the CLA. I’ll finish the bottle at some time but not right now - hopefully it doesn’t end up at the back of the cupboard with the bottle of LEANS PLUS that expired in 2003 which I don’t have the heart to throw away because it was expensive.

20 lbs down