Save an Animal, Take a CLA Supplement Instead!

Don't Eat Me, Take a CLA Supplement!

I have a friend who carries CLA softgels in his pocket so he can eat a few with every meal.  He claims CLA helps reduce belly fat and has cancer fighting properties.  Turns out that he may be on to something…manufacturers and other researchers of CLA products claim that taking it leads to a leaner body mass and may contribute to weight loss, especially in the belly.  So, In my blog today I thought I would let you know what CLA is, where it comes from and what is has been known to do so you can check it out for yourself.

CLA is Conjugated Linoliec Acid, which is a fatty acid.  CLA is found in eggs, beef (especially grass fed animals), and some button mushrooms, pomegranate oil, safflower and sunflower oil.  The CLA that is found in meat or dairy products is highest when from ruminants.  Ruminants are mammals that have a peculiar digestion method.  Once they swallow their food, the food particles move into their “first stomach” where it is softened so they can throw it up and chew it over again.  I know, this sounds gross, but this is how cattle, goats, camels, deer, and other grazers break down the particles of food that they eat.  And another fun fact (although I doubt this will apply to your all-American diet) Kangaroo meat has a very high concentration of CLA. 

Commercially CLA is made by processing sunflower and/or safflower oil.  This is the source of the CLA that you will find to purchase in most stores.  A popular brand is the Natrol Tonalin CLA, but there are many varieties on the market today.  AllStarHealth.com has 3 pages of CLA Supplements, so that should give you an idea of how popular this supplement has become.

Research on CLA has been shown not only to have lean effects on the belly and overall body mass but also cancer fighting abilities.  Studies have shown reduction in tumors in Mice when applied topically or taken orally.  Though I had to stop reading about the mistreatment of animals that was done to research these effects, you can look for yourself on the internet for more info.  There is quite a bit of research that has been done.

So, there you have it.  I can tell you that my friend that keeps these in his pocket doesn’t have any belly fat and he eats a ton of food.  He also works out religiously and stays active.  So is it magic?  Doubtful.  But is it effective?  Try it and let me know!  I’d love to hear your feedback.