If you’ve been hoping to find something in your diet that helps reduce body fat, this is it. Conjugated linoleic acid is an isomer (different structure) of linoleic acid, which is the most common type of omega-6 fatty acid.
Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA) gets its name from the arrangement of double bonds in the fatty acid molecule. Sources of CLA in our diets include meat and dairy products from ruminant animals
Conjugated Linoleic Acid’s Fat-Burning Health Benefits
Positive health effects of CLA were first revealed during animal studies when researchers discovered that it could help battle cancer in mice. Subsequent studies showed the beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid for fat loss. CLA has been linked to the following benefits.
- Reduced food intake
- Increased fat burning
- More fat cell breakdown
- Inhibited fat production
Study results are so positive, CLA is now one of the most widely studied weight loss supplements in the world.
Other Potential Health Benefits of CLA
Based on the success of research related to weight loss, many long-term studies have been conducted to analyze CLA’s effects on humans. The following findings were noted in study participants who consumed larger amounts of CLA in their diet.
- Lower risk of a variety of diseases and conditions. Including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer
- Increased muscle mass. In addition to reducing body fat, CLA has been shown to improve lean body mass, or the ratio of fat to body weight.
- Reduced inflammation. Shown to reduce inflammation in arthritic mice, CLA may also help reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma and allergies.
- Immune system benefits. In addition to building resistance to inflammation, there is some evidence that CLA helps build resistance to infections and immune system imbalances.
Herbal One’s Ultra Lean is an excellent source of natural-source conjugated linoleic acid from sunflower oil.
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