CLA Effects On Lean Body Mass

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is getting great reviews on its positive effects on metabolic rate, fat oxidation and muscle building; some pretty big claims! But does conjugated linoleic acid work? Let’s take a look at what CLA is and how it affects lean body mass.

What Is CLA?
CLA is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid present in foods such as cheese, red meat and dairy products. It is known as a ‘good’ fat as is essential to the body for it to function properly. The amount of CLA found naturally in the food products mentioned is not enough to promote its full benefits and this is further compounded as the foods that contain naturally occurring CLA also contain large amount of calories and saturated ‘bad’ fats. Therefore supplementation is a very convenient way to achieve increased, healthy consumption.

Supplemental CLA is made from taking linoleic acid found in safflower oil and sunflower oil and converting it in a lab to conjugated linoleic acid.

Benefits & Effects Of CLA
One study performed on CLA conducted a six month trial; ‘Subjects were randomised into two groups supplemented with either 3 x 4 g/d CLA or placebo for 6 months. CLA significantly decreased BFM (body fat mass) at month 3 (Delta=- 0 x 9 %, P=0 x 016) and at month 6 (Delta=- 3 x 4 %, P=0 x 043) compared with placebo’ (Gaullier et. Al 2007).

The same study also saw an increase in lean body mass (LBM) within the CLA group. From the results of this study we can conclude that CLA is an effective oral supplement that has significant benefits to users looking for overall increases in muscle and decreases in body fat.

References
Gaullier JM, Halse J, Hoivik HO, Hoye K, Syvertsen C, Nurminiemi M, Hassfeld C, Einerhand A, O’Shea M, Gudmundsen O. (2007) ‘Six months supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid induces regional-specific fat mass decreases in overweight and obese’, The British Journal Of Nutrition, Mar;97(3):550-60.

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What’s the normal dose of EPA or DHA?  That’s a question that has been difficult to answer, but cardiology researchers are trying to shed some light on the subject, because they are now sure that we can reduce our risk of primary and secondary heart disease, by increasing our intake of those specific omega-3 fatty acids.

Over the years, there have been dozens of studies concerning the benefit of omega-3s and fish oil, specifically, for heart health.  Researchers have been cautious about making broad statements.  No one wants the public to think that they can eat whatever they want; fail to get enough exercise and then take a fish oil supplement to make everything all better.  It doesn’t work that way.

What people can do is take a break from work or television time and go for a walk.  They can eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  They can choose fish and lean poultry, instead of beef and pork.

If they make those kinds of efforts and they take an adequate or normal dose of EPA or DHA fish oil every day, then they should reduce their risks of heart attack, heart failure and atherosclerosis.  They should have a lower risk of circulatory problems and type II diabetes, if they also make an effort to avoid junk food, which is devoid of nutrients and full of calories.

Drinking alcohol in moderation (no more than one or two drinks per day) is fine.  There may be particular health benefits related to the daily consumption of a glass of red wine, for the heart, the prostate and the prevention of various age-related diseases.

More and more, researchers are saying that eating simple carbohydrates is not okay, in even moderate amounts, regardless of whether or not a person takes the normal dose of EPA or DHA.  Simple carbs, which include breads, pastries, potatoes and polished grains like white rice, cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, which sets of a chain reaction that ends with the production of Advance Glycation End-products or AGEs.

AGEs are dangerous to the brain and all of the cells of the body.  They are a major cause of cellular aging and despite all of the good things that a nutritional supplement like fish oil can do for you; it does not interfere with the production of AGEs.  You must cut the supply line by avoiding the simple carbs.

A normal dose of EPA or DHA should reduce inflammation in your body and inflammation is another major cause of cellular aging.  But, what is the correct dosage, anyway.

According to cardiologists, a person with no heart disease should have a daily goal of 500mg per day.  A person with heart disease or at risk for developing it should strive for 800-1000mg per day.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

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Losing weight can sometimes be depressing because we are not getting the results that we want.  Many of us won’t admit it, but sometimes we talk to ourselves.  Especially when it comes to losing weight we have those conversations with ourselves to get us motivated to go to the gym or to talk us out of eating that juicy bacon cheeseburger.  Positive self-talk is a valuable tool when it comes to weight loss.  It can help keep us motivated.  Staying positive and having positive thoughts are one of the many mental things to keep us on that weight loss track.  There are three things you can do to stay positive:  form a support group, keep track of your progress, and reward yourself.

Having a support group is an easy way to keep you motivated.  Many people find a workout buddy.  Workout buddies go running in the morning or call the other person to get them out of bed.  They are also people to go to the gym with.  If you can’t find a workout buddy another good support group can be found in the classes offered at the gym.  There are many women and men in those classes who have the same goals as you do.  Including your family and friends in your support group can really help.  They want to help you with your goals.  If you need help eating the right foods, ask them to help.

Keep track of your progress is one of the easiest things you can do.  There are many free websites out there that will help you keep track of what you have eaten and your exercise during the day.  There are also support groups on these websites as well.  Another way to record your progress is to write what you did and ate that day in a journal.  Keeping track of your daily activities will help you to feel proud of yourself when you are sticking to the plan.  It can also help you to spot places that need improvement.  You may see that eating that one snack was not as healthy as you thought.  One way to keep track of what you eat is to take a whey protein supplement daily.  This will help you to create lean muscle.  Lean muscle is what burns the calories and fat.  Whey protein isolates are the best type of protein because it is 90% protein and it has fewer fat and carbohydrates as other proteins.  It is also dairy based so it is easier to digest.  

When you do see some progress, reward yourself.  Rewards are another great motivator to help us stay positive.  Many of the rewards can be psychological; however, rewarding yourself with monetary things is not bad either.  We are use rewards differently.  For some people they may only need the pat on the back, but for others it may be that new outfit they have been eyeing at the store.  

Make sure your expectations are realistic.  We live in a world that has developed the “get rich quick” schemes.  Many people seem to think if they aren’t seeing drastic changes in a week something is wrong.  Following these three simple positive thinking rules will help you stay happier about the process.

For more info on whey protein, visit My Top Form Protein

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