Conjugated Linoleic Acid - CLA

Getting lean with CLA — also known as conjugated linoleic acid.

Don't be put off by the long name. CLA is for fitness buffs and beginners alike and may be your best bet for a firm and toned body.

Lean Tip #1: Look for the CLA-rich food

Linoleic acid is an essential and natural free fatty acid found in a regular balanced diet. CLA is a derivative of this. Some foods in which CLA can be found are beef, lamb, sunflower and safflower oil and dairy products. CLA reduces the triglyceride — or fat — storage in our fat cells. It does this by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase activity. As a result, our bodies absorb less fat. CLA is available at your supplement store, too.

Do think CLA will allow you to eat fatty meat without consequence. Too much red meat prepared in an unhealthy manner will still damage your arteries. Also, moderate consumption dairy products. Full-cream milk, while rich in CLA, still contains fat of its own. Stir-fry vegetables with a light drizzle of sunflower oil for dinner.

Lean Tip #2: The CLA-way to lean muscles

Besides limiting fat absorption, CLA increases the fat oxidation in muscles. It breaks down fatty acids for energy production in the muscle by increasing the activity of an enzyme called carnitine palmitoyl transferase.

Lean muscle tissue is increased as fat is converted into energy, just as in exercise. That's why it's important to have CLA in your diet, as part of your healthy exercise regimen this festive season.

Lean muscle tissue is healthier for our bodies. When exercising, keep in mind that the goal is to increase lean muscle tissue, since weight loss is not an accurate or useful gauge of good health. Remember, extreme slimming resolutions may not be good for your overall health in the long run. Take a CLA supplement to make sure you are getting enough.

CLA Weight Loss

Use of Select Supplements Could Save $5 Billion in Health Care Costs Posted on: 11/02/2005 WASHINGTON--The use of dietary supplements containing omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), lutein and zeaxanthin by U.S. adults over 65 could save the U.S. health care system up to $5.6 billion over the next five years, according to a new report by The Lewin Group. This is the second such report commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA); a 2004 Lewin study concluded the use of calcium and folic acid supplements by U.S. adults could result in over $15 billion in health care savings. Read Story Here