Conjugated linoleic acid is a term used to describe a group of isomers of linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found in many vegetable oils.
Conjugated linoleic acid has been shown in numerous studies to be a strong cancer fighting agent, and also to aid in the reduction of fat in obese people.
Conjugated linoleic acid has also been linked to increasing insulin levels in diabetics, increasing metabolic rate, lowering cholesterol, reducing food allergies and aiding the immune system. It seems that nearly every month a new study is released, showing yet another positive effect of conjugated linoleic acid, leading many to label it a wonder-drug.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is found naturally in eggs, and dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, that have undergone heat processing treatments. CLA is produced from linoleic acid in sunflower oil. CLA was originally found in milk fat where it exists in the form of phospholipids and triglycerides. There is evidence that human milk contains CLA.
Conjugated linoleic acid is by no means intended to be a diet miracle drug, but in tandem with dieting and regular exercise it has been shown to have a substantial effect. Conjugated linoleic acid does not destroy fat or strip it from the body, but it does appear to stop fat cells from growing, as rapidly as they otherwise would.
Basically, conjugated linoleic acid assists the glucose we ingest to be directed to muscle cells rapidly and more efficiently. This means the glucose doesn't go to feed fat cells, and instead helps muscle cells rebuild and grow. The end result is that less fat develops throughout the body, while muscle grows at a faster rate.
Modern food processing techniques strip most conjugated linoleic acid from the food we eat, leaving most people in the modern world with a substantial deficiency. Additionally, the types of food which have high levels of conjugated linoleic acid are also high in other things -— such as fat and cholesterol —- making bulking up on those foods a less-than-ideal solution. For this reason, many nutritionists recommend supplementing one's diet with conjugated linoleic acid pills, rather than increasing one's intake of dairy.
Benefits of CLA include the following:
Increases metabolic rate: This would obviously be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism (even when treated) can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
Decreases abdominal fat: Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.
Enhances muscle growth: Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides: Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient's health.
Lowers insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes, and make it easier to control weight.
Reduces food-induced allergic reactions: Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients.
Enhances immune system: Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit.
If you're interested in taking CLA to help with weight loss, keep in mind that it's not a magic, and you will need to start a program of diet and exercise in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off.
Conjugated linoleic acid supplements are available in most health-food stores or wherever dietary supplements are sold. Most tests recommend a daily dosage of 3400mg of conjugated linoleic acid to assist in the reduction of body fat and growth of muscle.
For more info, download Linoleic Acid, a free ebook.
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