CLA
CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid - is not a new discovery
as some magazines would have you believe. However, a
better understanding of its effects are leading to
potential applications that are extremely new and
exciting. CLA was discovered by accident in 1978 by
Michael W. Pariza at the University of Wisconsin while
looking for mutagen formations in meat during cooking.
Although all the intricacies of CLA are not fully
understood, it is widely accepted in the research
community that CLA counterbalances the negative effects of
linoleic acid and regulates fat and protein metabolism in
animals. Pariza, director of the Food Research Institute
at the University of Wisconsin said, "growing body of data
indicates that CLA is a newly recognized nutrient that
functions to regulate energy retention and metabolism".
CLA can best be described as a "Growth Factor".
Food intake efficiency! CLA has been shown in animal
studies to increase growth rate through increased feed
efficiency. In controlled studies, animals that had their
diets supplemented with CLA increased their body protein
(muscle tissue) while at the same time, had a significant
decrease in body fat. This all occurred in the CLA
supplemented animals while their food intake was
decreased. Their lean mass increased even though they were
eating less! This indicates that CLA increases feed
efficiency and also points to a potent nutrient
repartitioning effect. This significant change in body
composition can also be attributed in part to CLA's effect
on immune function. When CLA levels fall, interleukin-1
and tumor necrosis factor-a are involved in the
accumulation of body fat. CLA has been shown to inhibit
the lean tissue wasting caused by high levels of these
cytokines.
Actual human studies are on the way with anticipation
of similar outcomes. CLA may be the most significant
bodybuilding nutrient discovered in this decade. With
anti-catabolic effects rivaling even the strongest
pharmaceutical compounds, CLA is a naturally occurring
nutrient with the ability to help you pack on lean muscle,
reduce body fat and at the same time possesses health
promoting properties.
CLA occurs naturally in foods such as milk, cheese,
beef, and lamb as well as many processed foods. One
processed food in particular that's high in CLA is Cheez
Wiz®. But getting enough CLA from your diet for the
preferred benefit would require considerable intake of
these types of foods. This is not only impractical, but
would also have a seriously negative impact on your
metabolism due to the high caloric penalty you would pay.
Since this research has surfaced, a more economical and
efficient way to get the required CLA has been devised.
Through advanced lipid technology, a CLA synthesizing
process allows for precision intake through premeasured
softgel capsules. This allows for precise CLA intake at
determined time intervals without the high calorie food
consumption. Not only has CLA been shown to increase
muscle mass while reducing body fat, studies have also
shown remarkable anti-catabolic, antioxidant, immune
enhancement, and anti-cancer benefits. Several other
studies have even revealed dramatic cholesterol reducing
effects. All this from a structured lipid. A "designer
fat" if you would. To the athlete looking to add more
muscle and drop body fat, CLA is a unique discovery that
will make accomplishing this feat easier and faster, all
the while having positive effects on immune function and
antioxidant status, as well as cholesterol lowering
effects.
