CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) should be included in everyone’s daily nutrient regime for improved overall health. It is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is found in meat and dairy products. However, you would need to eat lots of beef and cheese to benefit from CLA. Fortunately, there are supplements that contain the right amount of CLA needed without consuming extra calories and fat. One of the primary perks of conjugated linoleic acid is its ability to help people shed pounds.

In a study found in the Journal of Nutrition, it has been established that CLA is effective at reducing body fat while preserving muscle tissue. It does this is by regulating thyroid hormones so that your metabolism increases, thus burning more calories. Additionally, it helps boost your energy levels so that you are apt to be more active. In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, research was done where one group of overweight people used CLA and lost 9% of their body fat in one year, without changing their eating habits or lifestyle. For example, if a person had a starting weight of 167 pounds, they could see a reduction of approximately 15 pounds without diet or exercise! It is recommended that a person needs to take around 3400 grams of CLA per day to benefit.

Other Weight Loss Benefits
CLA is found to have is that it stimulates muscle growth and discourages fat cells from getting bigger. Additionally, since CLA influences thyroid hormones, abdominal fat will start to come off more easily.

Stave off Diabetes
Good news for those with diabetes! In another study, it was discovered that CLA can improve insulin levels some diabetics. 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.

Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Many people have issues with their cholesterol and triglycerides when overweight. The supplement will help reduce those readings closer to normal. These lab values will improve as you drop off the weight and thyroid hormones become regulated with CLA. You will want to eat healthy and be active to experience the maximum effects of CLA.

Immunity
Who doesn’t want a healthy immune system to fight off all those viruses that we come in contact each day? CLA helps improve it by enhancing thyroid function. It has been found that conjugated linoleic acid plays an important role in lowering cholesterol, hence, decreasing the risk of heart disease.

Cancer Preventative
An exciting discovery has been made as far as CLA and its potential to prevent cancer. In a study done at the University of Wisconsin, it had been noted that CLA seemed to interfere with the growth of malignant cancer tumors. Separate studies have shown it to have protective qualities in the prevention of breast cancer.

Conjugated linoleic acid can be most commonly found under the brand name “Tonalin.” You will find it in pill form or as a syrup. Look for a product containing 80% CLA. It is advised to take 3.4 grams (3,400 mg) per day with meals to see maximum results.