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CLA - Conjugated or Compromised?
Summary Article - Condensed Version

Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is not all it's cracked up to be. CLA is a supplement of the omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acid that has been changed into twisted trans- fats that can damage the body and interfere with the important functions of essential fatty acids (EFAs).

A research review on CLA shows disappointing results. Most human studies find no benefits in the degenerative conditions for which CLA is recommended: weight loss, impaired immune and antioxidant function, and cardiovascular problems. Animal studies are mixed and, in fact, encourage us to be cautious about using higher doses of CLA due to the possibility of worsening some degenerative health problems.

Instead of using CLA, we need to focus on getting enough EFAs in our diet. Many people are already deficient in one or both of the two essential fatty acids: omega-3s and omega-6s. The most beneficial ratio is two omega-3s to each omega-6. These EFAs should come from organically grown oils that retain their health-promoting 'minor ingredients', which include antioxidants, phytosterols, lecithin, and other oil-soluble molecules present in seeds and nuts.

This approach is part of the The Right Fat Diet, a food program emphasizing

  • green vegetables
  • the best fats (EFAs) in the right ratio - made, packaged, stored and used properly
  • proteins

as the foundation for good health.

The Right Fat Diet® lowers most cardiovascular risk factors, provides the EFAs essential for insulin function, inhibits fat production and enhances fat burning, promotes healthy fat loss, increases caloric burning, and improves insulin sensitivity-many of the benefits hyped for but not delivered by CLA.


 

 
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