If you want to lose body fat and have started your google search for the list of supplements you need to have, you might have found CLA in that list. You might wonder what it is and how to get started with it…
Look no further because we are here to crack that code for you and help you understand what CLA is and how it works for fat loss.
What is CLA?
CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is an essential fatty acid. Essential fat is one that the body requires to function properly. The body can produce certain fats, but essential fats must be obtained through diet.
In general, there are two kinds of essential fats: omega 3 and omega 6. CLA is a linoleic polyunsaturated fatty acid and a subcategory of omega 6 essential fatty acids. The term conjugated refers to how its single and double bonds are arranged, which ultimately helps to determine the type of fat. CLA is also a trans-fat, which is a type of unsaturated fat that occurs naturally. However, unlike the processed man-made version of trans-fats, it is believed to have health benefits.
How CLA Helps in Fat Loss?
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), CLA can alter body composition and aid in weight loss by altering metabolism. CLA is thought to work by assisting the body in breaking down and burning more fat cells while also preventing excess fat storage. In reality, however, this process appears to affect primarily, the fat cells stored within the muscle tissue.
It is important to note that fat cells within the muscle do not affect body fat levels, which are determined more by subcutaneous fat (fat between the skin and the muscle.) However, on a cellular level, CLA interacts with this process.
A study looked at the effect of a 3.4g CLA supplement on body weight in obese men over a short period. It resulted in a one-pound weight loss over four weeks.
Another study looked at how a higher dose of CLA (6.4g) affected body weight in obese women. According to this study, after 36 weeks, taking CLA was associated with a lower BMI and fat tissue. As a result, these studies show that CLA supplementation results in a minor decrease in overall weight.
Other Benefits of CLA
Strengthens Immune System
CLA may help to strengthen the immune system in addition to fat loss because its anti-inflammatory properties can help the immune system function more optimally and make it easier for the body to fight off infections.
Nothing halts progress in the gym like a sudden illness, and CLA supplementation can help to avoid this.
Increased Bone Health
Athletes and gym-goers place a high value on muscle strength. However, they do not always consider the importance of having strong bones. Strong, healthy bones reduce their risk of fractures and other injuries, and CLA has been shown to promote increased bone strength. In addition, it improves the body's ability to absorb calcium while decreasing the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bones.
Improves Heart Health
CLA may also benefit heart health. Recent research suggests that it may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques on the arteries that have been linked to severe health problems such as heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Researchers believe that CLA's effect on heart health stems from its ability to improve liver function. As a result, the liver can metabolize fat more effectively, which helps to prevent plaque buildup.
Builds Lean Muscle Mass
According to available research, the benefits of taking CLA supplements while exercising vary. However, the researchers include several studies that show CLA supplements can reduce body fat and improve lean body mass, which is the fat-to-body-weight ratio.
Compared to a placebo group, participants in one study who took 1.8 mg of CLA for 12 weeks and went to the gym for 90 minutes three times per week reduced their body fat but not their body weight and increased their lean muscle mass.
Who Should Be Using CLA?
CLA has a lot to offer those looking to improve their body composition and overall health. However, some people will benefit more from this supplement than others.
In general, the following people are thought to be the best candidates for CLA supplementation:
CLA is also advantageous to those who do not consume meat or dairy products (vegans or vegetarians). Because it is most abundant in these foods, and because the body cannot produce CLA on its own, these people may benefit more significantly from including it in their supplement routines.
Choosing the Right Supplement
Rather than going for a separate CLA supplement altogether, you can opt for a natural fat burner like Ripcut and Ripcut Thermo from Epicvita that contains the appropriate amount of CLA needed every day for reaching your body composition goals.
You can trust the credibility of Epicvita as we test our supplements for purity and efficacy, and we carry a reputation for creating safe, high-quality products.
References
Koba, K., & Yanagita, T. (2014). Health benefits of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 8(6), e525–e532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2013.10.001
Potential Benefits of CLA. (2002). Nutrition Bulletin, 27(1), 54. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-3010.2002.00222.x
