CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID (CLA)

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a recently discovered free fatty acid that may prove to be essential to our diet. Studies show that CLA may enhance immunity, scavenge free radicals, inhibit plague formation, reduce body fat and improve muscle tone. CLA does not replace other essential fatty acids but rather compliments and acts more efficiently when taken with other EFA’s. Cardiovascular heart disease is thought to begin with lesion formation in the artery walls, which is the result of free radical damage.

Oxidized LDL (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol, calcium deposits, inflammation and free triglycerides all contribute to the buildup of plaque in the artery walls. CLA prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. the leading factor in the development of arterial plaque. It also prevents free-radical damage to the blood vessel walls thereby preventing lesion formation.

CLA helps with weight loss by preventing the buildup of fats in the cell membrane thereby slowing fat metabolism. CLA actually improves fat metabolism by inserting itself into cellular membranes thereby regulating the metabolic process. Conjugated linoleic acid appears to have an antiproliferative effect on human malignancy.

This affects the three different stages of cancer development: cell growth initiation, differentiaiont and cell death progression. CLA appears to act as a mop, soaking up oxidants that can cause cancerous mutations in cells. Stomach, colon, breast and melanoma cancers may benefit from CLA.