Conjugated Linoleic Acid – Is CLA Miracle or Common Sense?

More and more people are becoming overweight not just in the US but all over the world. The best way to lose weight and keep it off is by eating right and exercising regularly. But many people are looking for the quick-fix miracle that will help them shed their pounds right away. One of the biggest buzz words in terms of weight loss is conjugated linoleic acid, otherwise known as CLA.

CLA is often referred to as the "good fat" that we need in our bodies. It’s mostly found in meat and dairy products of those animals that are able to feed on grass. The reason that this is creating a great deal of interest is because the results of clinical studies have shown that CLA actually lowers body fat in overweight people while maintaining muscle tissue.

It has also been discovered that CLA increases metabolism, decreases belly fat and can improve muscle growth. Conjugated Linoleic Acid also lowers cholesterol and triglycerides and improves the immune system which is something everyone could use. The fact that these acids increase metabolism is a very exciting find, especially for the many who suffer from thyroid problems like hypothyroidism. Thyroid problems can also be the culprit which leads to big bellies. So again, CLA can solve a lot of problems in that area.

CLA is much more common in grass-fed animals than in those who feed on grain. So to get your dose of CLA, you can make sure you are getting meat from grass fed animals and you can take a look at the various weight supplements that include the fabricated version of CLA. It’s important that, if you do decide to go with the supplements, you get one that offers at least 3400 milligrams per day. This is the level which will be effective.

So CLA really is appearing to be somewhat of a miracle for some people. However, you cannot lose weight simply by getting the recommended daily amount of CLA. Using it in conjunction with healthy eating and sleeping habits and regular exercise is the most effective way to lose your "bad fat".

Try to drink a lot of water, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (especially the most brightly colored ones), whole grains, and Omega-3 fatty acids (from oily fish, nuts of flax seeds) every day. Also, do not skip meals and make sure you get enough sleep. skipping meals can backfire and studies have proven that people who aren’t sleeping enough tend to be hungrier and overweight. Regular exercise does not have to be strenuous. If you can make a committment to walking for 20-30 minutes three to five times per week, then you are doing regular exercise.

The combination of your daily dosage of conjugated linoleic acid, healthy eating habits and physical exercise will get you the results you would like.