1. This F Doesn't Mean You Fail
Essential fatty acids, also known as Vitamin F, are made up of linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. These two types of essential fatty acids are omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Both are polyunsaturated fatty acids and because the body cannot make them on it's own, we must consume them in our diet. Linoleic acid can be found in flax seed, soybeans, wheat germ, and walnut, fish and canola oils, as well as meat products. Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is a naturally occurring mixture of various types of linoleic acid, and is primarily found in meats and dairy type products.
2. Lose Fat, Gain Muscle With CLA
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) helps the body to build muscle, burn body fat and maintain a healthy cellular environment. By improving the cellular environment, it helps to also improve nutrient use by the body and control metabolism of the cells. CLA can help regulate how the body uses, accumulates and stores fat. It can lower body fat percentage, increase muscle tone and decrease appetite, due to how it helps the body extract energy more efficiently from less food.
3. Reap Anti-Cancer Benefits
Studies show that CLA has some anticancer benefits. In research done with animals, those who consumed CLA regularly had a reduced risk of developing skin, lung, colorectal, breast, stomach and prostate cancer. The theory is that CLA is able to slow the growth of cancer cells in the body. Human studies have shown a decreased risk of prostate cancer in patients who took CLA regularly.
4. Linoleic Effects on Multiple Sclerosis
Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis who took linoleic acid supplements have shown a slower rate of disability and decreased severity and length of attacks, than those who didn't supplement their diet. Caused by the demyelination of the nerve cells in the body, MS wreaks havoc on the transmission of nerve impulses. Linoleic acid, along with other fatty acids, make up the myelin sheath, and it is believed that by consuming linoleic acid it can slow down the rate of demyelination of the nerve's myelin sheath.
5. Get the Proper Dosage
For those who suffer from MS, 17 grams of linoleic acid from evening primrose or sunflower seed oil may be beneficial. Athletes and those interested in fat loss and anticancer benefits should consume between 600mg and 1000mg of high quality CLA a couple times a day. Studies of CLA have shown that it appears to be safe and non-toxic at supplement levels, but supplementing linoleic acid through evening primrose oil can cause seizures in those with a history of epilepsy. Consult your doctor before starting a supplement program.
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