Three ways this natural solution triggers fat burning instead of fat storing.
Since the 1980s, numerous studies have focused on the power of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) to serve as a natural weight loss aid. In fact, I broke the story on the slimming benefits of “good” fats in my first book Beyond Pritikin back in 1988.
A flurry of new research has hailed GLA’s major fat-fighting mechanism as a new obesity “theory” (New England Journal of Medicine, 2009) which is exciting news as we head into the holiday season. I’m such a believer in GLA’s abilities that I featured it in my “Worries Solved” Nutrition column in this month’s First for Women Magazine.
Why do I love GLA so much?
Found in seed oils from borage, evening primrose, and black currant seed, GLA is an omega-6 essential fatty acid that triggers fat burning instead of fat storage in three ways:
1. GLA fuels the burning of brown adipose tissue, a type of fat commonly dormant in overweight people. I like to call brown fat your personalized fat burner. Although it only makes up 10% or less of total body fat, it burns ¼ of all the calories burned by the other fat tissues combined.
2. GLA stimulates a metabolic process commonly referred to as the “sodium pump,” helping to use up nearly half of the body’s calories.
3. Like other fatty acids, GLA’s thought to help elevate levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that contributes to the feeling of fullness –which means you’ll feel satisfied sooner, and put the brakes on the urge to overindulge.
BEAUTY BONUS! Beyond weight loss, a steady supply of GLA helps skin retain its moisture and stay supple and smooth.
Ideally, GLA can be synthesized by the body from linolenic acid, found in certain oils, grains, and seeds. But when you take into account the dietary and lifestyle habits of today’s society, most of our bodies just can’t make that conversion.
Overconsumption of artificial trans-fats, sugar or alcohol, and smoking, aging, and illnesses such as diabetes can act as the main metabolic roadblocks. All of these factors affect the body’s ability to convert linolenic acid into GLA and efficiently burn fat.
Luckily, it’s easy to give your body the GLA it needs to become an efficient fat-burning machine. Supplementing your diet with seed oils provides GLA in a usable form, so the body can bypass the conversion process and get down to the business of burning excess fat.
Years ago, I used to suggest using evening primrose oil, but today I’m hesitant because it can sometimes trigger breakthrough bleeding, as it appears to be somewhat estrogenic in certain women. Instead, I recommend black currant seed oil because it has the best balance of beneficial ingredients—including omega-3s.
Recommended Usage:
The recommended dose of GLA ranges from 300 to 2,000 milligrams per day. I suggest taking two 180 mg dosages of GLA-90—rich in black currant seed oil—for a 360 mg total per day.
Boost the Benefits:
It may take 3 to 6 weeks before you feel the full effects of GLA supplementation. GLA is most effective when taken in two divided daily doses with food to enhance its absorption and minimize the likelihood of digestive upset.
