Is CLA really “liposuction in a bottle?”

You may have heard that CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a trans fat. You may even be alarmed by that statement, because we’ve learned that trans fats are bad. And, yes, technically, that’s correct – but only if we’re talking about the processed, man-made versions.

CLA is a “good” trans fat that exists naturally in our food sources, which means it is vastly different than the refined, processed trans fats like vegetable oil and those found in many of today’s “convenience foods.” Scientists, researchers and biologists have spent decades exploring the fact that naturally occurring agents, like CLA, have an organic and meaningful purpose within the human diet. In this case, CLA is a fatty acid that has been proven to help reduce body fat while also increasing muscle mass.

There are a number of independent studies demonstrating the fact that CLA increases lean body mass, and at the same time, reduces fat mass. In fact, CLA is a key contributor in fighting the phenomenon known as “skinny fat.”

What does this mean for you?

It means that there is a naturally existing dietary component that can help reduce body fat and increase muscle mass all by itself. Some studies indicate that people ingesting adequate amounts of CLA experienced a reduction in body fat of 8% to 9% without making additional changes to diet or exercise. If CLA can do that for people who aren’t trying to improve their health, imagine what it could do for you.

What’s the catch?

To get the 1.4 to 3 grams of recommended CLA per day, you’d have to consume around 2 pounds of red meat, 100 ounces of milk, and about a pound of cheese – Every. Single. Day.

Obviously, this level of consumption is out of the question – as that alone would ruin your health – and your weight loss efforts.

The good news is, the benefits of CLA can be achieved through supplementation.

Sadly, I have discovered that a number of the companies claiming to offer high-quality CLA are nothing more than snake oil salesmen. To wit, not all CLA supplements are created equally. For this reason, my partners at UNI KEY Health have formulated one of the purest and most potent CLA supplements on the market today.

Due to misguided and overly inflated  advertising claims in the supplement industry, I passionately implore you to do your homework before you purchase supplements. And while I recommend the UNI KEY brand with my whole heart, the most important part of this equation is your health. Even if you choose a different brand, please make sure you’re putting only the best into your body.

We only get one body, and one life – let’s make the most of it!