CLA is a fatty acid from the same family as omega-6, and has health benefits such as weight control, reduction of body fat and strengthening of the immune system.
Because it is produced in the intestines of ruminant animals, it is present mainly in foods such as:
- Red meats: cow, lamb, sheep, pork and buffalo; Whole milk; Cheese; Butter; Whole yogurt; Egg yolk; Chicken; Turkey.
CLA is produced in the intestines of these animals by fermenting bacteria known as Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and the quality, type and quantity of food the animal eats influences the CLA levels it will have in its fat. See all the benefits of CLA here.
CLA Supplements
CLA can also be found in capsule supplements, which contain higher concentrations of this fatty acid. In general, each capsule contains about 1 g of CLA, but to help you lose weight and burn fat, 3 to 8 g are needed.
Supplements can be found in pharmacies and nutrition stores, and should be used, preferably, according to the guidance of the doctor or nutritionist.
When it is better to use CLA in capsules
The use of CLA in capsules can be done mainly by vegetarian people, because, because they do not consume animal products, they are unable to obtain good amounts of this substance from the diet.
In addition, people who are experiencing weight loss may also benefit from using CLA in capsules. This is because, although it helps with weight loss, CLA is present in the fatty and more caloric part of foods like meat and milk. Thus, taking the CLA pill helps to reduce the need to consume more calories in the diet.
Learn more about weight loss supplements at: Weight loss supplements.
