It is clear from
multiple studies that essential fatty acid distribution in obese and overweight
persons is different than their lean counterparts. This study was designed to
determine whether supplementing with Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) following
weight loss would impact future weight gain.
(See below this article for link to full study)
The studies discovered that supplementing participants, who were previously
obese, with 890 milligrams a day of GLA did have an effect on preventing future
weight gain. The authors noted it took nine months for this effect to be
noticed, suggesting that it takes a while for GLA to be incorporated into the
cells of the body.
What is GLA?
GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid, is an omega-6 fatty acid that our bodies use to form
prostaglandins: potent, hormone-like substances that help the body regulate many normal body
functions such as blood thickness, skin and joint health, cholesterol levels, dilation and
constriction of blood vessels, inflammation, and more.
While GLA is mostly known because it’s
helpful to women in maintaining well-being during the menstrual cycle, it has a multitude of
benefits for both men and women.
Your body is normally able to produce GLA from the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (LA),
which is widely available in the typical American diet from such sources as safflower,
sunflower, corn, grape, and sesame oils.
However, many people are deficient in GLA because
the conversion of LA to GLA can be blocked or impeded by numerous factors. These include:
excessive cholesterol intake from diets rich in meat, eggs, and dairy products; excessive intake of
saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, hydrogenated oils, and trans fats; excessive alcohol
consumption; aging; zinc deficiency; viral infections; diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions; and
high sugar consumption.
To circumvent any of these blockages, supplementation with GLA certainly makes sense.
Where can I get GLA?
GLA
is most commonly produced from evening primrose or borage seed oils.
We recommend Shaklee's GLA Complex.
Key ingredients in GLA Complex help:
- Regulate many normal bodily functions*
- Protect arterial walls*
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), omega-6 fatty acid, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E are combined in this unique formulation to help promote a sense of well-being throughout a woman’s monthly cycle.
Shaklee uses borage
seed oil as its source because it has a higher concentration of GLA than evening primrose oil,
which means less oil (and fewer calories) is needed to provide an effective daily dosage.
Find Shaklee's GLA here: GLA Complex
If you would like more information on this or other Shaklee items, please contact us to set up your free personal consultation.
You can also visit our website: ToBeHealthy.MyShaklee.com
You can read a full study here: Gamma-linolenate reduces weight regain in formerly obese humans.
Authors: Schirmer MA, Phinney SD. J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6):1430-5.
PubMed Citation PMID: 17513402.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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