Since the trend is to consume less of the natural sources of CLA, meat and dairy fat, taking supplements may make sense.

Studies suggest that taking 3-4 grams of CLA per day can improve the muscle-fat ratio. By contributing to a loss of body fat, particularly abdominal fat, while increasing lean tissue formation, the result can be a leaner, and thus, healthier body.

It should be emphasized again that taking CLA alone will not be an effective weight loss remedy for most individuals. When combined with a good diet and exercise plan, it will enhance the effects of your other efforts and make it easier to keep the weight off.

CLA side effects:

So far no adverse effects or drug interactions have been reported for CLA.

Where to get CLA: CLA can be purchased as a supplement or if you choose the fun way our two ShapeWise Chews, chocolate and lemon, each contain 350 milligrams of CLA.

This the last and final post in the CLA series.


Gene C.

CLA is functionally similar to certain insulin sensitizers. This fact offers the possibility that CLA could be helpful in treating or preventing diabetes. Researchers discovered that CLA normalized impaired Glucose function and reduced hyperinsulinemia in diabetic rats. In a separate study conducted at Purdue University, CLA was found to improve insulin levels in about two-thirds of diabetic patients, and moderately reduced the blood glucose level and triglyceride levels. Diabetics who supplemented their diet with CLA had lower body mass and lower blood sugar levels when compared to the control group. The next post on CLA will be the last of this series and I will reccomend a product to take if you are interested in trying CLA in your daily regimen.


Gene C.

CLA has been shown to decrease body fat content by inhibiting fat storage and reducing the amount of fat deposited in the body. In one study, researchers found that pigs fed CLA showed a reduction in fat deposits of 31%, and an increase in lean tissue formation of 25% over an eight week period.

Using human subjects, a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. An average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group.

A research study done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reported in August 2000 to the American Chemical Society did not find weight loss in overweight people from use of CLA supplements. However, they did find that when the dieters stopped dieting, and gained back weight, those taking CLA "were more likely to gain muscle and not fat."

In another study involving human subjects, those taking CLA experienced a small weight loss, about 3.5 pounds without altering their caloric intake.

Researchers also found that higher levels of CLA in the blood stream were associated with lower levels of leptin, a hormone that is believed to control the levels of fat in the body. In the placebo group, leptin levels rose slightly. Studies have indicated that high leptin levels may have a part to play in obesity.


Gene C.

In vivo animal and human cells indicate that CLA may protect against prostate, mammary and colon cancer. In one impressive study researchers induced experimental mammary cancer in rats. They then fed the animals either high CLA butter fat or a free fatty acid mixture of CLA isomers (typical of that found in supplemental CLA) during the time of pubescent mammary gland development. Only 53% of the animals given CLA, both in the form of butter and free fatty acids, developed mammary tumors compared to 93% of controls!

The researchers concluded that CLA could be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer. According to Dale Bauman, one of the lead authors of this study, 'Most dietary substances exhibiting anti-carcinogenic activity are of plant origin and are only present at trace levels. However, CLA is found almost exclusively in animal products and is among the most potent of all naturally occurring anti-carcinogens.' In another study of animals with experimental breast cancer, the spread of the tumors was inhibited in proportion with increasing concentrations of dietary CLA. CLA was nearly as effective as indomethacin, a pharmaceutical suppressor of tumor growth and metastasis.

Conjugated linoleic acid has been shown to inhibit ACF, a biomarker of colon cancer, in rats.

In another study involving prostate cancer, immunodefecient mice were injected with human prostate cancer cells. Mice fed a CLA enhanced diet had smaller tumors and a reduction in metastases.


Gene C.

In one study, researchers investigated the cholesterol lowering effects of of CLA on hamsters. Compared to controls, the CLA treated animals collectively experienced a significant reduction in levels of plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Atherosclerosis took much longer to develop in the aortas of the CLA treated groups than in controls.

In another study, researchers fed rabbits a standardized diet. Half of the rabbits were given CLA (0.5 g CLA/rabbit per day) for a period of 12 weeks. As compared to controls, the researchers found that total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were markedly lower in the CLA fed group. In addition, the LDL cholesterol-to-HDL cholesterol ratio and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio were significantly improved in CLA fed rabbits. Again, the aortas of CLA fed rabbits showed less atherosclerosis than in controls.





Gene C.

Well that is certainly a mouthful isn't it? Over the next few days I will be running a series covering CLA and it's benefits.

What is CLA or Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a naturally-occuring polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is a group of isomers of linoleic acid, meaning that it is chemically identical but has the atoms arranged in a different pattern than ordinary linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is one of the essential amino acids. The human body is unable to manufacture Linoleic Acid or CLA, so it must be obtained form dietary sources. Foods highest in CLA include dairy products and meat from ruminant animals, such as beef, lamb and veal.

Benefits of CLA

CLA has been the subject of a variety of research studies in the past several years and findings suggest that some of the benefits of CLA include the following:

• CLA promotes muscle growth while reducing body fat.
• CLA may be one of the most potent cancer-fighting substances in our diet.
• CLA has been shown to lower cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides and improve the cholesterol/HDL ratio.
• CLA improves Immune response.
• CLA helps normalize impaired glucose tolerance in diabetics.
• CLA increases the metabolic rate.
• CLA decreases abdominal fat.
• CLA lowers insulin resistance.
• CLA reduces food-induced allergic reactions.
• CLA has been found to prevent human platelet aggregation, significant in light of the role 'sticky cells' play in strokes.

Stay tuned for more to follow on CLA.

Gene C.

We are introducing a new product into our extensive line. It is the yummy Health Management and Nutrition Vegetable Beef Pasta. It is a meal replacement, contains 120 calories, 1.5 TOTAL fat grams, 0 saturated fats, o trans fats, 700 mg of potassium (prevents leg cramps), 5 grams of dietary fiber and 15 grams of protein. It also contains 30% of the daily value of vitamin C and A as well as 20% of the daily value of the vitamins calcium and iron. (Ladies take notice.)

As always Jan and I taste test the product before we even consider adding it to our line. This product is very good and it will satisfy the craving of those of you looking for a meaty flavor in an entree. It will be available after January 22, 2008 and we hope you enjoy this product as much as we enjoy do. This product is perfectly suited to accompany a soup or perhaps a green salad for an exquisite lunch or dinner. We would appreciate your feed back both by e-mail or through this blog.


Gene C.

We have been asked recently by two clients if our products are kosher so we thought we would address this very important issue. ALL of our products are certified kosher. We have all the certificates necessary to show that each and every one of our products are kosher. If you need a copy of the certificates covering any of our products just send me an e-mail and we will provide you or anyone you designate a copy of the certification.

There are times when a product hits the market and it is wildly successful and often we do not understand why. It tastes great, it works great and everyone, for their own reason(s) has a preference for it.

Welcome to Kay's All Natural Protein Chips and Cereals:

As most of you know we have recently started distributing this wonderful, most tasty and enjoyable line of products. Since we posted it on our website the sales have been brisk (to say the least) and client feedback has been super positive. Now why are these products flying off the shelf? Here is a birds eye view of why these products are so good. First of all I have been involved in food and nutrition for 40 years (yep, I am that old) and understand the dynamics of product popularity and performance. While I do not have a degree in chemistry or food science I do have a wealth of knowledge with empirical data. This is nothing more than a fancy way of saying we have seen it in the marketplace and it works. But why????

O.K. listen up.

All of Kay's Natural Products are made with organic whole grains and non-GMO ingredients, are very high in protein with no trans fats, low sodium and a very low level of carbohydrates.

Let's look at the ingredients used by Kay's All Natural Products:

Protein: By combining Soy protein with other proteins from whole grain cereal sources, they are able to get a complete amino acid profile, thus making their Protein Chips a complete source of protein. A single serving contains the same amount of protein as two slices of packaged sandwich meat. Researchers have found that soy protein, when part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Fiber: The fiber used is pea fiber, making high protein more digestible. This helps prevent complications associated with high protein diets. Carbohydrates: Kay's Naturals has striven for balance between carbohydrates (12-14 grams per serving, 1-3 grams of which are fiber) and protein (10 grams/serving) for a healthier product.

Weight Loss and/or Maintenance: Due to the substantial protein and fiber content along with the low fat aspect of Protein Chips, they are very filling while being an effective means of assisting in weight loss and/or maintenance programs.

Natural Whole Grains: One of the more unique aspects of Protein Chips is the use of natural whole grains in the manufacturing process as much as possible. This includes the whole kernel of grain, including the bran, the endosperm, and the protein. Where the whole grain cannot be used, they incorporate the protein and fiber of the grain.

Herbs and Spices: They have added herbs and spices to enhance flavoring, but many of these constituents have superior health properties as we have outlined below.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is sometimes used by traditional healers for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Garlic: Garlic has been used by traditional healers as a natural way to enhance the immune system, and to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Cumin: Traditional healers have recommended this anti-oxidant to assist with the digestive system. Science is beginning to confirm cumin's reputation. Research has shown that cumin may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary for proper digestion, and in turn, the proper assimilation of nutrients. Cumin is also a source of iron, a component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy.

Chili Pepper: Traditional healers have used chili peppers to assist with decreasing inflammation and to boost the immune system.

Bottom Line: What we have in Kay's All Natural line of products is a well designed and engineered nutritional system that is intended to maximize your efforts at weight loss and health management while delivering great taste and a variety of palate pleasing flavors.


Gene C.