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Lose Fat, Lose Inches -
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If your goal is to lose inches forever over the next year as opposed to losing 25 pounds over the next couple of months and gaining it all back, plus more, then this information is for you.

Scientists have found the answer in the combination of three well researched all natural components . . .
CLA + Guarana + Lipoic Acid = Fat Loss

CLA and Fat Loss

Published studies have documented the fat-reducing and anticancer effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Now scientists have discovered a way to make CLA an even more potent anti-obesity agent. Excess body fat accumulates via two distinct mechanisms. People either form more adipocytes (fat cells), and/or existing adipocytes absorb too much fat-glucose and become larger. The effect of too many adipocytes and/or bloated adipocytes is the unsightly and unhealthy amassing of body fat.
CLA has been shown to decrease the volume of adipocytes and thus reduce body fat. However many overweight people have too many adipocytes. These people need more than just CLA to achieve effective weight control.

In a fascinating study just presented at a meeting entitled Experimental Biology 2002, scientist supplemented a group of mice with CLA and a group with CLA and the herb Guarana. After six weeks, both groups of mice showed a substantial reduction in fat mass.

In the CLA-only group, the decreased fat mass was due to dramatic reduction in adipocyte size without a change in adipocyte number. In the CLA plus Guarana group, both adipocyte size an number were reduced by 50%.1

The results of this study demonstrates that dietary CLA decreases excess fat accumulation by reducing the capacity of adipocytes to store fat. When Guarana is added to CLA,there is an additional effect of reduction in adipocyte numbers, as well as a decrease in adipocyte size.

THE IMPACT OF THIS FINDING IS PROFOUND .

In weight loss studies, CLA consistently shows an ability to reduce body fat while maintaining lean muscle mass. In one study, mice fed the human equivalent of 3000 mg to 4000 mg a day of CLA achieved a 60% reduction in body fat and a 14% increase of lean body mass.2

Pigs have organs and metabolisms similar to humans, so they are good experimental models for human nutrition. In 1999 in the Journal of Nutrition a study disclosed a key element that confirmed that CLA is able to decrease fat storage and maintain lean muscle tissue. Sixty pigs were placed in one of sixty dietary treatments, one being the control group that received no CLA. Each other group received one of five different concentrations of CLA added to their normal amount of feed. After just four weeks of CLA supplementation, there was significantly less fat and more lean tissue in the groups receiving CLA. After eight weeks, the pigs with the highest CLA supplementation showed a 31% loss of body fat and a 5% increase in lean tissue. In addition, at the highest level of CLA supplementation, the back fat depth was reduced by 25%. This study was the first to show the profound effects of CLA supplements on the composition and deposition of body fat , in relat i o n to protein, water and other pig tissues. 3

A study published in August 2001 issue of the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders concludes that CLA reduces abdominal fat among men classified as abdominally obese. The study participants taking CLA lost an average of 1.4 cm in waist circumference after only four weeks. This double blind, randomized, placebo - controlled trial observed 25 men with significant abdominal fat for four weeks. Fourteen received 4.2 grams of CLA per day, while the others received a placebo. At the conclusion of the study, there was a significant decrease of abdominal diameter among the CLA group. None of the study participants changed their eating or exercise habits during the trial period.4

Preventing CANCER while losing weight

CLA is not just for fat - loss. Studies show it may help protect against many diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer and diabetes.

Additional studies found that CLA lowers total and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in animals.5

In an article appearing in the December 1999 issue of Journal of Nutrition, significant cancer preventing properties were shown when CLA was added to the diet. This study revealed CLA to be a "potent cancer preventative agent in animal models. " Specifically, it was determined that feeding CLA to female rats while they were young and still developing conferred life-long protection against breast cancer. This preventative action was achieved by adding only enough CLA to equal 0.8% of the animal’s total diet. This compares favorably with the human recommendation of 3000 mg to 4000 mg daily, which is approximately 1% of the average human diet.6

In a study published in the May-June 1998 issue of Anticancer Research, it was shown that CLA is also able to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. CLA, as the article went on to say, can be considered a powerful prostrate cancer preventative, as well as a partial treatment.7

Lets talk about Guarana and fat loss Guarana is an herb that contains a form of caffeine called guaranine, which is 2.5 times stronger than the caffeine found in coffee, tea and soft drinks. What makes guaranine unique from caffeine found in beverages is its slower release. That’s because the Guarana seed is fatty (even in powder form) and is not readily water-soluble. Therefore the body does not quickly absorb it. Since the guaranine is released slowly, the energy boost that is experienced from Guarana is not like that of coffee with its sudden rush and quick drop-off.

Rather, it continues to escalate over hours. While caffeine from beverages provides a short-lived energy burst that overheats and excites the body, guaranine has a cooling action that revitalizes and relaxes. This is because Guarana contains other components that modify the activity of this substance. The end result is more beneficial to the body than tea or coffee. Caffeine accelerates the effectiveness of CLA, thus making CLA a more potent fat burner. Guarana has been shown to stimulate the migration of lipids so fat can be burned as energy. It is also an appetite suppressant. Guarana aids in a temporary, natural increase in body temperature and metabolic thermogenesis through nutritional stimulation of the body’s receptor pathway, which can induce the breakdown and release of stored body f at, thereby allowing stored fats to be turned into energy. Guarana increases mental alertness, fights fatigue, and increases stamina and physical endurance. Guarana has a long history of use as an energy tonic and for mental acuity enhancement.

Clinical Studies on Guarana

Guarana extract and fractions decreased platelet aggregation up to 37% of control values and platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid up to 78% of control values. When platelets hyperaggregate and/or when excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke.8

In a 1997 study, Guarana increased physical activity of rats, increased physical endurance under stress and increased memory, with single doses as well as with chronic doses. Interestingly enough, the study revealed that a whole Guarana seed extract performed better and more effectively than did a comparable dosage of caffeine or ginseng extract.9

Another Brazilian research group has been studying Guarana’s apparent effect of increasing memory. Its antibacterial properties against E. coli and Salmonella have been documented as well. A 1998 toxicology study with animals have shown that Guarana is nontoxic at even high dosages of up to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight. This same study demonstrated Guarana’s antioxidant properties saying, "Guarana showed an antioxidant effect because, even at low concentrations (1.2) microg/ml), it inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation."10

A major advantage to taking Guarana in an oil base capsule is its slow release into the body. In a study published in the journal

Pharmacology Biochemical Behavior, a comparison was made of absorption of caffeine from coffee, cola or capsules. Based on saliva caffeine concentrations, the absorption from capsules was about 40% slower than that of coffee or colas. These capsules were not oil-based, yet the rate of caffeine absorption was still significantly slower than coffee or cola.11

Lipoic Acid - The Gate Keeper

Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that boosts glutathione levels in the cell. It is well known for its ability to regenerate other essential antioxidants in your body such as Vitamins C and E, coenzymeQ10, along with glutathione. Some researchers refer to Lipoic Acid as "The Gate Keeper" to your cells, allowing the good things to cross into the cell membrane and forcing out the bad things.

Lipoic Acid works very effectively with CLA in reducing the size of adipocytes (fat cells) while at the same time working with Guarana to reduce the quantity of adipocytes. It’s ability to open up the cell and transport out the unwanted fat and free radicals without causing cell damage is extremely beneficial to the process of shedding fat. This amazing nutrient turbo charges the fat loss and health strategy behind CLA and Guarana.

Conclusion

The effect of CLA on blocking excess absorption of serum glucose and fatty acids into adipocytes (fat cells) is remarkable. CLA induces a reduction in the size of adipocytes . One reason people gain weight as they age is that their adipocytes literally become fatter.

Another cause of increased body fat storage is the proliferation of adipocytes. While CLA helps block the absorption of fat and sugar into adipocytes, it does not reduce the actual number of adipocytes present. Guarana has been shown to specifically reduce the number of adipocytes. When CLA was combined with Guarana, there was a 50% reduction in adipocyte number. While many published studies document the fat-reducing effects of CLA, the fact that CLA may protect against cancer, vascular disease and Type II diabetes makes it a preferred supplement for health conscious people to use daily. In response to the study showing an added benefit when CLA is combined with Guarana, a new supplement has been formulated that contains potencies of CLA, Guarana, and Lipoic Acid that have demonstrated fat-losing effects in published studies.

How to take CLA and Guarana

The recommended amount for CLA and Guarana based on recent studies is to take between three and four softgels daily consisting of no less than 3000 mg to 4000 mg of CLA. In addition, each softgel should contain a minimum of 280 mg of Guarana and no less than 25 mg of Lipoic Acid. Certain individuals may find it harder to fall asleep if they take this formulation close to bedtime. For this reason the suggested use should state "take early in the day. " However, you can experiment and see how your body reacts. Do not take CLA with high fiber foods. The fiber can absorb the CLA making it less effective. Whole fruits and vegetables are fine: this recommendation pertains to very high fiber foods such as specialty cereals. The best thing to do is take CLA an hour or so after a high fiber meal.

As it relates to taking CLA, Guarana and Lipoic Acid softgels all at once or whether it should be taken with meals, depends on the individual. A few people can experience nausea or diarrhea taking an oil-based supplement without food, but the vast majority have no problem. In fact, some people find taking one to three softgels one half hour before meals helps them become satisfied faster, and as a result, consume less calories. Please keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules for taking this recommended formula as long as you are taking the suggested amount and avoid taking it with high fiber foods and fiber supplements. The other dosing recommendations depend upon your individual system and diet.

Important

To experience success with CLA, Guarana and Lipoic Acid, you must make a life style change and commit to using the product daily. Don’t expect to see a sudden weight drop the first month. It is important to use the product consistently over the next year and as the months pass, so will the inches! The great thing about this strategy is that the weight once off, will stay off as long as you are taking the product. And why wouldn’t you keep taking it with all the other wonderful health benefits that CLA, Guarana and Lipoic Acid provide.

Don’t be fooled. It is important that your CLA source is 100% Safflower Oil with 72 - 82% conjugated linoleic acid and other monounsaturated fatty acids . There are less expensive sources that are being used. Beware of blends with Safflower / Sunflower or other vegetable oils that are much less effective and perhaps of no benefit at all.

References:

1. Experimental Biology Meeting,New Orleans. April 20-24,2002. FASEB of Scientific Meetings and Conferences.
2. Park Y, Albright KJ,Liu W, et al. Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on body composition in mice. Lipids 1997 Aug;32 (8):853-8.
3. Ostrowska E,Muralitharan M,Cross RF, et al. Dietary conjugated linoleic acids increase lean tissue and decrease fat deposition in growing pigs.J Nutr 1999 Nov;129 (11):2037-42.
4. Riserus U,Berglund L, Vessby B.Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced abdominal adipose tissue in obese middle-aged men with signs of the metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Int
J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001 Aug;25 (8):1129-35.
5. Kritchevsky D, Tepper SA,Wright S,et al. Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits. J Am Coll Nutr 2000 Aug;19 (4):472S-477S.
6. IP C,Banni S,Angioni E,et al. Conjugated linoleic acid-enriched butter fat alters mammary gland morphogenesis and reduces cancer risk in rats. J Nutr 1999 Dec;129 (12):2135-42.
7. Cesano A,Visonneau S,Scimeca JA,et al. Opposite effects of linoleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid on human prostatic cancer in SCID mice. Anticancer Res 1998 May-Jun;18 (3A):1429-34.
8 . B y d l owski SP, D’Amico EA, Chamone DA. An aqueous extract of guarana (Paullinia cupana) decreases platelet thromboxane systhesis. Braz J Med Biol Res 1991; 24 (4):421-4.
9. Espinola EB,Dias RF, Mattei R,et al. Pharmacological activity of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) in laboratory animals. J Ethnopharmacol 1997 Feb; 55 (3) :223-9.
10. Mattei R,Dias RF, Espinola EB,et al. Guarana (Paullinia cupana): toxic behavioral effects in laboratory animals and antioxidants activity in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol 1998 Mar;60 (2):111-6.
11. Miura T. Tatara M,Nakamura K,et al. Effect of guarana on exercise in normal and epinephrine-induced glycogenolytic mice.Biol Pharm Bull 1998 Jun; 21 (6) :646-8.

Additional References

Belury MA. Conjugated dienoic linoleate: a polyunsaturated fatty acid with unique chemoprotective properties. Nutr Rev1995 Apr; 53 (4 Pt 1):83-9.
West DB,Delany JP et al. Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on body fat and energy metabolism in the mouse. AM J Physiol 1998; 275:R667-72.
Blankson H.Stakkestad JA, Fagertun H,et al. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans.J Nutr 2000 Dec; 130 (12):2943-8.
McCarty MF. Activation of PPARgamma may mediate a portion of the anticancer activity of conjugated linoleic acid. Med Hypotheses 2000 Sep; 55 (3):187-8.
Liu KL,Belury MA. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces arachidonic acid content and PGE2 systhesis in murine keratinocytes.Cancer Lett 1998 May 15; 127 (1-2):15-22.
Andersen T, Fogh J. Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients. J Hum Nutr Diet 2001 Jun; 14 (3):243-50.