Conjugated linoleic acid is a derivative of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid from omega-6 family. CLAs were discovered accidentally by researchers looking for mutagens in beef. In 1979, researchers from the University of Wisconsin applied a beef extract to mice skin. The mice were then exposed to a strong carcinogen (isolated from tobacco). When the researchers counted the number of tumors developed by the mice 16 weeks later, they found, to their surprise, that the mice exposed to the beef extract had 20 % fewer tumors. The identity of this anti-carcinogen was not discovered till almost a decade later in 1987. Micheal Pariza, the scientist who discovered CLA, later remarked that "few anticarcinogens, and certainly no other known fatty acids, are as effective as CLA in inhibiting carcinogenesis in these models."

CLA has the capabilities to prevent cancer and heart disease, improve immune function, and treat obesity. CLA is the main omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the diet, and it is an essential fatty acid.

Essential fatty acids include omega-6 (such as CLA, gamma linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid), and omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These essential fatty acids are the main structural components of biological cell membranes, and a balanced intake of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is necessary for healthy cell function.

Omega-3 and omega-6 are not inter-convertible in the body, and are metabolically and functionally distinct. Their balance in the body is important for growth and development.

CLA is designated as 18:2n-6, where the n-6 designation means that the first double bond begins at the sixth carbon atom counting from the methyl end of the carbon chain, and hence the name omega-6. The number 18 indicates the length of the carbon chain (18 carbon atoms), and the number 2 indicates the presence of two double bonds in the carbon chain.

Yes, as mentioned above, even though CLA was found in grass-fed beef and lamb, dairy products, it is also available in vegetable oils, such as sunflower, safflower, and flaxseed oils. Also CLA found is in most dietary supplements that are manufactured from sunflower oil or safflower oil.

Even though the scientific data shows the benefits of CLA to be found more in animal products, the natural vegan way of consuming and gaining it's amazing health benefits is via your 100% Organic vegetable oil. This is because human body cannot produce CLA; it can only be obtained through diet, a healthy diet that consumes raw vegan food, is preferably a better solution.

This is because Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are the precursors for the production of a group of chemicals known as eicosanoids; this group includes prostaglandins, thromboxanes (potent platelet aggregator and vasoconstrictor), and leukotrienes (pro- inflammatory).

Eicosanoids regulate many cell functions and play crucial roles in a variety of physiological processes, including regulation of smooth muscle contractility and various immune and inflammatory functions. Eicosanoids derived from omega- 6 fatty acids have different metabolic properties than those derived from omega-3 fatty acids.

In general, eicosanoids are classified into three different series of chemicals: series-1 and series-3 are anti-inflammatory, whereas series-2 is pro inflammatory. The biochemical pathway to series-3 begins with the omega-3 fatty acid alpha- linolenic acid, while that of series-1 and series-2 begins with CLA.

CLA with the help of delta-6-desaturase enzyme is converted to gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which is also found in the oils of borage, evening primrose, black currant, and mothers' milk. It plays a critical role in the development of infants. GLA has also become popular recently as a natural aid to weight loss management; a typical dose of GLA is 500 to 700 mg daily. Research showed that subjects taking GLA lost almost 10 pounds over a six-week period.

GLA derived from black currant seed oil was shown in a recent study to stimulate immune function in older people. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 29 people older than 65 took 4.5 g daily of either black currant seed oil or soybean oil for two months. At the end of the study subjects who took black currant seed oil showed a 28 percent greater immunity (a dramatic drop in prostaglandin PGE-2 production) than the placebo-group.

The prostaglandin PGE-2 is known to lower immunity in older people by interfering with T-cell function. T-cells function by stimulating other cellular components of the immune system to kill or neutralize invading bacteria and viruses.

CLA shows remarkable health benefits, it stimulates the immune system, reduces body fat, protects against certain kinds of cancer, and improves cardiovascular health. ClA also increases thermogenesis (calorie expenditure). CLA is available as a dietary supplement; dosages range from 2 to 6 g daily.

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari