Someone recently came to me and asked for my thoughts on CLA Safflower Oil. my friend told me that another friend recommended it to her to aid in her weight loss journey. I honestly told her that I only know of CLA and that it has many scientifically-evidenced benefits. However, I have not heard of CLA Safflower Oil. So, to educate myself and you, my dear readers, I went on to research and read about it.
CLA Safflower Oil is a controversial supplement. Some people say it has no real benefits and just a “scam”, but some also champion and say that CLA Safflower Oil has done them a lot of good. Today, I am going to share with you what I have learned about CLA Safflower Oil; what it is and its side effects.
What Is CLA Safflower Oil?
Some of you are probably acquainted with CLA (as it is rather popular) or conjugated linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is the most common Omega-6 fatty acid found in large amounts in vegetable oils. CLA is a mixture of 28 positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid. Yes, CLA is widely used to gain muscles, so whenever I talk about it, I simply say it’s fighting fat with fat. CLA reduces body fat by increasing basal metabolic rates. Our basal metabolic rate is the minimum amount of energy the body needs to function. It only means that the higher the BMR, the more calories are burned for the body to function. CLA helps body transform food into energy. As a result, it increases exercise endurance.
Now that I have jogged your memory through CLA, let’s talk about safflower oil. An interesting fact about safflower is that it is the most ancient (but minor) crop in history. Don’t be fooled, though, because safflower is expensive. It is widely cultivated in places where there is less rain. Generally, it is thistle-like and herbaceous crop. For the last 20 years, people have used it to color and flavor food. It is most commonly used for the vegetable oil that comes from its seed. Its colors usually range from yellow, red, and orange and 34 to 156 centimeters in length. Each branch usually has three to six flower heads. Each flower has approximately 15 seeds.
People use safflower oil to lose weight. Studies have shown that safflower oil increases serotonin levels in the body. If a person has high serotonin levels, then his appetite is suppressed. Reduced food intake is one of the key ways to lose weight.
What Are the Benefits of CLA Safflower Oil?
CLA Safflower Oil helps you burn fat easier, increase your metabolic rate and energy levels, helps you gain and preserve existing muscles, prevent new fat formation, make you feel full for a longer period of time, decrease your appetite, and increase serotonin levels. All of which leads to weight loss.
What Are the Side Effects of CLA Safflower Oil?
As promising as CLA Safflower Oil sounds, it does have some serious side effects.
First on the list is allergic reaction. Safflower oil can trigger an allergic reaction in those who have sensitivity to daisies because it belongs in the same family. It can also trigger a reaction in those who have an existing ragweed allergy.
Safflower oil can also cause gastrointestinal disturbance like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, especially if they use safflower oil daily. Nausea and an unpleasant aftertaste may also be experienced.
If high doses of safflower are taken on a daily basis, it can lead to a drop in blood pressure. People who are prone to hypotension should take this with precaution and must see their physician first.
According to some clinical trials, some people who took safflower oil noticed changes in heart rate, chest pain, and rapid breathing. This side effect is rare and it is still uncertain whether safflower oil had something to do with it. Again, if you have any heart-related ailments, please speak with your physician first before taking CLA Safflower Oil.
If you have an existing medical condition or a blood-related disorder, seek professional medical advice before taking CLA Safflower Oil. Anti-coagulants, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics like ibuprofen may increase the risk of hemorrhaging when taken with safflower.
Lastly, if you are pregnant, CLA Safflower Oil is not for you as it can induce uterine contractions and start the onset of labor.
CLA Safflower Oil remains to be a controversial supplement as it has no concrete results yet. Results are still inconclusive and inconsistent. As with other supplements, it may work better for some, maybe not at all on others. But one thing should always be followed, seek the advice of your physician before taking it.