CLA

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (known as CLA) is a fatty acid commonly found in beef (especially grass-fed) and dairy (and kangaroo meat, but that seems a bit impractical).

In some studies it has been shown that certain isomers (compounds with the same molecules, but different structural formulas) of CLA reduce fat mass, help with muscle growth, and lower insulin resistance. Dosage recommendations seem to vary a bit between studies, but it appears that taking close to 3 grams a day results in the aforementioned benefits.

A study in 2010 showed that taking CLA does not have any adverse effects on liver and kidney functioning in healthy people.

It is likely that more long-term studies are needed to determine if the supplement has any adverse effects on the body and how the supplement affects different age groups, but for now it looks promising.

Raff M, Tholstrup T, Mandrup S, et al. Conjugated Linoleic Acids Reduce Body Fat in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. Journal of Nutrition. July 2009;139(7):1347

Wanders A, Leder L, Banga J, Katan M, Brouwer I. A high intake of conjugated linoleic acid does not affect liver and kidney function tests in healthy human subjects. Food & Chemical Toxicology. February 2010;48(2):587-590.

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A hot topic in the nutrition world right now is food addiction and how certain foods have the same addictive effect as drugs.
Yale University published a food addiction scale that I found very interesting. I think most of us can say we relate to at least the first 3 feelings.
Here are a few sample questions...

In the past year:

1) I find that when I start eating certain foods, I end up eating much more than I had planned.

2) Not eating certain types of food or cutting down on certain types of food is something I worry about.

Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month

2 to 3 times per week | 4 or more times per week or daily

3) I spend a lot of time feeling sluggish or lethargic from overeating.

Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month

2 to 3 times per week | 4 or more times per week or daily

4) There have been times when I consumed certain foods so often or in such large quantities that I spent time dealing with negative feelings from overeating instead of working, spending time with my family or friends, or engaging in other important activities or recreational activities I enjoy.

Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month

2 to 3 times per week | 4 or more times per week or daily

5) I kept consuming the same types of food or the same amount of food even though I was having emotional and/or physical problems. 

Yes or No

6) Over time, I have found that I need to eat more and more to get the feeling I want, such as reduced negative emotions or increased pleasure.

Yes or No

7) I have had withdrawal symptoms when I cut down or stopped eating certain foods.  

Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month

2 to 3 times per week | 4 or more times per week or daily 

8) My behavior with respect to food and eating causes significant distress.

Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month

2 to 3 times per week | 4 or more times per week or daily

9) I experience significant problems in my ability to function effectively (daily routine, job/school, social activities, family activities, health difficulties) because of food and eating.

Never | Once a month or less | Two to four times a month

2 to 3 times per week | 4 or more times per week or daily

Here is the article if you're interested in reading more about the research

http://yaleruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/addiction/FoodAddictionScaleArticle09.pdf