Researchers from the University of Alberta say that CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) may slow the growth of cancer cells, reduce the risk of heart disease and boost immunity.
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Consequently, they are working to develop milk with higher levels of this ‘good fat’. Dieters tend to think of animal fat as a definite negative, but the researchers say evidence is building up that CLA have significant benefits.
“It’s kind of an interesting twist. We’ve all heard the stories that animal fat is bad for you,” said John Kennelly, a professor and chairman of the Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science. “It’s interesting how things come back around again as we look more closely at animal fat and milk fat in particular,” he is quoted as saying in Canoe News.
“We’re now finding there are specific fats in there that may counteract the effects of some other fats that are in there that may be considered to be negative.”
CLA is a fatty acid that naturally occurs in the milk of ruminant animals such as cows, goats and sheep. Because most people drink cow’s milk, that’s where the university’s research has been focused, Kennelly said. Researchers have been able to increase the amount of CLA in cow’s milk tenfold by adding oils such as canola, safflower, linseed or flaxseed to the animals’ diet. There is a patent pending on the formulation.
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By GlobalDataThe university is partnering with an organic food company based in Red Deer, Alta., called Sepallo, to bring the milk to market. Kennelly hopes it will be available for purchase in two years.
