Weight Loss Information
How to REALLY lose that weight
The Low-Down on Diet Supplements
There are a lot of pills and supplements out there with all kinds of weight-loss claims, so I thought I'd take some time and share some of the research I've done in this area. I am a scientist, so I rely heavily on studies published in scientific journals to find the truth. I hope to shed some light on the TRUE value of supplements, so you can see through the many false claims that exist out there.
- Green
Tea Extract
Green tea contains a potent antioxidant, EGCG, which is over 200 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing the pro-oxidants and free radicals that attack lipids in the brain. It contains flavonoids which help fight free radicals and are thought to protect against cancer. In two published studies, those who took green tea extract had a 4% increase in thermogenesis, with an overall energy expenditure increase of 4.5%. So green tea does appear to increase your metabolism and help burn fat, but the effect is small. You still need to watch calories and exercise. 4% isn't a lot. For example, if you're consuming 1,500 calories, you'll be burning an extra 60 calories because of the green tea. Of course, every little bit counts, but it's really just a drop in the bucket. More info- CLA
(Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
CLA has been studied well, and it has many beneficial properties. CLA is found naturally in beef and dairy products. It has been shown to be very beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer in several studies. Additionally, it has been shown to aid in fat loss. Studies where mice were fed 3000 to 4000 mg of CLA a day showed a reduction in body fat of 60% and an increase in lean body mass. Other animal studies demonstrated similar or better results—up to 88% body fat loss in just six weeks. Human studies have also been very encouraging. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity (August 2001), participants in a double blind, randomized study who were given 4.2 grams of CLA per day or placebo, experienced significant decrease in abdominal fat, among the CLA group, in a four-week period. It doesn't help you lose weight as much as it helps you keep them off once you lose those pounds. It has also been shown to aid in Type 2 diabetes. Recommended dosage: 3 mg/day. More Info- Grape
Seed Extract
Grape Seed Extract contains oligomeric proanthocyandin (OPC). This substance is said to improve blood circulation and to have some protective properties against heart disease. Experimental data does suggest that grape seed also has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties and prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries. All of this information is great for cardiovascular health, but there have been no findings to indicate that it can aid in weight loss or exercise. NOTE: Grape seed extract may cause excessive bleeding in those taking blood thinners. Other concerns include that it may cause dizziness or nausea, it may interfere with cholesterol lowering drugs, and it can interact with other herbs changing the way they are absorbed. More Info- Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a solution of acidic acid produced by fermentation of apples. It consists of acid, water, and only relatively small quantities of minerals. Claims have been made that apple cider vinegar works as an aid in weight loss and fat burning. However, there is no substantial or believable scientific evidence to support this claim. Weight loss claims are just HYPE.
- Chromium
Picolinate
Research conducted on overweight volunteers given Chromium Picolinate for 72 days, but following no particular diet or exercise regime, were shown to have lost an average of just over 4 pounds of fat while also gaining 1.4 pounds of lean muscle. Therefore, for anyone wishing to lose weight, adding the recommended dosage of Chromium Picolinate can aid in weight loss and lead to desirable results. Dosage should not exceed 1200 micrograms (mcg) per day as this may result in liver and kidney problems. Pregnant or breast feeding women should avoid Chromium Picolinate.
- Kola
Nut
Kola nut, (cola nitida), is a caffeine-containing nut of two evergreen trees of the cocoa family (Sterculiaceae), native to tropical North Africa and cultivated extensively in the New World tropics. Kola nut is not a supplement that should be taken without careful consideration as to its effects on the body. The FDA received more than 100 reports of injuries and adverse reactions related to a product containing Kola nut . There have been reported reactions ranging from serious, life-threatening conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, seizures, hepatitis and psychosis, to relatively minor and temporary conditions such as dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. FDA and outside medical experts have determined that the products represent a threat to health because Kola nut, can cause severe injury to people even under conditions of usual or recommended use. The FDA issued a warning to a product made by Alliance USA and the company reformulated the product by removing the Kola nut.
- Ma
Huang
Used as a stimulant and for appetite suppression. Found in diet aids like Metabolife. DANGEROUS PRODUCT. Many adverse side effects have been reported, some of them fatal. If I were you (but I'm not!), I'd steer clear of aids that contain ma huang or ephedra.
- Kola
Nut
- Apple
Cider Vinegar
- Grape
Seed Extract
- CLA
(Conjugated Linoleic Acid)