If you scrutinize all of the major fat burning products on the market you are likely to find some combination of these fat burning supplements. Many products, however, do not contain functional doses of the ingredients, according to "Homemade Supplement Secrets" author Jeff Anderson. Make sure to purchase fat burners from companies you trust, or buy the bulk ingredients separate and stack them according to your goals and preferences.
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Also known as EGCG, this natural polyphenol found in green tea speeds up metabolic rate more dramatically than can be explained by the natural caffeine content of its herbal source. According to the Muscle & Fitness article "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, EGCG prolong the activity of the neurohormone norepinephrine, which frees fatty acids from their stores to be burned. Take a green tea extract standardized for 300 mg EGCG one to three times daily.
L-Carnitine
This important amino acid drives fatty acids into the mitochondria, known as the power plants of your muscle cells, according to "Homemade Supplement Secrets" by Jeff Anderson. In fact, L-carnitine is required by muscle cells to create energy at the high rates needed for skeletal muscles and the heart muscle. L-carnitine may also boost NO or nitric oxide levels and heighten androgen receptors in muscle cells. For body builders this equals more blood flow and more anabolic hormones like testosterone. Take 1 to 3 gm up to three times daily.
Caffeine
For those who can tolerate stimulants such as caffeine, this age-old performance enhancer can help to increase mental focus, improve muscle power output and decrease perceived muscular pain during training. Author Jeff Anderson call it a psychological and physiological performance enhancing supplement. Those not at risk for heart disease can take 100 to 400 mg before their workout, or the equivalent of 3 or 4 cups of coffee.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated linoleic acid or CLA is a naturally occurring omega-6 fatty acid found in dairy products from grazing cattle, as well as sunflower and safflower oils. According to "Five Fat Fighters" by Matthew Kadey, in the January 2010 Muscle & Fitness: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook, CLA increases the body's use of fatty acids for energy and has been shown to decrease body fat percentage while increasing lean muscle mass. Take 1 to 3 gm up to three times daily, spread amongst your meals.
Forskolin
Forskolin is the active chemical compound in the Ayurvedic herb known as coleus forskohlii. According to Stoppani, it activates an enzyme known as adenylate cyclase, which can enhance testosterone levels, important for burning fat and building muscle. Moreover, regular use of this herb has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in training men, according to "Natural Anabolics" author Jerry Brainum. Take a coleus product standardized for 25 to 50 mg of forskolin, up to three times daily with meals.
References
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets"; Jeff Anderson; 2008
- Muscle & Fitness: The Ultiimate Supplement Handbook; "Supplements 101"; Jim Stoppani, January 2010
- "Natural Anabolics"; Jerry Brainum; 2006
- Muscle & Fitness: The Ultiimate Supplement Handbook; "Five Fat Fighters"; Matthew Kadey
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