With health care costs spiraling out of control, and obesity-related health problems on the rise, more people are turning to low-cost herbal remedies to help achieve their weight loss goals. A range of ingredients are commonly included in herbal weight-loss supplements. These herbs are classified as either fat burners or appetite suppressants.
Ma Huang (ephedra)
The Chinese herb ma huang, a member of the genus ephedra, was banned from dietary supplements by the FDA in 2004 for increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. The alkaloid compounds that make up ephedra, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine reportedly assist in weight loss by stimulating metabolism and initiating thermogenesis, or fat burning, in the body. However, ephedra weight loss supplements are still sold online, surreptitiously marketed under the name ma huang, the herb from which the ephedrine alkaloids are derived.
Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia is a plant native to South Africa, which has a long history of use by natives to quell hunger pains during long hunting treks. Animal studies have confirmed its ability to suppress appetite, as animals given hoodia were less likely to overeat even when abundant food was present.
Yerba Mate
This herb has become an important ingredient in beverages throughout South America. Its stimulant properties are equal to caffeine, but without the jittery side effects. Yerba Mate reportedly enhances weight loss not only by stimulating a rise in metabolism but by suppressing appetite as well.
Bitter Orange
This citrus extract has replaced ephedra in many herbal weight loss supplements. As well as having appetite suppressing properties, bitter orange reportedly promotes greater weight loss by stimulating the release of hormones called catecholamines. Catecholamines increase thermogenics, so the body naturally burns more fat.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea has long been touted for its antioxidant properties and health benefits, which may include cancer prevention and blood glucose regulation. It is also a safe stimulant for weight loss, as it contains caffeine to boost metabolism and enhance fat burning.
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