Many people, when asked, will freely admit that they want to lose weight. Many have even attempted to use supplements to do this. While diet remains an important part of any weight loss plan, some herbs may increase the rate at which you see results when undertaking such changes in your regime. Speak to your physician before taking herbs and supplements.
Weight Loss Mechanisms
At any one time, your body burns fat to help keep up with energy requirements. This applies whether you are exercising, in which case demands rise sharply, but also while you sleep; breathing, digestion and production of heat all require a significant amount of energy. With this in mind, any agent that increases the production of heat may raise your metabolic rate and result in more weight loss. This process is often referred to as thermogenesis.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine takes its place as one of the more controversial fat burners available on the market. It has a long history of use within the bodybuilding community; most individuals agree that it exerts a potent fat-burning effect, but that this occurs together with side effects. Steroidology reports how ephedrine belongs to a group of compounds called sympathomimetics, substances that enhance the action of noradrenaline and result in thermogenesis. However, the strong action often activates the nervous system to such an extent that users experience a number of side effects, including shaky hands, tremors, sweating, rapid pulse and dizziness.
Sida Cordifolia
Sida cordifolia, an herb native to Brazil, is also thought to act as a sympathomimetic, contributing to weight loss through thermogenesis. It contains ephedrine, though less than 2 percent. This has led many to use it as a milder alternative to pure ephedrine. According to Nutritional Reviews, the plant has featured in traditional treatments of inflammation, asthma, bronchitis and nasal congestion. Nutritional Reviews notes, however, that very little evidence exists to support the use of sida cordifolia as a weight loss aid.
Green Tea
The slightly fermented leaves of the camelia sinsensis plant produce green tea when brewed in hot water. David Tolson, a contributor to Iron Magazine, notes that green tea stands out as the world's most popular beverage after water. He also discusses a number of benefits attached to the plant, and links green tea consumption with reduced cancer risk, appetite suppression and an increase in thermogenesis. He credits the catechins, a particular type of polyphenol, with this effect, and notes how the catechins inhibit an enzyme that breaks down noradrenaline.
Evidence
Tolson refers to a study that looked into the effects of green tea on metabolism. Researchers created one group who received a green tea extract and two others who did not. They found that the individuals taking the extract used up more energy than the others, and the proportion of their energy that came from fat increased from 31 percent to 41 percent. The study was reported in the December 1999 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
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