Having embarked upon a weight loss regimen, few people want to lose weight slowly. As such, herbs and supplements that promise to increase the rate of weight loss remain an attractive option for many. While exercise and diet remain the most important elements in such a regime, particular products may have a part to play in beating the bulge. Always talk to your doctor before taking herbs or supplements to lose weight.
Ephedrine
Arguably the most controversial weight loss aid in popular use, few doubt the effectiveness of this compound. Steroidology notes how bodybuilders have achieved impressive fat loss results from ephedrine, but that most experience some harsh side effects. Considered a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Authority, ephedrine activates the central nervous system and increases fat burning through thermogenesis, a process that sacrifices fat stores to produce heat. However, the activation of the central nervous system also induces anxiety, sweating, dizziness and insomnia.
Sida Cordifolia
Sida cordifolia has garnered attention in recent years as a gentler alternative to ephedrine. Nutritional Reviews notes how the herb contains a synergistic blend of plant chemicals that have shown to deliver anti-inflammatory properties, making Sida cordifolia useful in cases of asthma, bronchitis and nasal congestion. However, those looking to reduce their waistlines have become interested in the herb due to its ephedrine content, which stands at 2 percent, hoping that this herb can deliver some of the effects of ephedrine without the substantial side effects. However, while anecdotal reports suggest that sida cordifolia may help in burning fat through increased thermogenesis, little evidence exists to support its use as a weight loss aid. Talk to your doctor before you try Sida cordifola.
Green Tea
Considered the most popular drink in the world after water, green tea is part of the daily habits of billions globally. Made from the partially fermented leaves of the Camelia sinensis plant, green tea provides a plethora of benefits to those who consume it. David Tolson, a contributor to Bulk Nutrition, explains that green tea provides powerful antioxidant compounds that benefit the immune system and liver, protect against carcinogenic development and can reduce cardiovascular risk. The compounds responsible, specific polyphenols called catechins, also increased thermogenesis in the central nervous system. However, Tolson notes that, unlike many other thermogenic agents, green tea consumption does not cause a stimulatory reaction and may actually enhance relaxation because of it's theanine content.
Spices
A number of spices show thermogenic properties. As such, adding them to foods on a regular basis may help shed some pounds. Women Fitness points to cinnamon and cayenne as spices with the ability to increase thermogenesis, noting that individuals who use cayenne have a measurably higher core temperature following it's consumption.
Evidence
Green tea stands out as a particularly desirable weight loss aid in that it increases the rate of fat burning without causing the stimulatory reactions often associated with herbs and spices that do so. Tolson refers to studies that have looked into the body's responses after taking a green tea extract; the supplement increased energy expenditure in these individuals by 3 percent and increased the proportion of fat used as fuel from 31 percent to 41 percent.
Member Comments
weberwf2 July 28
Wow, is that a recommendation for ephedrine. That is bold, sir.
tiffjack July 28
I like that he explains how ephedrine works, and then uses it's success to compare and suggest other herbs. I'm stoked about his information on green tea. I love tea, and am happy to hear it may help me reach my goals.