Many of the supplements on the market induce fat loss by increasing thermogenesis, the process of stimulating the central nervous system to produce heat within the body, which results in an increase in calorie burning. Although thermogenic products boosts calorie burning alone, combining it with a solid nutrition and training program can have a greater effect on weight loss. Improper use of thermogenics can have unwanted side effects. Therefore, please consult your physician before taking any thermogenic supplements.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract has become a popular supplement for boosting fat loss. According to research published in the 2006 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Food, green tea extract contains the catechin epigallocatechin gallate, which increases thermogenesis by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a fat-burning hormone. This prolongs the calorie burning actions of norepinephrine.
Caffeine
Most fat burning supplements on the market contain the stimulant caffeine, and for good reason. According to the May 1990 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, caffeine enhances fat loss by increasing thermogenesis. In addition, researchers discovered that the thermogenic response of caffeine was dose dependent. The higher the caffeine dosage, the greater the thermogenic response. Scientists are unsure of the mechanism by which caffeine stimulates thermogenesis.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, the main ingredient found in chili peppers, might have positive effects on fat loss, according to the Science Daily website. Researchers found that ingesting capsaicin triggers the release of proteins that induce thermogenesis and break down fat. This not only prevents fat accumulation, but also increases energy expenditure that enhances fat loss.
Synephrine
Synephrine is the active component of the plant Citrus aurantium. According to the Flex website, synephrine stimulates receptors on fat cells to break down fat and increase the metabolic rate. Furthermore, synephrine boosts the metabolism without increasing blood pressure, unlike some thermogenic products.
References
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Green tea extract thermogenesis-induced weight loss by epigallocatechin gallate inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Caffeine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of its thermogenic, metabolic, and cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers
- Science Daily: New Evidence That Chili Pepper Ingredient Fights Fat
- Flex: Top 10 Thermogenic Supplements
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