No diet product can replace the role of a healthy diet and regular exercise for facilitating weight loss. However, several natural products can help to suppress the appetite or boost your body's rate of metabolism. Although these products vary considerably in their safety and efficacy, most are supported by limited scientific inquiry. Due to the potential risk of side effects or drug interactions, it is prudent to consult a qualified health care provider before using any over-the-counter weight loss aid.
Chitosan
Chitosan, a natural marine fiber derived from exoskeletons of shellfish, may be an effective diet product. Mayo Clinic suggests that this supplement may block the absorption of dietary fat in the digestive tract. However, there is not enough conclusive evidence to support its use. Chitosan has few side effects; gas and stomach pain are among the most common complaints of users. Do not use chitosan or any other shellfish-derived supplement if you have an allergy to shellfish.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, occurs in many natural foods, including cheeses, meats and some vegetables. According to the Mayo Clinic, CLA supplements may help to decrease body fat while building muscle tissue. Most CLA supplements are derived from safflower oil and may contain additional ingredients such as herbal fat-burners. Mayo Clinic regards CLA as "possibly safe" and "possibly effective," but acknowledges a lack of conclusive research.
Chromium
Chromium is a natural trace mineral essential for normal metabolic function. Product manufacturers claim that chromium can build fat, boost metabolism and suppress the appetite. Although there is insufficient evidence to support these claims, supplements made with chromium are generally safe and associated with few side effects.
Ephedra
Perhaps the most notorious natural weight loss aid, the herb ephedra dominated the supplement industry for several years. This Chinese herb contains powerful central nervous system stimulants, which may help to increase your metabolism or suppress your appetite. Due to serious concerns about this herb's safety as a weight loss aid, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration no longer allows the sale or trade of ephedra.
Green Tea
Beverages made from green tea have been used for more than five millenniums to improve overall health. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that green tea supplements can enable faster weight loss and better weight maintenance in people who are obese or moderately overweight. Green tea's exact effects on human metabolism are poorly understood, but antioxidant compounds, including catechins, may play a role. Most of green tea's side effects are relatively mild and relate to its natural caffeine content.
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