Lose weight by eating fewer calories than you burn through exercise. That simple, time-tested formula has been challenged by get-slim-quick schemes, pills and potions, but according to Mayo Clinic physicians, no so-called magic formula has ever won the contest. Brazilian diet pills and compounds, formulated by poorly trained, self-styled experts and illicitly imported into the U.S., often contain banned, potentially lethal drugs or useless fad "superfoods." Use Brazilian diet pills with caution, if at all.
Banned Combinations
Brazilian diet pills, illicitly imported and sold online in the United States, contain potentially lethal ingredients, as reported on January 8, 2009, by Fox News. Specific brand names were not disclosed, but some pills were laced with a stimulant, fenproporex, which is banned for use in the U.S. Other ingredients included amphetamine-like stimulants, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs, including Prozac. Dr. Pieter A. Cohen of Harvard Medical School reported seeing patients who complained of chest pain, palpitations, dizziness and insomnia after using Brazilian diet pills. Cohen says these concoctions can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Guarana
Guarana is the brand name and the main herb in a Brazilian diet pill. According to a report by DietsInReview.com, which discloses ingredients and consumer response information on over 400 diet preparations, the Guarana brand is a "caffeine-packed" herbal supplement. Another brand, the Brazilian Diet Kit, is a package of varied diet pills containing combinations of guarana and green tea. Guarana contains three times as much caffeine as coffee and is said to boost metabolism and suppress appetite. Green tea is said to provide antioxidant protection.
Cha de Bugre
Cha de Bugre is a native Brazilian tree, also called cafe do mato, meaning coffee of the woods. It bears red fruit similar to coffee beans and is often roasted as a coffee substitute. It has a stimulant and diuretic property. Young Energetic and Slender is the brand name of a Brazilian diet pill containing Cha de Bugre. Diets In Review reports only a 43-percent customer satisfaction in weight loss.
Another Cha de Bugre brand, 2-a-Day-Diet, claims to induce a 10- to 20-pound weight loss in only two months. Cha de Bugre diuretics can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Other ingredients are not disclosed by the manufacturer. Safety of this formulation cannot be verified. Do not try this or any other Brazilian diet preparation without consulting your doctor.
Acai Berry
The acai berry is a grape-like fruit said to be a "superfood," providing many health benefits. Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietitian reporting for the Mayo Clinic, says acai is a healthful food, but most health claims have not been scientifically proven. Many other fresh fruits contain equally useful nutrients. A Brazilian diet pill called Acai-aSlim has achieved only a 14-percent satisfaction rating. Another brand, Acai Berry Wonder, achieved a 25-percent rating. A third brand, Acai Berry 1500, suggests you can lose up to 20 pounds, but such claims are not scientifically validated.
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