Herbal dietary supplements can help you achieve your weight loss goals faster than with diet and exercise alone. Some of these supplements do contain stimulants such as caffeine and other similar alkaloids, and they may not be for everyone. Herbal weight loss supplements speed up metabolism, suppress hunger and increase fat burning with natural phytochemicals. Add these products to your weight loss program to achieve your goal in no time. It is wise to talk to a doctor before ingesting herbal products for any purpose.
Guarana
Guarana may be best known for its natural caffeine content. However, it also contains herbal bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory substances that may enhance health and contribute to weight loss. One such compound, known as theophylline, improves mental acuity, boosts performance and speeds fat loss, according to "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, PhD. He suggests 200 to 600 mg daily.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from unfermented tea leaves and offers many benefits to dieters. It helps to stabilize blood sugar levels to prevent body fat storage, says Life Extension Magazine. Green tea also contains EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate, which triggers the release of more fatty acids for fat burning. The natural caffeine content works synergistically with EGCG to further boost metabolic function. Take 500 mg of green tea extract, supplying 30 percent EGCG, up to three times daily.
Coleus Forskohlii
An Indian or Ayurvedic herb, coleus forskohlii contains a chemical known as forskolin, which may have potent thyroid-supporting and fat burning effects. Forskolin positively affects testosterone, which acts as a potent natural fat burning hormone. Men taking forskolin lose more body fat while following an exercise program, says "Natural Anabolics" author Jerry Brainum. Take an extract containing 25mg to 50mg of forskolin three times daily.
Yohimbe
An African bark extract, yohimbe increases fat burning through its interaction with the hormone norepinephrine, says Jordana Brown in "Fat Loss Made Simple." In addition, yohimbe has positive effects on NO or nitric oxide in the body. NO expands blood vessels, allowing for more nutrient delivery to working muscles, boosting fat burning, according to Brainum. If your doctor approves, take an extract containing 2mg to 10mg of the active ingredient yohimbine up to three times daily.
Fucoxanthin
The brown seaweed extract fucoxanthin acts as an antioxidant in the body, preventing many diseases. However, it also speeds up resting metabolic function, according to Life Extension Magazine. The amazing thing about fucoxanthin is that it does this without any stimulant effects on the human body. Unlike caffeine, fucoxanthin will not cause jitters or high blood pressure. Take 200mg up to three times daily.
References
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani, PhD; January 2010
- Life Extension Magazine; Natural Support for Healthy Weight Control; David Nayor; April 2007
- "Natural Anabolics;" Jerry Brainum; 2006
- "Muscle & Performance;" Fat Loss Made Simple; Jordana Brown; September 2010
- Life Extension Magazine; Safely Burn Away Body Fat; Julius Goepp; March 2008
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