Herbal weight loss formulas may help you lose weight faster than with proper diet and exercise alone. Herbs contain potent natural chemicals that can have an impact on metabolism, hunger and energy levels. Synergistic combinations of herbals ingredients, such as caffeine and green tea, may have even more potent weight loss effects. Herbal supplements alone are unlikely to lead to meaningful weight loss. Consult with your health care provider before considering an herbal weight loss formula.
Function
Herbal weight loss formulas may contribute to your weight loss program by speeding up metabolism, stabilizing blood sugar, suppressing appetite, increasing energy and preventing body fat storage, according to "Homemade Supplement Secrets" by Jeff Anderson. Many trainees like to take herbal weight loss formulas before workouts to increase energy and improve mental focus. Herbal ingredients may also boost metabolic function independent of an exercise program. However, they are far more effective when taken in conjunction with a diet and exercise program.
Stimulants
Caffeine and its herbal origins, such as guarana, remains one of the most popular ingredients in weight loss formulas because of its many beneficial effects. According to "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, PhD, caffeine increases the release of fatty acids for fat burning through its effect on the hormone norepinephrine. Other popular stimulant ingredients include green tea, theobromine from cocoa, synephrine from bitter orange, yohimbe bark extract and beta-phenylethylamine. Always talk to a doctor before taking these herbs for any purpose.
Non-Stimulants
Not all weight loss herbs contain stimulants. The coleus forskohlii extract, known as forskolin has shown to decrease body fat percentage in training men, according to "Natural Anabolics" by Jerry Brainum. The brown seaweed extract fucoxanthin increases metabolic rate with no stimulant properties whatsoever, reports Life Extension Magazine. Popular hunger suppressants include hoodia from the cactus plant hoodia gordonii, hydroxycitric acid from garcinia cambogia and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) from griffonia simplicifolia. Don't take these herbs for weight loss without your doctor's approval.
Benefits
Green tea extract's active chemical EGCG, or epigallotcatechin gallate, prolongs the activity of norepinephrine for more fat burning, while also helping to stabilize insulin levels for less fat storage, according to "Fat Loss Made Simple" by Jordana Brown. Fucoxanthin triggers white fat cells to act like brown fat, burning more calories and elevating metabolic rate, says "Safely Burn Away Body Fat" by Julius Goepp, MD. Hunger suppressants such as 5-HTP affect neuro-chemicals such as serotonin to trick the brain into thinking that you are not hungry.
Warning
Herbal weight loss formulas are not for everyone. Individuals with high blood pressure or who are at risk for heart disease should never take stimulant products containing caffeine or other similar alkaloids. Even dieters who can take caffeine should consider cycling off heavy usage every eight weeks to allow adrenal function to return to baseline. Always consult with your doctor before taking any herbal weight loss formula and read labels thoroughly for counter-indications and proper dosage.
References
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets;" Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani PhD; January 2010
- "Natural Anabolics;" Jerry Brainum; 2006
- Life Extension Magazine; Safely Burn Away Body Fat; Julius Goepp MD; March 2008
- "Muscle & Performance;" Fat Loss Made Simple; Jordana Brown; September 2010
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