Many natural substances can help you achieve fast herbal weight loss. For example, green tea extract can boost metabolic rate. Some herbs achieve even greater synergistic effects when combined into complementary pairs or supplement stacks, such as the combination of green tea and caffeine. Herbs are unlikely to lead to weight loss without diet and exercise. Always consult with your doctor before taking any herbal or weight loss formula.
Significance
Losing weight not only improves your overall health and self-confidence, it may very well save your life. Obesity has been associated with heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and even increased mortality. Following a diet and exercise program can prove grueling and the vast majority of diets fail, according to "The Abs Diet" by David Zinczenko. Herbal dietary supplements may improve your weight loss results when combined with a diet and exercise program.
Function
Herbs contain natural chemicals called phytonutrients that can have potent effects in the body. Some act as thermogenics to increase your internal body temperature, thereby causing more calories and fats to be burned. Other herbs may increase the output of the thyroid, a gland in the throat that regulates your body's temperature, like a thermostat. The thyroid sets the pace at which your metabolism runs. Still other herbal compounds can improve glucose metabolism to decrease body fat storage. Herbs can also acts as diuretics to prevent edema or water retention, or they can suppress hunger to prevent overeating in the first place.
Herbal Stimulants
Like coffee, guarana contains natural stimulants such as caffeine and theophylline. Caffeine is well known as a thermogenic and energy supplement, while the relatively unknown theophylline acts as a broinchiodilator and anti-inflammatory, according to "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, PhD. Cocoa extract contains some caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine, which boost fat burning and energy, while suppressing appetite. Synephrine from citrus aurantium and yohimbe bark increase the release of fatty acids for fat burning. Green tea's EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate, prolongs the activity of the hormone norepinephrine which triggers the release of fats for energy usage.
Non-Stimulants
Decaffeinated green tea extract can provide the EGCG content without the caffeine, for those who cannot tolerate stimulants. Non-stimulant thermogenics boost fat burning without stimulating the central nervous system and include capsaicin from red peppers and fucoxanthin from brown seaweed, according to Life Extension Magazine. Green tea and gymnema sylvestre may improve glucose metabolism to prevent fat storage. Guggulsterones from the commiphora mukul tree and the amino acid L-tyrosine may boost thyroid output. Natural hunger suppressants include hoodia gordnoii cactus extract, garcinia cambogia, jojoba extract and 5-HTP, 5-hydroxytryptophan, from the griffonia simplicifolia herb.
Warning
Herbal weight loss supplements are not for everyone because each individual's unique body chemistry responds to them differently. Some users simply cannot tolerate central nervous stimulants like caffeine and they may experience anxiety, high blood pressure and nausea. Due to the effects on the cardiovascular system, individuals with heart disease should not take any stimulants. You should always follow labels exactly when taking herbal supplements and always consult with your doctor before you begin.
References
- "The Abs Diet;" David Zinczenko; 2004
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani, PhD; January 2010
- Life Extension Magazine; Safely Burn Away Body Fat; Julius Goepp, MD; March 2008
- "Muscle & Performance;" Fat Loss Made Simple; September 2010
- "The Fat Burning Bible;" Mackie Shilstone; 2005
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