Fat burners supposedly increase the number of calories you burn each day, making it easier to lose weight. There are several products that are advertised as fat burners, but scientific data to back up these claims is often missing. While some may be a waste of money, others can be harmful to your health.
Green Tea Extract
There is some scientific evidence that green tea speeds the body's ability to burn fat. In addition, green tea extract appears to be safe. A substance known as polyphenol in the green tea is likely responsible for fat-burning. Polyphenol is an antioxidant that has other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and fighting tooth decay.
Chromium
Chromium has a reputation as a fat burner but little medical evidence to back it up. Chromium is a mineral that is present naturally in the body. While low chromium levels can lead to health problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol, few people are deficient in this mineral. Although there is little scientific evidence to indicate that chromium is an effective fat burner, it is generally considered a safe supplement for individuals who are interested in trying it.
Bitter Orange
Bitter orange contains several stimulating ingredients, such as N-methyltyramine and octopamine, in addition to the stimulant synephrine, which can have many unpleasant side effects. Bitter orange can cause headaches, increase your heart rate, cause anxiety and lead to heart palpitations. Less common but more serious side effects include reduced blood circulation to the arms, legs or heart, increased pressure behind the eyes, angina, or chest pain, and kidney damage. There is little scientific data to indicate bitter orange is an effective fat burner. It should definitely be avoided by anyone with glaucoma, or who has high blood pressure or heart disease.
Ephedrine, Caffeine and Aspirin
ECA stacks, as they were once known, were made up of ephedra, caffeine and aspirin. The FDA banned ephedra, so it has been replaced in the fat-burning stack by ephedrine, which is found in plants such as ma hung and heartleaf. Extracts from these plants are combined with caffeine, typically a caffeine pill, and aspirin. Ephedrine and caffeine act as stimulants and may increase fat burning, while the aspirin slows the metabolism of the ephedrine, so it stays in your system longer. Side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, headaches, an increased risk of strokes and death. In addition, ephedrine is a banned substance in many athletic events.
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