According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no magic pill for weight loss, and no one weight loss product will help you lose a major amount of weight, nor will it aid in weight loss without the addition of exercise and a healthy diet. But for the millions of Americans who choose to incorporate a dietary supplement into their diet and exercise program, there are some that may be more effective than others.
Fish Oil
A study in the May 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that combining fish oil supplements with regular aerobic exercise can have positive effects on body composition and cardiovascular risk factors. The study notes that while fish oil and exercise can aid reducing body fat and improving cardiovascular fitness when used independently, they are far more effective when combined. Fish oil also has an array of other healthy benefits, as well, according to American Chronicle, including reducing breast, prostate and colon cancers, preventing mothers from giving birth to very small babies, and because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it may be helpful for patients suffering from lupus.
Echinacea
Although commonly used to treat and prevent conditions, such as the common cold, influenza, eczema, and many types of infections, echinacea accounted for 10 percent of dietary supplement sales in the United States in 2006, according to the Diet website, and is a popular dietary supplement in both the United States and Europe. This supplement, however, should only be taken intermittently, and should be avoided by people with autoimmune disorders, according to Spark People.
Ginseng
Ginseng is perhaps one of the most commonly recognized herbs and has been used to treat several illnesses, but because of its interference with the blood sugar levels in our body, it is also thought to have some benefits on weight loss, according to Weight Loss Meter. When the blood contains less sugar, the body produces less insulin, and the body will not store excess sugar in the form of fat. Because ginseng is a powerful herb, it is best to introduce it to your body in small quantities, and one of the side effects is an increase in energy and stamina, so it works best when combined with an exercise program.
Flaxseed Oil
According to the Flaxseed-Oil site, flaxseed oil is thought to contain a healthy balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, which our bodies require, especially Omega-3. In addition to its weight loss benefits, flaxseed oil also has a variety of other health benefits, including the prevention of skin conditions, such as psoriasis, dandruff and eczema, and the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Flaxseed oil also can improve vision and boosts the body's energy production and stamina.
Green Tea
Like all dietary products, green tea will not help you to lose a tremendous amount of weight when used by itself, but it has been proven to aid in weight loss, suggests Green Tea for Weight Loss. Green tea contains high amounts of polyphenols, which activate the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving excess triglyceride, which, when stored in excess, turns into fat. Green tea also contains many antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, that stimulate metabolism and the central nervous system, causing fat to be released into the blood stream, which the body uses as fuel.
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