Best Weight Loss Herbal Supplement | Ephedra
In the United States, ephedra and ephedrine is the best
selling herbal weight loss
supplement
and are sold in health food stores and on the internet. Ephedra is
widely used for weight loss, as an energy booster and to enhance
athletic performance. The main ingredient in most "herbal fen-phen"
products is ephedra.
Ephedra is a perennial that is native to central Asia
and is also sold under the name Ma Huang. Ephedra is a stimulant
containing the herbal form of ephedrine, an FDA-regulated drug found in
over-the-counter asthma medications.
Other best weight loss supplements include:
Citrus Aurantium
Citrus Aurantium - also known as bitter orange, has been
used in Chinese medicine to treat chest congestion. Citrus aurantium has
a rare combination of 5 amines: synephrine, N-methyltyramine, hordenine,
octopamine, and tyramine, which “stimulates beta-3 cell receptors” that
could lead to increase in your metabolic rate without affecting heart
rate or blood pressure.
The added benefit of Citrus aurantium is
this ability to stimulate beta-3 cell
receptors, which helps breakdown fat, increase energy, and increase
metabolic rate, hence making thermogenesis more effective.
Studies show that Citrus aurantium may
also act to suppress appetite. It should be pointed out that the biggest
benefit of Citrus aurantium is that several compounds found in Citrus
aurantium are structurally similar to ephedrine and act as stimulants,
but these do not appear to have the same negative side effects of
ephedrine.
Citrus aurantium is very much hyped, a
lot of how it works are still theories and speculation, and lacks
thorough scientific research. So, as good as it sounds on paper, keep a
skeptical eye open.
Synephrine
Synephrine is a beta-1 adrenergic agonist
that stimulates the breakdown of fat, also known as lipolysis.
Synephrine is also known to reduce appetite and increase thermogenesis.
It is a component of Citrus autantium.
Green Tea
Green Tea has been found to be an
excellent source of natural caffeine, and potent Polyphenols (Catechins)
especially Epigalloocatechin Gallate (EGCG). They activate the central
nervous system, which elevates the body's ability to burn calories and
unwanted fat cells through the thermogenic process.
Octopamine
Octopamine
is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist and is a potent stimulator of
thermogenesis and lipolysis. Used in conjunction with synephrine,
octopamine is a potent stimulator of basal metabolic rate.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a metabolic activator, mild
diuretic and increases thermogenesis. Caffeine is a non-selective
adenosine receptor antagonist, which increases fat oxidation and
mobilizes fat. Herbal supplement sources of caffeine include gaurana and
kola nut.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan - Another "anti-hunger"
ingredient, this breakthrough dietary fiber assists in weight-loss due
to its ability to create a sense of fullness, even when taken in small
amounts.
Guarana
Guarana is an herb obtained from the
Amazon jungle also called Brazilian cocoa. The part of the herb used is
the seed and its active ingredient is guaranine, which is chemically
identical to caffeine. Guarana is known to increase stamina,
reduce fatigue and improve physical endurance. It is also known to
suppress the appetite which can lead to weight loss.
The best thermogenic over all these
best weight loss supplements is a good
diet where you consume 4-6 small meals a day to keep the metabolism
fires burning. A consistent exercise routine added to this mix will help
boost this process even more.
If you do decided to add some of the
above listed products to your supplementation program, please be wise.
Check with a health care practitioner first and make sure you are taking
correct dosages for maximum benefits.
Although ephedra free formulas don't
contain ephedra, there are still potential side effects as with any fat
burner. There include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Headaches and dizziness
- Loss of appetite (not necessarily bad)
- Feel restless and hyper active
- Feel nervous and easily excited
- Have trouble sleeping at night
These are just some of the common side
effects you may or may not experience when taking the best weight
loss supplements. As a rule of thumb, its always a good idea to only
take 1/2 dosages during the 1st week, to test the waters. If you react
fine to it, then take the recommended dosage, and if you don't seem to
take well to it, then its best just to stop using it. |