Herbal Weight Loss products compared
We live in a world obsessed with trim and healthy body. Yet we find about one third of American youth as obese persons desperately trying to shed the extra pounds from their body. There are tons of different weight loss pills and supplements –herbal and synthetic– available in the market – a multi billion dollar market. In the desperate attempt to bring body weight under control, most people are likely to fall prey to unsafe products. Here are some herbal weight loss products offered in the market today. I didn’t try any of these, but thought it’s a good roundup.
Apple Cider
Ancient Indians and Egyptians to treat a variety of ailments have used Apple cider. Modern researches found the presence of variety of minerals and nutrients like pectin, potassium, chlorine, calcium, beta carotene, carbolic acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and a variety of elements that help maintain optimum blood pressure, regulating fat, and normal metabolism. Apple cider vinegar or sweet apple cider has less fat, sugar and salts. More energy is used for the metabolism of food and lesser calories are stored as fat. Thus apple cider can work well with a healthy weight loss routine.
Carb Blocker
There are many claims about carb blocker supplements. Carb blockers are supposed to block the formation of fat from carbohydrates (glycogen). There are no authoritative studies to support the claims of carb blocker products. such products have components like Acetyl Coenzyme A, white kidney bean extract called Phaseolus Vulgaris, etc. Carb blockers or carbohydrate blocker pills or supplements need to be taken prior to taking carbohydrate rich meal. Eat all the chocolates and stay slim. Proponents of such pills and supplements advertise so. The best option is to replace that extra calorie food items with nutrient rich food.
Fat Blocker
Most of American people were initially enthused about the arrival or certain fat blocker pills and supplements. They hope it would be a cure for their obesity problems. The fact remains true that such medicines can only (partly) block the formation of new fat in the body. It can’t burn existing fat from the body.
Ephedra based Weight Loss Products
Ephedra based weight loss products have long been viewed with skepticism because of the side effects associated with them.
Ephedra free Weight Loss Products
Hence the Ephedra free weight loss products were introduced into the market - and these are also mostly mixtures of various herbs like ginseng, cola nut and even normal green tea...
Chitosan
The use of chitosan as a weight loss supplement has not caught up the fancy of medical professionals and general public. Chitosan is supposed to bind fat (lipids) while within the alimentary canal, thereby preventing its entry into the body. However scientific research results on chitosan have not confirmed the effectiveness of chitosan as a weight loss supplement.
5-HTP
Administration of 5-HTP has shown significant weight loss in different experiments. Overdose can cause serious side effects including serotonin formation within tissues. It is also reactive to certain other prescription medicines. Pregnant women and nursing mothers also need to avoid the use of 5 HTP.
Hoodia
Hoodia, a South African cactus has been used by ancient nomadic tribes to ward of natural appetite. It is now touted as effective weight loss supplement for its ability to suppress hunger, thereby forcing the person to eat less or little. There are no known side effects to the use of hoodia. However, overuse can cause the persons not taking daily required nutrients. It is safe to use under the careful monitoring of a registered healthcare practitioner. Currently there is even some kind of hoodia patent war going on in South africa.
Trimspa
Trimspa is a weight loss supplement that contains hoodia and glucomanan. The effectiveness of hoodia in staving off hunger or appetite is known for many years. Try using it but beware there are wide ranges in prices from $30 to $ 120 per bottle... and of course if you can spare that money within a month. The excess chromium content of Trimspa is a cause of worry and there are instances of insomnia and anxiety as side effects. Mixing up with other medicines can also prove fatal - so take care!