Herbal weight loss products are an excellent alternative to seeking medical assistance for weight loss medication, and in many cases are more safe and effective than traditional medications for weightloss. So what should you look for in an herbal supplement for losing weight, and what should you avoid? The list could go on and on, since their is literally a laundry list of herbs that will help you burn more calories, suspend and control appetite, and assist in fat burning. We'll start with an explanation of what herbal fat burners, appetite suppressants and natural thermogenic supplements can do for you. First, they can do the obvious - control your appetite so you eat less. Second, they can boost your energy levels, which in turn helps you burn calories more quickly and efficiently, and also gives you a little mood boost in the process. Third, they can help you burn fat by creating more "internal heat" (thermogenic energy), which in turn burns fat and helps to convert calories to energy rather than to fat. Herbs to Look for in a Weight Loss Product 1.) Concentrated Green Tea Extract - Green Tea has been used as a powerful antioxidant and multifunctional remedy for disease, aging and weightloss assistant for hundreds of years. Green Tea extract also contains natural substances called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, which is a known cancer fighter and energy enhancer. 2.) L-Carnitine - This natural compound has several functions as an ingredient in herbal weight loss products and energy enhancing supplements. L-Carnitine is a central player in energy production and maintenance. It assists in the burning of excess body fat by enhancing cellular energy and activity in the brain. L-Carnitine also improves mental and physical performance levels, helps to slow the aging process, decreases symptoms of depression and acts as a mood enhancer, and helps to support bodily functions that typically demand high energy expenditures. 3.) Fucus vesiculosus otherwise known as Bladderwrack - Bladderwrack is an excellent hormone balancer, which in turn can help to control the appetite. Research has documented time and time again that hunger is directly related to fluctuations in hormones and hormonal imbalance - in both men and women. In fact, hunger is controlled by two hormones - one called ghrelin, which was dicovered by scientists in early 2001 as the hormone that regulates hunger and tells the brain when it is time to eat. The other is a more well known hormone called leptin, which controls food intake and body weight and prolongs periods in between food cravings and urges. 4.) Chromium (this one is actually a mineral, but we'll cheat a little here) - Chromium has been called a "miracle mineral" for its abilities to control and stabilize blood sugar levels. While I wouldn't go so far as to call it a "miracle mineral", I will say this - Chromium is a great addition to a weight loss product, since the mineral actually helps in fat reduction and the formation of lean, sculpted muscles through the manipulation and contral of blood sugar, fat storage and the utilization of calories. Herbs to Avoid in an Herbal Weight Loss Product 1.) Guarana - This herb is a stimulant that may cause nervousness, dizziness and sleeplessness in some people. There are individuals that tolerate this herb well, and for those people it can probably be an option for short term usage to boost energy levels and help burn fat. 2.) Ma Huang - Ma Huang diet products or supplements containing Ma Huang, which is just another form of the banned ephedra, are known to also cause nervousness, rapid heart beat and dizziness. Again, if you tolerate caffeine and other stimulants well, this may be a short term weight loss option for you, but is not recommended since there are so many other good herbs out there that will enhance energy levels and burn fat that have ZERO effect on your sense of health and well being, do not cause rapid heart beat of nervousness, and do not cause "let down" periods after the product has worn off. 3.) Cola or cola nut - Another stimulant. Try to avoid it if you can. Well, we've covered the basics of herbal diet supplement shopping. Although this list is short, it should give you a basic understanding of what to look for and what to avoid when shopping online or in stores for your diet product. Don't forget, a good diet must be built on wise food choices and some kind of physical activity to be a success. Herbal diet products can help you get there - you just need to know what you're getting! |
