Pills
to Reduce Weight
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Information About Ingredients in Diet Pills (2)Here is a selection of some common ingredients used in the formulation of dietary supplements available online or from your health store. The effectiveness of these diet pills ingredients is typically judged by their success in clinical weight loss trials. -------------------------------------------------------------- DandelionFor the use of dandelion in weight loss
dietary supplements -------------------------------------------------------------- Ephedrine/EphedraEphedrine (ephedra) is a powerful ingredient in herbal diet pills used for weight loss. Ephedrine is used to make methamphetamine, more commonly known as speed. In fact, there is only a small chemical difference between methamphetamine and ephedrine. Ephedrine can suppress your appetite, but it has also been linked to a number of adverse health events involving high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death. Ephedrine can also interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Fenugreek SeedFenugreek seeds are often used in production
of imitation maple flavorings. Fenugreek seeds contain a high proportion
(40%) of a soluble fiber known as mucilage. This fiber forms a gelatinous
structure (similar to guar gum) which may have effects on slowing the
digestion and absorption of food from the intestine. Some studies have
shown a beneficial effect of fenugreek in reducing blood glucose levels
and improving glucose tolerance in patients with diabetes. However, the
levels of fenugreek seed that have been associated with lower blood sugar
and cholesterol values are quite high at 15-20 grams per day. Few, if
any, diet pills supply anywhere near this level of fenugreek, so check
the labels. Garcinia Cambogia / Hydroxycitric AcidHydroxycitric
Acid (HCA), is the active ingredient extracted from the rind of the
fruit Garcinia cambogia. Dietary supplements and a wide variety of weight
loss formulas, contain Garcinia extract to inhibit fat production and
suppress appetite. However, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study showing no effect of Garcinia cambogia on weight loss in overweight men and women. In the study, a total dose of 1500mg of HCA per day for 12 weeks did not augment weight loss compared to the placebo group. The authors of the JAMA study concluded that their results do not support a role for Garcinia cambogia in facilitating weight loss beyond the effects observed with a low calorie high fiber diet. Evidence from animal studies and human trials of high carbohydrate diets, however, suggest otherwise – and support the use of HCA for inhibiting fat synthesis and reducing body weight. -------------------------------------------------------------- GlucomannanFor the use of dandelion in weight loss
dietary supplements -------------------------------------------------------------- Green Tea ExtractAn important ingredient long known for its thermogenic properties, green tea contributes to some major fat burning! A tiny compound in green tea, called epigallocatechin gallate, has been shown to significantly reduce food intake and, subsequently, body weight in healthy adults. -------------------------------------------------------------- Guar GumFor the use of dandelion in weight loss
dietary supplements -------------------------------------------------------------- GuaranaGuarana is an evergreen plant from South America. Guarana has been used in connection with athletic performance, fatigue, weight loss and obesity. The indigenous people of the Amazon used Guarana to decrease fatigue as well as to reduce hunger. It is also know to stimulate the central nervous system and increase metabolic rate. -------------------------------------------------------------- Gymnema SylvestreThe hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of gymnema has been known for centuries. Modern scientific methods have isolated at least nine different fractions of gymnemic acids which possess hypoglycemic activity. Several human studies conducted on gymnema for treatment of diabetes have shown significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (an index of blood sugar control) and insulin requirements (so insulin therapy could be reduced). Gymnema appears to increase the effectiveness of insulin rather than causing the body to produce more - although the precise mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. As with other natural ingredients for control of blood sugar and insulin levels, such as banaba leaf, a common “side effect” is weight loss – probably due to a combination of appetite suppression and control of food cravings (especially for carbohydrates and sweets). As a dietary supplement to enhance control of blood glucose and insulin, gymnema sylvestre appears to be effective – particularly in the case of individuals with diabetes or hyperglycemia (raised blood sugar). As an agent to promote weight loss, gymnema may help control appetite and carbohydrate cravings – effects which may be helpful in some individuals attempting weight loss. -------------------------------------------------------------- HoodiaFor the use of dandelion in weight loss
dietary supplements -------------------------------------------------------------- KelpKelp is a seaweed also known as bladderwrack, rich in iodine and possibly with immune-system-boosting and thyroid-stimulating properties. Some people believe that kelp will aid weight loss and so it is sometimes sold as a diet aid, but there appears to be little scientific proof of its effectiveness. Kelp is sold in tablet form and a daily dose of 150 ug is usually recommended. Excess kelp (and iodine) should be avoided, particularly if you have an over-active thyroid. -------------------------------------------------------------- LecithinMany of the positive effects of lecithin consumption are based on the fact that lecithin is a major source of choline. Choline is a lipotropic substance which functions in the body's metabolism as an agent that aids in the digestion of fats. It is believed that choline helps the body to burn fat, and thereby acts as agent supporting weight loss. As choline increases fat metabolism it has been shown that it lowers blood cholesterol. As is commonly known, a wide range of health problems are connected to blood cholesterol levels deemed too high. -------------------------------------------------------------- L-TyrosineL-Tyrosine is a precursor to Thyroxine, a primary thyroid hormone, as well as Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline. Thyroxine has been found to increase metabolic rate and control growth rate. L-Tyrosine is a necessary amino acid in the production of neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Patients with a Thyroxine deficiency have symptoms including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism.When taken properly, L-Tyrosine can assist a sluggish thyroid and aid weight loss and appetite control. See also: -------------------------------------------------------------- Information About Obesity Drugs and Weight Loss Supplements |
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Reviews of Obesity Medications and Diet SupplementsThis web site provides only general advice on popular weight loss pills and dietary supplements. Under no circumstances should this information be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before taking any diet or weight loss pills, we recommend that you seek advice from your doctor. Only your doctor can safely advise you about which drugs or supplements are best for you.© 2006. Diet-Pills-Information. All rights reserved. |