Weight loss isn’t rocket science, but why are so many people find it so complicated? If you are eating the right food and doing the right exercise but still not losing weight, there may be a missing part of the puzzle.
Weight loss supplements are nothing new. In fact, there are thousands of weight loss products entering the market creating buzz – and if you don’t have any idea about how they work and the active ingredients they contain to cause weight loss then you’re guaranteed to be overwhelmed. Here’s a weight loss tip on the 5 types of weight loss herb supplements heavily marketed these days.
Thermogenic Herbs
Thermogenic herbs work by increasing the body’s metabolism, acting as a stimulant to speed up heart rate, respiration and digestion. This effect gives a quick jolt, making you feel hyper and energized. Most weight loss products add caffeine in their formulation and act as a thermogenic, but the downside of caffeine is that it causes nervousness, palpitation and anxiety when consumed in large amount.
Examples of safe herbal thermogenics: green tea, cayenne pepper, ginger, cumin
Appetite Suppressants
As the name suggests this weight loss herb works by reducing your appetite. Termed medically as anorectics or anorexigenics, herbal appetite suppressants can help limit calorie intake by making you feel full and less hungry. The downside of appetite suppressants is that it only works when you take them and as such, may not be suitable for long-term use.
Example of safe and effective herbal appetite suppressants: aloe vera, pineapple, oolong tea, bee pollen
Natural Laxatives
When it comes to natural laxatives, they come in various forms and each form has unique action as far as weight loss is concerned. In general, herbal laxative works as a cleansing and detox agent, propelling intestinal impurities out of the intestine and thereby, promoting healthy digestion. There are also laxatives that act as stool softeners that draw water to soften feces – often used for people suffering from constipation.
Example of natural laxatives: Senna leaves, Psyllium fiber, aloe vera
Carb Blockers
Also called as starch blockers, this herbal supplement contains an extract known as phaselous vulgaris and particularly comes from white kidney beans. This bean extract is believed to inhibit starch-digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase and hence, preventing the body from absorbing carbohydrates. Most carb blockers claim to block 30 to 45 grams of carbs.
Example of carb blocker: white kidney beans
Fat Blockers
Perhaps the most famous fat blockers in the market is chitosan, which works similar to fiber but comes from the shells of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. It is claimed to trap and block fat absorption by inhibiting production of pancreatic lipase – the enzyme responsible for fat breakdown into smaller particles for intestinal absorption. Example of fat blockers: crustacean shells
The Bottom Line
To be a savvy weight loss supplement shopper, be smart and critical first when you encounter any weight loss products that claim quick weight loss. Often, the scientific researches that they claim can be misleading, inaccurate and utterly exaggerated. There is no magic bullet to weight loss – you still need to reduce your calorie intake and get into a regular exercise routine. See this weight loss supplements as an aid while sticking to your weight loss diet and exercise plan.
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