Weight Loss Herbs - How Safe Are They?

Obesity is a sickness that can strike anyone at any age. It is a sickness that has affected millions of Americans - both young and old - resulting in serious health complications. Obesity, if left untreated, can lead to health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Because of this threat, Americans are taking pains to find the best and effective weight loss program and product in the market. One of these products are weight loss herbs, which vary in effects. How safe are weight loss herbs?

Two types of herbs

Weight loss herbs fall into two types. One type of herb serves to "trick" your brain believing that it is full, so you will not be tempted to eat. Another type of herb functions to boost your metabolism, thereby resulting in faster weight loss. This latter type of herb is also called thermogenic herb.

How thermogenic herbs work

Thermogenic herbs are increasing in popularity today. These herbs function as stimulants, containing substances like caffeine, in order to speed up body functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. The effects of these herbs make you more energetic.
Meanwhile, thermogenic herbs also act as diuretics or water reducers, thereby resulting in weight loss through body water decrease.

Dangerous herbs

At present, weight loss herbs have invaded the market. Many of these have not been tested by the US FDA; hence the effects are still unknown. Weight loss herbs do not undergo the same strict testing as other drugs do, which is why several "unsafe" and "untested" herbs are being sold in the market.

However, the US FDA is taking pains to study herbs sold in the market. As of now, their list of dangerous weight loss herbs include:

o Herbal Laxatives - this usually takes the form of diet tea, cascara, senna, buckthorn, aloe and rhubarb root. These herbs can result in cramping, diarrhea, and if overused, could cause your bowels to no longer function without laxative stimulation.

o Ephedra - this popular weight loss herb is also known as ma huang. In high doses, Ephedra can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and over stimulate the central nervous system. As of now, the FDA has reported over 800 incidences - and two deaths - of unhealthy side effects brought by ingesting Ephedra. Other side effects include heart palpitations, seizures, stroke, chest pain, and heart attack.

o Herbal fen-phen - Ephedra serves as the main ingredient in the version of the dangerous diet drug known as fen-phen. Herbal fen-phen has not been shown to even work in clinical trials, but it has been attributed with serious side effects from heartbeat irregularities to death from heart attack and stroke.

Healthy products

That is not to say, however, that all weight loss herbs are dangerous. A couple of herbs that have passed US-FDA standards include:

o Cayenne - this organic spice is not for making your food taste spicy. Research has shown that cayenne contains an ingredient called capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and accelerates your metabolism at a safer level.

o Green Tea - green tea and weight loss have been shown to have correlation. Green tea serves as a natural stimulant that behaves much like coffee but with the added benefit of vitamin C and flavoniods (or antioxidants). Green tea is said to boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation.

o Seaweed - seaweed is a good source of trace minerals such as chromium and iodine, acting as a natural thyroid stimulant.

o Ginseng - also said to boost metabolism

Fiber for weight loss

Another option for weight loss is taking fiber. Fiber makes one feel full without worrying about the excess calories. Aside from that, fiber also helps promote regular bowel movement, releasing harmful toxins in the body.
You can ingest fiber supplements or take fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.

What is the answer?

In the end, weight loss herbs can be an option for weight loss. But these herbs should be taken with a grain of salt. When buying herbs, make sure to check if they are FDA approved. If there is no way to check, research about the product: know its ingredients and its side effects. Once you have researched about it, be sure to buy only from reputable brands and markets so you are assured of high-quality herbs.

Taking herbs and supplements are not the best way to lose weight. In the end, proper diet and exercise are the only solutions to achieving a healthy body image.

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Four Excellent Weight Loss Herbs

Obesity is a prevalent problem in the United States, which is why there are so many weight loss products to choose from. Some of these weight loss products are effective, while others are close to useless. Are you looking for a product to help with your weight loss efforts? If so, you may wish to include four very efficient herbs in your diet.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is associated with enormous health benefits. It is said to be good for the heart, blood circulation and digestive system. Research indicates that cayenne pepper may also help with weight loss efforts. The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin. Capsaicin can increase the metabolic rate by up to twenty five percent. Capsaicin burns extra calories, which provides the body with additional energy and stamina. For best results, you will need to consume cayenne pepper on a daily basis. You can cook with cayenne pepper, or add quarter of a teaspoon to warm water.

Hoodia Gordonii

Hoodia gordonii is a cactus like plant that grows in semi-arid African countries like Botswana and Angola. It was used by African Bushmen to delay hunger on extended hunting trips. There has been a lot of hype surrounding hoodia gordonii in recent years. What's more there are many counterfeit hoodia gordonii products on the market, so one has to be careful about buying it. Authentic hoodia gordonii is very effective when it comes to weight loss. It works by suppressing the appetite so that you eat significantly less than you usually would.

Green Tea

Green tea is well known for its myriad health benefits. Consuming green tea can help with weight loss in two different ways. The polyphenols in green tea contain an enzyme that dissolves excess triglycerides. These excess triglycerides would otherwise be stored in the body as fat. Green tea also contains antioxidants and caffeine. Hence it stimulates the central nervous system so that stored fat is converted into energy.

Ginseng

Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to boost energy levels and promote vitality. Research indicates that it is also very good for people who are trying to lose weight. It works by stimulating the production of the hormone insulin. It also makes the body more sensitive to insulin. This regulates blood glucose levels. As a result, less of the carbohydrates from food are converted into fat. Ginseng is also helpful to people who suffer from type two diabetes.

Diet and Exercise

All of the herbs mentioned in this article are very easy to buy, and they can boost your weight loss efforts. However it is important to remember that they work best when used in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet and exercise. These herbs cannot be used to replace a healthy diet and exercise regime. If you continue consume more calories than you burn each day, the herbs mentioned in this article will not do much at all to help you lose weight.

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Natural Weight Loss Herbs That Work

You've probably noticed a proliferation of weight loss herb advertisements in magazines, on television, on the radio, and just about anywhere you look on the Internet.

Are these products for real? Can an herb miraculously boost your fat-burning metabolism?

Yes and no. While scientific proof is scarce, there are plenty of herbs which have been associated with increased fat-burning ability. These herbs and herbal compounds are used by bodybuilders and others for whom fat loss is a top priority.

So which fat-burning herbs do the pros recommend? Here are some suggestions from Natural Health Magazine and Bodybuilding.com:

#1: Green Tea Extract

The media has touted the health benefits of green tea, and studies support their claims.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men and women who consumed 390mg of green tea daily lost nearly twice as much weight as those who didn't take green tea.

Green tea's benefits come from its catechins, which are antioxidants that speed up the metabolism and make the body burn through fat stores faster.

It is also a mild diuretic and appetite suppressor, which makes green tea an all-around good choice for dieters.

#2: Guggul

Guggul has a funny name, but it has been an important part of traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for almost 3,000 years.

The plant produces a compound called guggulsterone, which is thought to rev up the liver's fat metabolism and decrease blood cholesterol levels.

Studies of guggulsteron's cholesterol-lowering ability are not promising; the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report which found little difference in blood cholesterol levels after eight weeks of guggulsterone therapy.

But proponents of the herb insist that eight weeks is not long enough for guggul to manifest its full capabilities. Also, guggul's value as a weight loss supplement is backed up by scientific findings.

A study by the University of Nebraska found that subjects who exercised and took 750mg of guggul daily lost six times as much weight as those who exercised and took a placebo.

#3: Dandelion

Who would have thought this common garden weed could be used to rev up your metabolism? Dandelion is thought to be a powerful liver cleanser which might speed up the rate at which the liver turns fat into energy.

Dandelions have long been used to fortify the liver and keep it burning fat at its highest level of efficiency. It is usually taken as a liquid tincture, but dandelion petals can also be eaten in salads.

Fans of dandelion and dandelion root also say it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and helps them metabolize carbohydrates faster.

#4: Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is often advertised as an ephedra-free fat burner. The problem is that it contains substances similar to ephedrine, and can cause heart palpitations and increase the heart rate much like ephedra.

Few studies have been carried out on bitter orange. While the results of one small study did show a promising increase in the subjects' metabolism, the sample group was small in size, leading some to question the accuracy of those results.

Still, bitter orange remains a popular fat-burner among dieters and athletes.

Get a Doctor's Advice

There are two important things to consider before adding herbal supplements to your diet and fitness plan.

First, none of these herbs is a miracle cure by itself. They only build on the results you get from a healthy diet and exercise.

Most importantly, consider your health. Herbs are natural, but they can have side effects just like manufactured meds.

Some fat-loss herbs have stimulant effects that can cause nervousness and increased blood pressure.

People with heart conditions should be extra vigilant when researching new dietary supplements. Always get your doctor's advice before you start taking an herbal product.

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Weight Loss Herbs - Here Are Some Types of Weight Loss Herbs That Could Help You

Can natural herbs help you lose weight? A lot of weight loss products are available in the market today. It is possible to lose weight without spending a lot of money. One of the most natural ways to lose weight is going on a diet that includes weight loss herbs. These herbs are known to be called natural herbs. It does not only help you lose weight but it has other benefits for your body system as well. Weight loss herbs boosts metabolism, some cleanses out toxins from our body and a lot more.

Here are some types of weight loss herbs that could help you:

Ginger- As ginger tea

This natural herb is one of the easiest to find. Some even plant it in their backyard. This herb not only helps us lose weight, but it can also lower your cholesterol, increases blood flow in your body and it can even cure sore throats. Here is an example on how you can prepare ginger to include it as a part of your weight loss program.

How to prepare Ginger Tea:

Peel and slice the ginger; Boil hot water; Put ginger when water is boiling; let it simmer for about 15mins; add sugar or lemon to taste. Drink ginger tea twice a day after meals. Too much consumption of ginger tea may cause heartburn.

Seaweed- As food ingredient

Most seaweed is bought dried in its natural form, in sheets, in granules or powder. Including seaweed as a part of your weight loss program is easy because it tastes good and you get a lot of health benefits from it. It is recommended that you buy these in packed in sheets because it is the easier to prepare. You can simply add this as an extra ingredient; add it like a spice sprinkled on food.

Green Tea

Green Tea is one of the most popular weight loss drinks. It is not only easy to prepare but it is also one of the easiest herbs to find. According to research, a person who consumes 5 cups of green tea a day can burn an extra 70 to 80 calories. Green tea makes it easier for your body to burn fat especially when you exercise regularly while you consume it.

Ginseng

This herb is one of the most readily available herbal plants. Ginseng is known for its health benefits. It is most commonly used as a medicine. It can reduce levels of stress and blood-sugar; it can also enhance your memory.

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Weight Loss Herbs - 5 Herbs Helpful in Lose Weight

Possibly there is no one on the face of earth who does not wish to stay physically fit and steady. To be physically fit, the first thing you must need is a balanced system. A balanced system always demands for a good healthy figure without any fat accumulated in it. In today's world, the technological advancement offers us plenty of facilities; however, it puts us in an equal risk as well. Our changing lifestyle, dependency on fast and junk foods, anxiety and stress - all contribute negatively to our health system. The most adverse effect of all these is weight gain. Statistics reveals that Americans are gaining weight faster than anyone else on earth. So it is a high time to look upon exploring different types of weight loss herbs that are effective in managing good health.

Dandelion

Dandelion is considered as one of the most excellent weight loss herbs. It is a good substitute for minerals. It has the ability to take away LDL as well as total cholesterol as well as fatty acids prior getting absorbed into fat cells via bloodstream. It acts as a gentle laxative. It is beneficial for diuretic usage; however, prolonged use of dandelion may result in electrolytic imbalance like any other diuretics.

Licorice Root

This herb is ideal for initial use, however, strictly not recommended for prolonged usage. Initial use is acceptable because of its sugary flavor which satisfies the craving for sweets. But it has side effects associated with it. It influences cardiac condition adversely including muscle pain, potassium depletion, a sense of weakness, etc.

Garcinia cambogia

It is referred to as one of the best weight loss herbs. Till date, no single possible adverse effect of Garcinia cambogia has been reported. It functions as a metabolic stimulant. It helps the body by integrating a slow metabolic action with an increased potential. It is an excellent appetite suppressant, which helps you to have a good control over your food craving.

St. John's wort

Most commonly it can be seen that at the time of stress or acute depression many people increase the amount of their food intake. In other words, emotional stimulants can directly affect dietary condition in some of the cases. It contributes significantly in gaining weight. St. John's wort is useful for treating mood disorder, depression and anxiety. But it should not be taken without consulting any health expert. It is mainly due to its possible adverse effects on health.

Psyllium

It is rich in soluble fiber. Quite obviously, it is a good source for lowering cholesterol level in your body, especially LDL cholesterol. It functions as a great laxative. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber. A wide range of studies actually affirmed it as one of the best weight loss herbs promoting weight loss without any permanent and acute side effects. It offers a sense of fullness with a reduced energy intake. It lowers the chemical responses associated with glucose and insulin digestion and absorption. It regulates the nutrients' time to reach to the intestine and body cells. As a result, your weight gain process will be slower or even you may apparently lose weight as well. Truly there are various weight loss herbs, but psyllium can hold a significant place on the list. It is used to design healthy diets especially for people suffering from overweight and obesity problem.

However, these weight loss herbs are useful for losing weight if and only if you maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. You should follow a regular exercise schedule with a fat-free, cholesterol-free diet. You should not expect any drastic overnight result while you are using these herbs, rather you should understand the value of time and patience. You must also understand the possible side effects associated with each of the herbs. So it is always advisable that you should consult with health practitioner about the required dosages and possible adverse effects prior taking any of these weight loss herbs.

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The Use Of Weight Loss Herbs

Nothing has garnered more attention in today's world than the success or failures of weight loss products. With a new product seemingly coming to market each day, it's no wonder that as a society we're confused and overwhelmed. And for those of us for whom weight loss is an ongoing battle, we watch each and every product awaiting its "grade." However, among all the products that come and go, weight loss herbs continue to stay at the forefront in the battle of the bulge.

Combinations of natural herbs have been used for centuries to address all manner of health-related issues. From migraines and acne, to nausea and infertility, the properties found in specific herbs have been known to combat them all. And when it comes to dealing with unwanted pounds, weight loss herbs are used to a variety of products designed to speed metabolism and burn fat.

In weight loss herbs such as dandelion, green tea, cayenne, and even seaweed, the metabolism is stimulated in response to the specific properties of the herb. Most herbs associated with weight loss are considered mild stimulants that speed digestion, along with heart rate and respiration. In most cases these weight loss herbs are completely safe but it's always best to consult with a doctor prior to introducing your body to anything new.

Other weight loss herbs act as diuretics and help the body shed excess water. However, these weight loss herbs can actually be quite dangerous if not used responsibly. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that weight loss herbs of this type be used under the care of a medical professional.

More importantly, while weight loss herbs can aid in the body's battle to lose weight, it is important to remember that a healthy diet and consistent exercise program is the best way to shed unwanted pounds - and keep them off. Therefore, a program that combines diet, exercise, and weight loss herbs under the supervision of a doctor can go along way to a long life at a healthy weight.

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