Weight loss supplements are a $4.7 billion industry in the United States alone, yet no single study has found any of these products to deliver results in significant weight loss. In fact, many have harmful health benefits instead. From prescription drugs, over-the-counter pills to commercial brands of weight loss products, very few promise results without the harmful side effects.
These days, herbal supplements are becoming more dominant and in demand, and for very good reasons too. Where else in the past, herbal supplements were thought to be ineffective, today it has been proven quite the opposite. Natural Herbs have been the oldest supplements in history and have been used by mankind for medicinal and health purposes in the earliest of times. Scientists have only just more recently discovered its potential for losing weight. And herbs, almost all the time, do not present harmful side effects.
So which ones then aid and promote weight loss?
One natural herb that is sure to ring a bell is Camellia Sinensis or more commonly known as Green Tea. It contains substances called catechin which is a class of antioxidants that helps increase your energy and metabolism and stimulate fat burn. It also helps suppress your appetite. Green tea is growingly popular as a drink and as an ingredient in herbal supplements.
Paullinia Cupana or Guarana, also has a reputation to aid in dropping excess weight through increased metabolism and works in a similar way to caffeine. It's no secret that caffeine is a stimulant that increases mental alertness and fights fatigue. Guarana delivers all that plus it increases stamina and physical endurance. There has been evidence that Guarana suppresses appetite and increases fat burning.
Who here hasn't heard of Hoodia? Enter your local health store and you're bound to see it on the main shelves and lined at the storefront. Hoodia has become the number one herb for appetite suppression in the U.S. Unlike most other herbs, this medicinal herb works on the brain to suppress appetite. Hoodia also aids in weight loss by controlling and lowering blood glucose, which translates to reduced fat storage. This herb comes from Southern Africa where it's commonly used to treat indigestion and infections.
A less popular herb is Coleus forskohlii, also known as just Coleus, which assists in breaking down fat deposits, preventing production of adipose tissue. It increases thyroid function which in result stimulates the metabolism. Coleus contains a diterpenoid called forskolin, which is the active constituent of this herb. It is the only plant derived compound known to directly stimulate the enzyme, adenlylate cyclase, and in turn, stimulates cellular cyclic AMP which boosts metabolism to assist weight loss.
Here is natural herb that you've possibly never ever heard of, let alone aware of the fact that it can help in weight loss. Guggul has components that naturally stimulate the thyroid gland activity and return the metabolic rate to the right level. It is highly effective at accelerating fat loss and is most effective for people have been on long term weight loss programs. Losing pounds doesn't get any easier and faster than this, as when your metabolic rate is returned to the level it should be, more calories are being burned up again. Now that you've heard of Guggul and its powers, I bet you'll never forget the name ever!
Although it's still recommended that you consult with your GP before approaching a weight loss program, and that a program still needs to consist of a change in diet and some exercise, you can depend on herbal supplements to realize your goals sooner and in a safe and effective manner.
