Are Weight Loss Supplements Worth
It?
by:
Valerie de
Armas
What do you think of the
hundreds of weight loss supplements out there on the shelves
today? Are they worth the money? Will they actually help you
lose weight? How do you know which ones are going to work for
you? Is there any proof that these products work?
I've taken some time and
researched some of the most popular product to try to find the
answers for you. The truth is, most products won't help you
lose anything but money. There are a few, however, with some
research behind them that prove that they actually
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What are these supplements
that work? It seems that only four products hold the best
promise for those of us who want to slim down. They are
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Hydroxycitic Acid (HCA),
phaseolomine, and possibly 5-HTP.
1. Conjugated Linoleic Acid,
CLA, has a number of research studies behind it. It is a fatty
acid that has been found to reduce cancer risks, body fat and
to increase lean muscle tissue. The Journal of Nutrition
reported a Scandanavian Research team found CLA to increase the
lean body mass of humans and also to decrease the fat mass.
Subjects also had lower blodd fat and cholestrol after taking
CLA. CLA does occur naturally in meat and dairy products, but
the levels are pretty low. Also, if you're following a healthy
low-fat diet, you tend to not get as much meat and dairy, so
supplementation may be the answer for getting a healthy dose of
CLA.
2. Hydroxycitic Acid, HCA, is
derived from a fruit, Garcinia cambogia or Malabar tamarind. It
seems to work by inhibiting an enzyme that converts
carbohydrates to fat. It also seems to suppress the appetite.
Studies on humans have had mixed results with one study showing
significant weight loss in participants. Another study using a
high fiber diet, showed HCA had no effect on weight loss.
Critics think the high fiber diet prevented absorbtion of the
HCA. So, if you're on a high fiber diet, HCA may not be for
you.
3. Phaseolomine is derived
from the white kidney bean. It works by reducing your body's
absorbtion of starchy carbohydrates. Since you absorb fewer
calories, you lose weight. Seems like this supplement would be
great to take if you knew you were going to indulge. Research
has also shown that you burn more fat while taking
phaseolomine. Subjects in one study lost 10% of their body fat
in 30 days. Phaseolomine is typically found in carb blocker
products.
4. 5HTP works by increasing
the level of Serotonin in the brain resulting in more stable
emotions, better sleep and weight loss. I take 5HTP myself and
have found it to be an excellent appetite suppresant as well as
a mild mood booster. In one study where women were given either
a placebo or 5HTP and a 1200 calorie diet, those who took the
placebo lost 2.28 pounds and those who took 5HTP lost 10.34
pounds. This was accomplished in 6 weeks. Are there other
supplements that work? There may be others that will stand the
test of time and research, but for now these are the best
non-prescription supplements I've found to enhance your weight
loss efforts. Good luck losing the weight you want to
lose!
Valerie de Armas
©2003
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