Lose Weight Pills - Effects Of Various Supplements

There are many lose weight pills on the market. They claim numerous benefits and list a variety of ingredients that supposedly trigger weight loss. But are all these claims medically sound? We turned to the respected Mayo Medical Clinic to get the low-down behind all the hype.

One hot product right now among lose weight pills is Bitter Orange. It is marketed as a very effective weight loss supplement, but critics say it can cause some serious side effects similar to ephedra.

If you recall, ephedra-containing weight loss pills were pulled off the market for causing heart attacks and strokes. In the case of Bitter Orange - which is now being used as an ephedra substitute - the verdict is still out on its long term effects. Research is still lacking, so the experts say: be wary.

Chitosan is described as a relatively safe ingredient in supplements. The manufacturers often tout this as having the ability to block the absorption of fat into the body. Mayo says this is highly unlikely. Also, they caution that it may cause constipation and bloating. Again, the long term effects are unknown.

Chromium sellers claim this ingredient reduces body fat and builds muscle. Chromium is relatively safe, yes. But according to the experts at The Mayo Clinic, there is still no pill that exists to build muscle so it is unlikely to work.

Another ingredient, CLA can cause diarrhea and indigestion. Mayo says this one is also unlikely to reduce overall body weight.

Country Mallow is supposed to decrease appetite and increase the number of calories burned. But Country Mallow contains ephedra and has all of the associated risks.

Ephedra has been banned for medical or supplement use, but is still allowed to be sold as a tea. Despite this, many other supplements still contain ephedra. It can cause high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, sleeplessness, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death. Obviously, products containing ephedra must be avoided at all costs.

Green tea extract is included in many lose weight pills sold in health stores. It is supposed to increase metabolism while decreasing appetite. There is limited evidence to support this claim, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can cause vomiting, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea. Also, it contains a high amount of caffeine, so if you are watching that, you may want to restrict supplements containing Green tea.

Guar Gum is another supplement that is harmless but unlikely to cause any real weight loss. Makers claim that it blocks the absorption of dietary fat and increases the feeling of fullness, which leads to decreased calorie intake. However, it is more likely to cause diarrhea, flatulence and other gastrointestinal problems

Finally, Hoodia is another ingredient found in many lose weight pills. It is supposed to decrease appetite. However, the Mayo Clinic says there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim.

Still some people have found success using these type of supplements. But they are expensive and there are no legitimate scientific studies that back up their claims. Your safer, surer and more cost-effective bet is the good-old healthy diet combined with exercise.

Green Tea Health Benefits

Herbal Teas are gaining in popularity and variety these days. Green Tea is a favorite variety - especially for the health conscious. It is known to fight off cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol and other diseases. Numerous reviews have been written about green tea’s health benefits and the anecdotal evidence is mounting.

The Chinese have been drinking green tea for hundreds of years. All this time they have used this wonder drink for medicinal purposes. Green tea was used for headaches, food poisoning, indigestion and other ailments. Green tea’s health benefits have also been known in India for many years - popular among those who practice natural, holistic healing.

Recent studies indicate that Chinese men who drank green tea regularly over a number of years have a lower rate of cancer compared to those who don’t drink the beverage.

Green Tea the Super Anti-Oxidant

First cultivated in China, green tea comes from the leaves of a plant known as Camellia Sinesis. Studies have determined that this plant contains high levels of catechin polyphenols called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. EGCG is a potent anti-oxidant which can help inhibit cancer cell growth. The polyphenols also add to green tea health benefits because it lowers cholesterol and helps prevent blood clots.

Grenn Tea versus Black Tea

While other tea varieties are known to have medicinal value too, green tea health benefits appear to exceed the rest. One significant difference of green tea from other teas is in the preparation. Green tea is made from fresh leaves of the plant. Another famous herbal drink black tea is made from fermented leaves. Studies show the fermentation process lowers the EGCG content of black tea. Green tea trumps black tea in health benefits since it comes from fresh leaves and so it has more preserved anti-oxidants.

Green Tea for Weight Loss

Recent studies also show that green tea health benefits include weight loss. The anti-oxidants in green teas helps burn calories as well. Green tea promotes weight loss because it detoxifies our system - flushing out fats, while enhancing the proper absorption of nutrients.

Green Tea for Healthier Teeth

Did you know that green tea is also good for your teeth and general oral health? Green tea has antiseptic properties that are known to fight bacteria that cause cavities. The polyphenols found in green tea also strengthen teeth and prevent bad breath. Some people even gargle with green tea for a healthier mouth.

Green Tea for Vitamins and Over-all Health

Green tea is a good source of vitamin C which is why it boosts our immune system. It also has Vitamin B that helps burn carbohydrates and vitamin E for healthier and younger looking skin.

It is also recommended for patients suffering from rheumatism or arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Other health benefits of green tea: it is known to lower blood sugar, reduce stress and prevent high blood pressure.

So go ahead, indulge in this wonder drink. Hot or cold - it tastes great too!

The Truth About Green Tea Weight Loss Diets

I’m sure you’ve heard about weight loss diets based on drinking green teas, right? So the big question in most overweight peoples’ minds is: are green tea weight loss diets for real?

We know that the Chinese have had green tea as a staple of their diet for several thousand years. They’re enthusiastic users of herbs and natural remedies. And most Chinese folks are sold on green tea’s ability to help you lose weight.

Or how about Japan. The Japanese are practically addicted to green tea, with home-grown demand pushing the local supply of high-quality green tea to the limit. And you will notice how rare it is to find overweight Japanese. Many in Japan attribute their lean health to their country’s insatiable thirst for green tea.

So the quick answer about the value and efficacy of green tea diets must be a confident yes!

Whether you consume grean tea in the normal way as a brewed hot drink, or through dietary supplements, green tea weight loss diets revolve around the time-tested reliability of green tea to help in weight reduction.

Here’s a site that will give you a quick and speedy introduction to easy weight loss through green tea:

• Green Tea Health and Weight Loss Program

Scientific Study into Green Tea Weight Loss

Well-regarded physiologist William Rumpler has been investigating the effects of green tea on energy expenditure, and the oxdidation of fats in the body when exposed to green tea. In other words, Rumpler is looking at how your body generates energy in order to carry out work, and factors that affect how you burn up fat for fuel. Both are ways for you to lose weight.

The only component these studies have identified in green tea that contribute to weight loss is the caffeine. However, when the scientists compare green tea drinkers with subjects who consume caffeinated water instead of full-strength green tea, they have observed some interesting results: those who took full-strength green tea experienced significantly greater energy expenditure and fat oxidation levels in their bodies than the caffeine-water drinkers.

What this means is that Rumpler and his team are not really sure what the heck it is in green tea that helps people lose weight. The only thing the scientists are sure about is that it does in fact help you lose weight. More studies in this field will probably isolate what factors in the tea cause this effect, and lead to weight loss when you drink green tea.

From a practical point of view, for those of us who need to lose weight, there’s no need to wait for further study and research. We already have scientific proof that green tea weight loss diets work. High five!

Other studies about green tea health effects have shown that you will you not only lose weight. You’ll also have a healthier life in general. Antioxidants help clean up the damaging free radicals that float around in your body. Your intestinal tract is less likely to absorb unhealthy quantities of cholesterol. And your risk of getting cancer can be significantly reduced.

What more could you ask of a simple and inexpensive drink? You will enjoy truly beneficial impacts, just by consuming a couple of cups of tasty green tea each day!