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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 work.
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 is editor of Best Weight
Loss Tips, a free twice monthly newsletter
that offers advice and encouragement to
those who want to say goodbye to fat. Sign
up at http://www.best-weightloss.com/
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