With all of the different diet pills out there these days it is hard to know what you should use and what you should stay away from. It is all about ingredients. What is actually in the diet pills you are taking is what needs to be looked at. The following five items are different ingredients you can find in diet pills. They include a description of what they are, what they do and possible side effects they may have. It is always best to be informed before taking any supplements, and be sure to check with your doctor first too.
Flucoxanthin
This is a carotenoid, antioxidant, that is found in brown seaweeds and is popular in Asian cuisine. Studies that are being done on lab animals show that this helps the body lose abdominal elephantine, but there is just not enough research on it to show if it indeed helps humans in their quest for flat stomachs. Side effects are still unknown with flucoxanthin because of the lack of studies, but it is high in iodine.
Hoodia
Hoodia is a plant that resembles a cactus and grows mainly in South Africa. It is a natural appetite suppressant, which is why it is so popular in weight-loss supplements. Unfortunately, many diet pills that claim they have Hoodia in them do not actually contain the real thing, so they may not work to stave off hunger. This is where the FDA would come in handy if they regulated it.
Guarana
Like caffeine, but don’t feel it’s strong enough for you? Try this plant from the Amazon rain forest, it has twice the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans! But, even though it gives you more energy it can also raise your heart rate and cause anxiety. Definitely not recommended for anyone with heart problems.
Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that aides in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Because it helps insulin move glucose into the blood where it can be used it is recommended for people with diabetes, as a weight-loss supplement. Though, it needs to be mentioned that it should be done only under a physicians care. It can have a negative effect on neurotransmitter levels.
Ephedra
This was a well-liked weight-loss substance for years until it started to cause it’s users to have heart attacks, strokes and seizures, sometimes leading to death. After it was taken off the market in 2004 it was somewhat replaced with a similar herb called Bitter Orange. This may also raise blood pressure though, among other side effects.
With the cramped research on most of these diet supplements it seems more wise to unprejudiced watch what you eat and get plenty of exercise. If you feel you definitely need to aide of a pill then Hoodia seems to be the safest form, but without proper testing there is no guarantee that it too won’t suddenly cause some negative side effects in the people that take it.
References
Murray, M. (1996). Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Three Rivers Press. New York.
Wong, C. (2008). Weight Loss Supplements. [Retrieved on-line at
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/dietpillssupplements/a/dietpills.htm on February 25, 2010]
Related Blogs
- Acai, Guarana Amazon Rainforest Energy Drinks – All Natural – The Original 6-pack from Brazil « Willis Gatchell
- amazon rainforest flowers costus barbatus
- Amazon watchgroups SILENT over new Chevron oil spills! « The Amazon Rainforest
- The HiP Paris Blog » Blog Archive » Top Six Non-French Food Obsessions in Paris
- Quick and Easy Chicken Adobo | New Asian Cuisine
- SBU Basement Blog
- Celebrating Asian Cuisine at LUCKYRICE | Appetite for Good
- WINED & DINED » Luckyrice Asian Food Festival (April 29-May 2)
- Super Sea Veg®: A Vital Source of Cancer-Fighting Fucoidan « SuperSeaVeg Blog
- What is Fucoxanthin?
- Toughie 343 « Big Dave's Crossword Blog
- Seaweed: The New “It” Vegetable ::
- Antioxidant activities of enzymatic extracts from brown seaweeds | Fresh Antioxidant
- Egg Wrack reproduction « Jessica’s Nature Blog
- Antioxidant activities of enzymatic extracts from brown seaweeds | Enzymatic
- Can Anxiety/stress Cause Sharp Pain In the Head And Pressure | eHealth Junction
- Stress Could Cause Headaches | Panic Attack & Anxiety Facts
- How to Heal Anxiety and Panic Attacks
anic Attacks, Causes & Treatments - Being Sensitive about the Cause of Anxiety — W3Devil
- depression and anxiety disorders | Control Your Anxiety
{ 0 comments }