The Most Popular Natural Supplements for Weight Loss
Walk into any nutritional store or even the local pharmacy and it will be hard to miss the vast number of natural weight loss supplements there. There are even more online, possibly hundreds, all claiming to be the best natural supplement for weight loss. So, do they work and what are they? This article hopes to explain a few of them and what they are supposed to do.
Hoodia
Perhaps the best known of all the natural supplements for weight loss, Hoodia is an all natural appetite suppressant that has not had any negative side effects reported to-date.
Hoodia is available both online and in nutritional stores. Because of its popularity, consumers need to be certain they are purchasing real Hoodia, not a counterfeit. This basically means buying from a reputable company and not just the cheapest.
Guarana is another natural weight loss supplement that is thought to increase metabolism and suppress the appetite. It is derived from a plant that is found in the Amazon rain forest.
Guarana works by increasing the energy expenditure to burn calories and slow the appetite. It is similar to caffeine and in some cases causes a rapid heartbeat if taken in large amounts.
Chromium has been used as a natural weight loss supplement for many years. It is a mineral that is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. This mineral helps insulin in the body move glucose over to the blood cells where it is needed.
Chromium has been promoted for many years to help with weight loss and in building muscle. People with diabetes or any insulin resistance may find it particularly helpful in weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar has been touted as being beneficial for a number of health ailments. It is recommended for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol in addition to helping with weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar has properties that help it burn fat and suppress the appetite. Apple cider vinegar can be taken in its natural liquid form or individuals can purchase apple cider vinegar tablets.
The shells of crustaceans, such as crabs, contain a supplement called chitin which is the basis for the natural weight loss supplement chitosan. This supplement is thought to prevent the body from absorbing fat molecule by binding to them in the small intestine.
Chitosan so far appears to be safe with a few digestive complaints being the only reported side effects. These complaints include constipation and bloating. Many published studies report significant weight loss using chitosan.
When ephedra was removed from the market in 2004, manufacturers needed a replacement ingredient. What they found was bitter orange, an herb somewhat similar to ephedra. This supplement has not been banned but has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure and so should b avoided if heart conditions exist.
There are many more natural supplements for weight loss. Before using a supplement, individuals should consult with their doctor and do their research to make sure they are using a safe supplement.