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Are
Diet Pills Good For You? (Part 2)
Not all
supplements and products that promise a leaner and thinner
you are actually healthy, especially when the side effects
are taken into consideration. Below are more fat-burning
diet products that you may have heard
about.
Guarana: Guarana, not recommended, is a
caffeine alkaloid. What's more, it is a natural diuretic and
laxative, and that's what causes the weightloss.
Unfortunately, it also speeds up your pulse rate, increases
blood pressure, and increases the heart rate. Not worth the
risk!
Chromium: Chromium is an essential trace
mineral. In its biologically active form, chromium
influences insulin and therefore plays a role in
carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Because of its
potential effect on metabolism, chromium has been used as a
weight loss aid and muscle builder for years. Chromium
supplements come in the form of picolinate, chloride, and
nicotinate. As expected, many studies have shown that
chromium in supplemental form does not enhance weight loss.
Furthermore, some of the lousy side effects may include
headaches, sleep disturbances, and mood
swings.
DHEA (dehydroepiandosterone): DHEA is the
most abundant hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and it
naturally declines with age. In the tissues, DHEA is
converted into active androgens and estrogens and these
hormone levels may be connected with body fat, body
composition, and waist-to-hip ratio. However, studies report
that supplementation with DHEA does not necessarily become
biologically available, nor does it prevent aging or aid in
weight loss. Furthermore, DHEA may increase the risk for
hormone-related cancers such as prostate, breast, and
endometrial.
CLA
(Conjugated Linoleic Acid): CLA is a fatty acid
processed from sunflower or safflower oil. The fatty acid is
also naturally found in beef and dairy products. Preliminary
evidence suggests it may have an anti-carcinogenic effect,
but only in animal studies - human studies have yet to come.
What's more, preliminary animal studies show that CLA may
decrease body fat and increase lean body mass, while
reducing appetite. This may be an interesting future
supplement, but for now, human research is lacking and the
long-term safety has not yet been
established.
Yohimbine: Yohimbine is the major alkaloid
present in the bark of the yohimbe tree found in West
Africa. Yohimbine stimulates norepinephrine release, and has
been used for weight loss and as an aphrodisiac. Studies
have shown some success with weight loss in obese patients
who are also on low-calorie diets; however, sample sizes
were small and food was restricted. Side effects include
nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, frequent urination,
dizziness, tremors, headache, joint soreness, and blood
pressure swings. To date, there is insufficient evidence
regarding the safety and efficacy ofyohimbine with weight
loss.
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