People who are looking to lose a few pounds or just want an energy boost often turn to "fat burners" for help. These products can potentially be beneficial in helping to maximize energy and increasing weight loss. But at what cost? Many people take these products without bothering to check what exactly is in them. This can be a dangerous proposition, especially for people with a history of cardiovascular disease or seizures. Many of you might remember the recent events that led the FDA to ban the popular fat burner ephedra for sale in the United States. Ephedra use has been linked to a high rate of serious side effects including seizure, stroke, heart attack and death. These are side effects that I could safely say most people would like to avoid. So what is somebody who wants to take a fat burner suppose to do? Well for one always talk to your healthcare professional before starting a fat burner supplement, and two use the tips in this article to identify what to look for in a fat burner.
Have you ever turned a bottle of fat burner over and looked at the ingredients in it? Deciphering just what exactly is in the product can be a daunting challenge. You have probably never heard of four out of five of the ingredients in any given fat burner. In fact the most common ingredient found in fat burners, caffeine, might be the only one you recognize. Ma huang, the Chinese name for ephedra, was a common ingredient in many fat burners prior to its ban in 2004. Millions of people took ma huang containing products and just assumed it was safe. After its ban, ephedra was replaced in many products with bitter orange. However, the National Center or Complementary and Alternative Medicine has found that "there is currently little evidence that bitter orange is safer to use than ephedra." Be wary of products that contain several different herbal ingredients that you have never heard of before. You do not want to potentially be taking the next ephedra.
\"Fat Burners\"
There are several ingredients in fat burners that have been used for many years and have a more established safety profile. For example, green tea extract is found in numerous products. Green tea extract is not only a source of caffeine, which by itself has been shown to increase energy and stimulate metabolic rate, but it is also a powerful antioxidant. It has been shown to inhibit an enzyme called amylase which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates and increasing blood sugar levels. As a result, blood sugar levels are lowered resulting in less fat storage. Additionally, green tea is rich in catechins which have been shown to lower body fat. If that wasn't enough, green tea may also inhibit fatty acid synthase, an enzyme responsible for turning carbohydrates into fat.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes. The exact mechanism by which apple cider vinegar causes weight loss is not known. However, it is believed to be a result of the enzymes and organic acids contained in it. These compounds are believed to suppress your appetite, increase your metabolic rate and reduce water retention.
Grapefruit is believed to help regulate weight loss by its effects on insulin. Researchers speculate that compounds in grapefruit decrease insulin release after a meal. This causes the body to more efficiently utilize food for energy resulting in less fat storage.
Good fat burners should also contain an ingredient that supports thyroid function. The thyroid gland is responsible for setting the body's metabolic rate. Impaired thyroid function will make it nearly impossible to burn fat. Iodine is a vital nutrient which is needed in order to keep the thyroid functioning properly. Kelp is often added to fat burners due to its high iodine content.
Garcinia cambogia is a small purple fruit found in India and Southeast Asia. Its rind is rich in hydroxycitric acid which has been used for centuries by the people of Southeast Asia. Hydroxycitric acid has been shown in animal studies to inhibit lipogenesis. Lipogenesis is the mechanism by which the body converts starches and sugar to fat. As a result, the sugars consumed are converted to glycogen instead and utilized as an energy source. Glycogen production also acts as a signal to the brain that enough food has been consumed resulting in a decrease in appetite. Garcinia cambogia has also been shown to decrease appetite by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Garcinia cambogia can be found in the popular fat burners Hydroxycut and Ripped Pro.
In conclusion, before purchasing a fat burner take the time to look at what is actually in the product. These products may contain potentially dangerous ingredients so it is worth the little extra time to investigate. As always, speak with your healthcare professional to see if a fat burner is right for you.
Fat Burners - What to Look For in a Good Fat Burner
Dr. James Dinicola, Pharm D. is a licensed pharmacist with many years of experience. In order to take the confusion out of purchasing supplements, he started his own company to provide his patients with the opportunity to purchase high quality products at affordable prices. For RippedPro and other high quality products visit his site at [http://www.hfprofessionals.com/products/ripped-protm-fat-burner-plus-energy-60-capsules]