Today, most people resort to supplements and herbal solutions to help them with their weight loss. Along with a good diet and the right exercise, proper supplements will enhance your efforts towards achieving healthy weight loss. Due to the massive amount of products in existence in the market, it is rather quite difficult to determine which ones will be effective and safer to utilize. The following article will highlight a few of the most popular and scientifically backed supplements and herbal remedies for weight loss.
1. Green Tea Extract
Probably one of the most well-known fat burners, green tea extract-and for good reason. It contains active compounds called catechins, mainly EGCG or Epigallocatechin gallate, which increase thermogenesis and give it an edge in fat burning.
How to Use: Take green tea extract supplements by the proper dosage, as directed, which is usually before meals and workouts.
2. Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia cambogia is a type of tropical fruit. Usually, its extract is used in dietary supplements for weight loss. Its active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, aids in preventing the process of making fat and also reduces appetite.
Mechanism of Action: It inhibits the actions of an enzyme, citrate lyase, which is involved in the production of fat in the body. It raises serotonin levels inside the brain, which may lower appetite and food cravings.
How to Use: Take Garcinia Cambogia supplements 30-60 minutes before meals.
3. Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most common drugs available, which acts as a stimulant to the system and is found in plenty in coffee, tea, and weight loss supplements. It enhances energy levels and the metabolic rate of the body, which, in turn, helps to burn more calories throughout an entire day.
Mechanism: The drug works through its action of stimulation of the CNS, leading to an increase in metabolic rates and an increase in fat-burning capabilities. It can also improve physical performance, making workouts even more effective.
How to Take: Caffeine can be ingested through coffee, tea, or as a nutritional supplement. One should refrain from consuming too much, lest it cause jitters or make one sleepless.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The need to lose weight has seen many people revert to using apple cider vinegar, which for hundreds of years was used for many health-related aspects. Acetic acid contained in it contributes to the burning of fat by minimizing its storage and suppressing appetite; metabolism is increased.
How It Works: Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar encourages improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in fat accumulation. In addition, acetic acid may be responsible for a feeling of satiety leading to smaller intake of food and less calorie consumption.
How to Take It: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and consume before meals.
5. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is one kind of fat that has been found in meat and dairy products. It is also available as a supplement and was thought to be useful in reducing body fat without losing lean muscle mass.
How It Works: CLA works by encouraging the burning of fat, which impedes the stocking of fat. It also prevents the atrophy of muscles during weight loss, which is indeed a great factor in long-time fat burning.
How to Take: Take CLA supplements with meals, in dosages typically ranging from 3-6 grams daily.
6. Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a natural dietary fiber extracted from the root of the konjac plant. It is one of the potent natural appetite suppressants and finds its application in weight loss supplements.
How It Works: Glucomannan absorbs water in the stomach and expands, therefore suppressing appetite for other foods and reducing calorie intake. It promotes healthy digestion and reduces fat absorption.
How to Take It: Glucomannan supplements should be taken 30 minutes before a meal with plenty of water.
7. Forskolin
Forskolin is an extract from the Indian Coleus plant, belonging to the mint family. It has traditionally been applied in medicine for centuries and currently is under study for its application in weight loss.
Mechanism: Through a chain reaction, forskolin starts to work by turning on an enzyme known as adenylate cyclase, raising intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. The result is an increase in fat breakdown and a reduction in body fat.
How to Take: Supplements are also available in the market; standard dosages have 250 mg and should be taken twice per day.
8. Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that thrive in the gut and help in digestion. New studies have claimed that certain types of probiotics may help in weight loss by improving digestion, increasing metabolic rate, and lessening inflammation.
How It Works: Probiotics help in balancing the gut bacteria and impact fat storage and the overall function of controlling hunger in the body. Moreover, certain varieties of probiotics associate specifically with weight loss, such as Lactobacillus gasseri.
How to Take: They can be taken through supplements according to the prescribed amount or by eating foods that possess probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir.
