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Weight-loss Aids

If you�re like the majority of Canadians whose Day-Timers include notations such as �exercise every day,� �drink more water,� and �eat more salads,� don�t forget to add �research health supplements,� because there are some great products that may help in shedding those extra post-holiday pounds.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has thermogenic properties, meaning that it increases our energy (calorie) burning, which is why its extract is a popular natural weight-loss product or ingredient in combination formulas. In one double-blind Japanese study, men were given either oolong tea or oolong plus a green tea extract. After 12 weeks, those in the green tea extract group were found to have significantly lower body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat mass, and subcutaneous fat area.

Yerba Mat�

The leaves of yerba mat�, another popular ingredient in today�s dieting aids, are indigenous to Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Well known as a tropical beverage in South America, its traditional use in combatting fatigue is partly due to its caffeine content. This same caffeine content also contributes to a thermogenic effect that, in studies, has proven helpful in weight loss.

Garcinia Cambogia

This small purple fruit contains a chemical compound called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is believed to inhibit fat production by blocking the conversion of sugars and starches into fats. By also raising levels of certain brain chemicals, namely serotonin, HCA may also contribute to a faster sense of fullness, thus suppressing appetite.

Although Garcinia cambogia doesn�t have any reported adverse effects, children, pregnant and lactating women, people with diabetes mellitus, and people with Alzheimer�s or other forms of dementia are advised against taking it.

Hoodia Extract

For thousands of years, African hunters have eaten hoodia plant stems to prevent hunger and thirst on long, food-finding trips. In 2004 an animal study indicated that hoodia can suppress appetite through its effective ability to send signals to the brain that the body is satiated. Another study published in the journal Phytochemistry (2007) seconded this notion. The results of large, peer-reviewed, human clinical trials are very much anticipated.

CLA

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid naturally found in meat and dairy products, was initially found in animal studies to lower body fat and increase muscle mass. Research in humans has also shown a positive effect. In one Journal of Nutrition study involving healthy men and women, the study groups who took CLA experienced similar results�less body fat and more lean muscle mass. What�s more, they kept the weight off.

Gymnema Sylvestre

An Ayurvedic herb whose Hindi name literally means �sugar destroyer,� gymnema has been documented to help balance blood sugar levels as well as to reduce sweet cravings by modulating taste. Combined with other ingredients such as Garcinia cambogia and chromium (also for balancing blood sugar levels), this herb is emerging as a weight-balancing superstar in clinical studies.

Put a little extra kick in your new health regime this month by checking at your local health food store for these and more natural weight-loss aids.

Source: alive #315, January 2009