Herbal-weight-loss

Unfortunately the recent popularity of natural and herbal weight loss supplements has meant that every manufacturer has decided to start supplying them and the range keeps increasing, confusing the public. One of the most exciting finds in recent years has been the Hoodia Gordonni cactus from certain parts of Africa which acts as an appetite suppressant. While it has other attributes, it is how it tricks the mind into believing it does not need anything to eat that is the real reason it is used; something people in Africa have know for many years.

The other well know supplement is Guarana which is a caffeine based stimulant with a diuretic effect so it helps speed up the system and burn off calories at the same time. However, Guarana is not for everyone with some people suffering with high blood pressure, feeling anxious, dizzy and sick so as a herbal weight loss product it has to be taken under advisement.

Dandelion is another diuretic (it makes you urinate more frequently) and while side effects are relatively harmless, allergic reactions have been reported. The immediate result is water weight loss which is temporary at best leaving this herbal supplement ineffective for long-term weight loss.

In an effort to maintain a healthy system many natural weight loss products use cascara, an herbal laxative which helps expel unwanted and unhealthy toxins from the body. Just because it is marketed as an herbal weight control supplement doesn't make it any better and its overuse can cause depletion in vital nutrients.

One particularly popular herbal weight loss supplement is the extract that can be obtained from green tea which can be found in many products including drinks, vitamins and even as a concentrate in a tablet. The one thing that does become clear though is that green tea just like other natural products is far more effective if it is part of a calorie, health based diet that also contains regular physical activity.

Despite the large sums of money spent by people on natural weight loss products, there is still little proof that they are effective in the long term. Herbal products are also expensive and some experts believe this popularity is feeding the bank accounts of many large companies who are capitalizing on this with expensive supplements like Hoodia for example, which can often cost in the region of 50 dollars for every month it is used. The real truth is that herbal weight loss supplements do have their place but they should not be relied upon to control weight on their own but should be part of a regime which promotes healthy eating and exercise.