Are Weight Loss Supplements Worth It?
What do you think of
hundreds of weight loss supplements out there on shelves today? Are they worth money? Will they actually help you lose weight? How do you know which ones are going to work for you? Is there any proof that these products work?
I've taken some time and researched some of most popular product to try to find answers for you. The truth is, most products won't help you lose anything but money. There are a few, however, with some research behind them that prove that they actually work.
What are these supplements that work? It seems that only four products hold best promise for those of us who want to slim down. They are Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Hydroxycitic Acid (HCA), phaseolomine, and possibly 5-HTP.
1. Conjugated Linoleic Acid, CLA, has a number of research studies behind it. It is a fatty acid that has been found to reduce cancer risks, body fat and to increase lean muscle tissue. The Journal of Nutrition reported a Scandanavian Research team found CLA to increase lean body mass of humans and also to decrease fat mass. Subjects also had lower blodd fat and cholestrol after taking CLA. CLA does occur naturally in meat and dairy products, but levels are pretty low. Also, if you're following a healthy low-fat diet, you tend to not get as much meat and dairy, so supplementation may be answer for getting a healthy dose of CLA.
2. Hydroxycitic Acid, HCA, is derived from a fruit, Garcinia cambogia or Malabar tamarind. It seems to work by inhibiting an enzyme that converts carbohydrates to fat. It also seems to suppress appetite. Studies on humans have had mixed results with one study showing significant weight loss in participants. Another study using a high fiber diet, showed HCA had no effect on weight loss. Critics think high fiber diet prevented absorbtion of HCA. So, if you're on a high fiber diet, HCA may not be for you.
