More on Weight Loss and Fat Loss Supplements

Yesterday, we looked at 7 of 15 weight loss and fat loss supplements profiled in the June 2008 edition of FitnessRx for Women magazine. Today, we will look at the final 8 supplements that can help you to achieve and maintain the body weight and fat composition you desire. So, let's go.

1. Green tea - It contains high amounts of caffeine, which is proven to increase metabolism. Although still under some debate, green tea has also been shown in recent studies to promote fat-burning and reduce bodyweight in overweight individuals.
   
2. Hoodia - Hoodia is an appetite suppressant that has been used extensively in South Africa and has been shown to reduce body mass through decreased food consumption.
   
3. MCT oil - Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are similar to fish oil and CLA in their ability to burn fat. Studies of overweight individuals have shown that consuming MCTs results in greater fat loss versus consuming LCTs (long-chain fats like beef fat). Research with obese women who supplemented with MCT oil showed greater metabolic rate and fat oxidation when compared to subjects who consumed a diet rich in LCTs.
   
4. Yerba mate - A South-American drink of the ancient Indians, yerba mate is an herbal drink that is gaining popularity in other countries. When consumed in capsule form as an herbal mix along with guarana and damiana, yerba mate has been shown to reduce bodyweight in overweight individuals. The herbal mix also increases a feeling of fullness for an extended period of time.
   
5. Dietary protein and leucine - Adequate protein intake is important to help maintain muscle tissue during dieting. Conserving muscle helps keep metabolic rate higher, thus resulting in more fat-burning during and after exercise. Protein also helps to maintain a feeling of fullness and to control sugar balance. An essential amino acid found in protein is leucine, one of the BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).
   
6. Leucine - Leucine promotes protein synthesis and suppresses protein catabolism. In other words, leucine helps to build muscle and decrease muscle loss or wasting. In studies with mice fed a high-fat diet, increased dietary intake of leucine resulted in lower body mass, better sugar control and a positive cholesterol profile. This was due in part to an increased metabolic rate.
   
7. Soy - Soy is a high-quality non-animal protein source that helps to increase lean muscle mass in adults who do resistance training. In a recent study, subjects who consumed a soy protein drink or a soy protein bar had similar lean muscle mass gains. As mentioned previously, more muscle equates to more fat-burning, resulting in greater fat loss and weight loss. See Soy Protein: What is the Truth About Soy? for more information.
   
8. Whey and casein - Both whey protein and casein protein supplements have been shown to increase muscle gains in individuals who strength-train. However, in a 3-month study of active students who consumed both whey and casein, the whey protein group showed a lower body fat percentage and greater improvements in exercise performance.

So, there you have it. Another 8 dietary supplements to consider that can help you achieve your fat loss and weight loss goals.

Have a great day!

Sandy Huard, Women's Health Supply International

10 Health and Nutrition Facts You Should Know!

Here are 10 important "health and nutrition" headlines from the February 2008 issue of Fitness Rx:

1. Fish Oil Cuts Stroke Risk in Women - fish oil prevents blood clots, thins the blood, lowers blood cholesterol and improves blood sugar regulation.
   
2. Green Tea Supplement Prevents Colds and Flu - a study of a product called Immune Guard, which contains compounds from green tea extract was shown to reduce the length of cold and flu symptoms by 36%.
   
3. Green Tea Prevents Bone Loss in Older Women - a recent Australian study showed that older women who drank green tea were better able to maintain bone density in the hip than were women who did not drink green tea.
   
4. Exercises That Build Bone - The best exercises at building bone are high impact or weight-bearing (involving rapid changes in direction) recreational sports, weight training and plyometrics (bounce exercises like skipping rope).
   
5. Yogurt Prevents Weight Gain - Although still a matter of debate, calcium-rich foods are thought to control appetite and yogurt is believed to impede the absorption of nutrients/calories into the bloodstream.
   
6. Probiotics Increase Good Cholesterol - German researchers found that women who consumed probiotics yogurt containing L. acidophilus had a 10% increase in good (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol protects blood vessels from disease.
   
7. Whole Grain Consumption and Body Fat - According to British researchers, there was no relationship found between consumption of whole grains and overall body fat. However, people who don't consume whole grains are twice as likely to be obese than are those who consume more than 16g per day. That's because whole grains are fiber-rich and filling and thus reduce overall daily consumption of calories.
   
8. Calories Rather Than Carbohydrates Promote Obesity - A study by a well-known fat loss guru showed that overweight people actually eat fewer carbohydrates but consume more calories than thin people. Consuming complex carbohydrates will help control your appetite and help you to lose weight.
   
9. Glycemic Index and Load Not Linked to Diabetes - British researchers over a 13 year study found no relationship between glycemic index and glycemic load and the incidence of diabetes. In fact, they found that people who consumed more carbohydrates (higher glycemic load meals - I assume complex carbohydrates here), were at a reduced risk of diabetes.
   
10. High Fructose Sweeteners Promote Heart Disease - The sweeteners found in your favorite cola are made up of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is also added to many breakfast cereals as well. HFCS increases LDL (bad) cholesterol that can lead to heart disease, as well as obesity.
    

If you haven't yet gotten a subscription to FitnessRx, I highly recommend it.

Have a great night!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International