The problem with the recent popularity in herbal weight loss products is the number of them that manufacturers are producing just makes it difficult for people to decide which ones they really need. Some of the more popular natural weight loss supplements are Hoodia, Guarana, dandelion, cascara and green tea extract. The way this works is by telling the brain of the user that they are not hungry and has helped local populations when the pangs of hunger were upon them.
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. While this herbal weight loss supplement is very effective, it is not without side effects and some users report they feel light headed, sometimes nauseous, anxious and a rise in blood pressure can also be seen.
To rid the body of excess fluid the dandelion has been used for many years as it makes the user go to the toilet more frequently and doesn’t generally cause any harm apart from the odd allergic reaction which has been reported. Results from its use are seen quite quickly with an increase in the amount of fluid that is removed from the body but this should only be used for short periods.
To help rid the body of unwanted toxins and keep it ‘regular’; cascara is used as a natural laxative for use with weight loss programs. 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.
Of the many herbal weight loss products now almost saturating the marketplace, green tea is one of the more beneficial and can be found in many other products not even related to losing weight as it contains many ingredients which are good for the body. Like many weight loss supplements, green tea is more successful when used in combination with a diet based on healthy eating and exercise.
While hundreds often thousands of dollars are spent annually by Americans on herbal and natural products to help control their weight, much more long term research needs to be carried out to assess just how effective these supplements really are. Some people believe that the popularity is just a way to take more money from people as products that contain Hoodia for example can cost up to 50 dollars or more for a months supply. Ultimately, there is no more promise in the herbal weight loss supplement than there is in any miracle in a bottle and while a few may offer a bit of assistance when trying to lose weight; herbal supplements will not work when used without a healthy weight loss plan.
