3 Supplements And Herbs For Weight Loss Explained

Weight loss is a process that requires hard work, dedication, and consistency. Often times, it can be difficult to find the motivation to stay on top of your healthy eating habits and exercise regimen. This is where supplements and herbs come into play; they can help support weight loss without having to put in as much effort! Webmd.com reviewed the top appetite suppressant, but here we’ll discuss three of the more popular ones: green tea extract, apple cider vinegar, and garcinia cambogia.
Green Tea Extract
- What is green tea extract?
Green tea extract is a herbal supplement made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This antioxidant has been studied for its potential to increase metabolism and burn fat. It may also reduce inflammation, which could lead to improved performance during exercise.
- How does green tea help with weight loss?
Green tea extract has been shown to have a positive effect on energy expenditure when taken before physical activity or exercise. The EGCG in green tea extract may also help to regulate glucose absorption, meaning that the body stores fewer calories as fat rather than burning them during exercise or other activities. In addition, green tea is believed to increase thermogenesis, which helps to stimulate the metabolic rate, leading to greater weight loss over time.
- Dosage & Side effects
The recommended daily dosage for green tea extract is 250-400 mg per day, taken in two or three doses throughout the day with food or after meals. Common side effects associated with this supplement include nausea and headache at higher doses, while milder symptoms such as upset stomach may occur at lower doses when taken over a longer period of time.
Apple Cider Vinegar
- What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples with yeast and bacteria to produce acetic acid – the main active ingredient in vinegar, which gives it its sour taste and smell. This type of vinegar has become popular with people looking for natural remedies due to its purported health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving heart health, among other claims that are not necessarily backed up by scientific studies.
- How does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss?
Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may help promote weight loss by reducing hunger pangs caused by lower blood sugar levels after meals, as well as promoting satiety after eating less food than normal, as its acidic properties suppress appetite hormones such as ghrelin. In addition, some studies have reported an increase in fat burning when consuming apple cider vinegar, although these findings require further research before they can be fully accepted as fact.
- Dosage & side effects
The recommended dosage for consuming apple cider vinegar is 1-2 tablespoons diluted in water per day, preferably taken before meals or snacks – however, if you’re not used to drinking vinegar, it would be best to start slowly with small amounts (1 teaspoon) until your body gets used to it, then work your way up to avoid unwanted side effects such as throat irritation, digestive discomfort, and erosion of tooth enamel.
Garcinia Cambogia
- What is Garcinia Cambogia?
Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is believed to block the enzymes responsible for converting carbohydrates into fats, thus helping to prevent the build-up of fat in cells, making it easier to burn off during physical activity or just everyday life. Studies suggest that HCA may also increase the production of serotonin which could act as an appetite suppressant leading those who take it to consume fewer calories overall during mealtimes.
- How does garcinia cambogia work for weight loss?
Garcinia cambogia works primarily by blocking the enzyme citrate lyase, which converts carbohydrates into fatty acids, preventing their storage within cells and therefore encouraging increased breakdown, burning them instead. In addition, some experts believe HCA contained in this supplement could help improve mood thus decreasing desire to eat unhealthy snacks due to stress emotional comfort seeking behaviours often linked to weight gain when done excessively.
- Dosage & Side effects
When taking Garcinia Cambogia you should aim for between 500-1000mg per day divided evenly into 3 separate doses usually taken 20 minutes before meals. Common side effects associated with the supplement include digestive problems such as diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea. However, most of these usually only occur when exceeding the maximum recommended dose, so ensure follow directions carefully to reduce chances of experiencing any adverse reactions.