Are Diet Pills Good For You Part 2

Not all supplements and products that promise a leaner and thinner you are actually healthy, especially when the side effects are taken into consideration. Below are more fat-burning diet products that you may have heard about.

Guarana: Guarana, not recommended, is a caffeine alkaloid. What's more, it is a natural diuretic and laxative, and that's what causes the weightloss. Unfortunately, it also speeds up your pulse rate, increases blood pressure, and increases the heart rate. Not worth the risk!

Chromium: Chromium is an essential trace mineral. In its biologically active form, chromium influences insulin and therefore plays a role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Because of its potential effect on metabolism, chromium has been used as a weight loss aid and muscle builder for years. Chromium supplements come in the form of picolinate, chloride, and nicotinate. As expected, many studies have shown that chromium in supplemental form does not enhance weight loss. Furthermore, some of the lousy side effects may include headaches, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

DHEA (dehydroepiandosterone): DHEA is the most abundant hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and it naturally declines with age. In the tissues, DHEA is converted into active androgens and estrogens and these hormone levels may be connected with body fat, body composition, and waist-to-hip ratio. However, studies report that supplementation with DHEA does not necessarily become biologically available, nor does it prevent aging or aid in weight loss. Furthermore, DHEA may increase the risk for hormone-related cancers such as prostate, breast, and endometrial.

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): CLA is a fatty acid processed from sunflower or safflower oil. The fatty acid is also naturally found in beef and dairy products. Preliminary evidence suggests it may have an anti-carcinogenic effect, but only in animal studies - human studies have yet to come. What's more, preliminary animal studies show that CLA may decrease body fat and increase lean body mass, while reducing appetite. This may be an interesting future supplement, but for now, human research is lacking and the long-term safety has not yet been established.

Yohimbine: Yohimbine is the major alkaloid present in the bark of the yohimbe tree found in West Africa. Yohimbine stimulates norepinephrine release, and has been used for weight loss and as an aphrodisiac. Studies have shown some success with weight loss in obese patients who are also on low-calorie diets; however, sample sizes were small and food was restricted. Side effects include nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, frequent urination, dizziness, tremors, headache, joint soreness, and blood pressure swings. To date, there is insufficient evidence regarding the safety and efficacy ofyohimbine with weight loss.