What is Fenproporex?

Looking for a weight loss aid? When it comes to dropping some unwanted pounds there are many options on the market today, but not all of them are good. Some can even be dangerous and cause more problems then what they solve. This seems to be the case with Fenproporex.

Fenproporex is a weight loss drug that was developed in the 1960s and was available only by prescription. It is used to suppress appetite to treat obesity and also has been used to treat stress-related conditions.

Side Effects of Fenproporex

Unfortunately although the pills may have been effective they were also shown to cause a variety of health problems.  Fenproporex has been shown to cause:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pains
• Headaches
• Insomnia

This drug is also extremely habit forming and addictive. Because of these side effects and its abusive nature, the FDA has banned the use of Fenproporex in the United States.

Conclusion

If you are trying to lose weight and looking for a great fat burner, look somewhere else! Why risk taking a drug that has been banned? It’s just not worth any benefit that you might get. There are many weight loss products available that are both effective and SAFE!

What is LeanGard?

Losing those extra pounds can be tough, and sometimes exercise alone just isn’t cutting it. Are you someone who needs a little boost to help you reach your weight loss goals? LeanGard may be the answer you are looking for. This proprietary blend has been formulated to support healthy body composition and weight management. It is a blend of three patented weight loss aids, ForsLean, GarCitrin, and Bioperine, which work together to deliver optimal results.

So how exactly does LeanGard work? And is it really a good go-to fat burner and weight loss aid? Let’s take a closer look at this triple action supplement and find out.

How Does LeanGard Work?

LeanGard is made up of ForsLean, GarCitrin, and BioPerine, which are formulated to work synergistically to allow you to receive the best results of weight management, better body composition, and increased satiety.

ForsLean is an extract from the coleus forskohlii root. This extract can help build lean body mass and decrease total body fat, while maintaining healthy body composition.

GarCitrin is made up of extract of the Malabar tamarind fruit. The active compounds found in GarCitrin, Hyroxycitric acid and Garcinol, help reduce fatty acids and lipids, increase lean body mass, and deliver a boost of antioxidants which help the body repair and fight free radicals. GarCitrin also helps reduce your appetite.

Finally the last piece of the LeanGard pie is BioPerine. BioPerine is the patented extract of black pepper. It is a natural bioavailability enhancer for nutrients. In other words it helps your body utilize ForsLean and GarCitrin more effectively.

Is LeanGard Effective?

LeanGard and the three extracts that make it have been thoroughly researched and tested by the Sabinsa Corporation. In clinical trials those taking LeanGard saw an average of an 8% decrease in body fat percentage, a 4% increase in lean body mass, and a 7% decrease in BMI, over those taking a placebo. The trial lasted twelve weeks and the participants received 500mg of LeanGard twice a day. Seeing these great results, it’s obvious that LeanGard is definitely effective, and it could be just the push you need to start melting those unwanted pounds away.

Side Effects of LeanGard

There are no known side effects associated with LeanGard or any of the three parts that make it up.

Conclusion

LeanGard has been clinically proven to be an effective tool in your weight loss arsenal. As with any weight loss supplement, you will see the best results when you take LeanGard in combination with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

LeanGard is safe and effective, but there are other weight loss supplements that may be better suited to you and your body. Check out more foods that burn fat for other ideas and ways to kick start your new and improved body and healthier life.

What is Horny Goat Weed?

Horny Goat Weed or epimedium is a leafy plant with yellow, purple, red, and white flowers that grows wild in high altitudes throughout China, Japan, Korea, and parts of the Mediterranean. Other names that this plant goes by are Yin Yang Huo, and Chien Hsieh. The Horny Goat Weed has been used for over two thousand years as an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for its reported aphrodisiac properties.

Only the leaves of the Horny Goat Weed plant are used and they contain flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and magnaflorine, which are believed to be what make it effective. It remains a popular herb throughout China and is seeing an increase in popularity around the world.

Sexual Function

Horny Goat Weed has been used throughout Chinese history to increase libido and sexual desire in both men and women. According to Chinese folklore the aphrodisiac properties of the plant were discovered when a goat herder observed an increase in the sexual activity of his flock after they had been grazing on it.

Scientific studies on animals have shown that Horny Goat Weed may work by relaxing smooth muscle in the body and increasing blood flow to the penis or clitoris. It is believed that the plant can be beneficial for those suffering from impotence, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea or involuntary ejaculation, and low sperm count. Supporters who believe in the power of Horny Goat Weed claim that it is a safe, natural, less expensive, alternative to popular medications, like Viagra or Cialis, that treat erectile dysfunction without many of the adverse affects that can come with those.

Menopause

In addition to its effects on sexual function, Horny Goat Weed is also believed to benefit women who are suffering from the many symptoms of menopause. In a study testing several different herbs that are commonly used for menopause relief, epimedium or Horny Goat Weed was found to have one of the highest estrogen- like activities.

Other Uses

Horny Goat Weed may have other effects as well. Some use the plant as a natural energy booster. Some studies indicate that Horny Goat Weed may increase osteoblastic activity in the bones, which would help prevent osteoporosis.  Others have shown that the weed may help regulate cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormone levels in the body.

Although Horny Goat Weed has been around for many many years for it reported benefits and side effects, scientists are not able at this time to back up many of these claims. There has been success in a few animal studies, but not enough to give a clear picture of how this plant works in humans, and whether or not it really lives up to the hype.

Negative Side Effects

There is not a lot of documentation on the downside or negative effects of Horny Goat Weed. Studies on animals have shown a decrease in thyroid activity after taking the weed over an extended period of time. There have also been reports that Horny Goat Weed may cause rapid heart rate and blood pressure irregularities.

What is Mexican Wild Yam?

Mexican Wild Yam is a perennial vine with black potato like tubers that grow in the ground. The plant has also been known by many other names including Dioscorea villosa, colic root, rheumatism root, American yam, and devil’s bones, and it is used for the same benefits as Chinese yam. Mexican Wild Yam is native to North America and has a long history of homeopathic use.

History of Mexican Wild Yam

Traditionally Mexican Wild Yam and its counter part Chinese yam have been used to treat sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. Mexican Wild Yam has been used in American folk medicine to treat coughs and induce sweating and vomiting. Many Native Americans and early settlers also used the plant for its ability to relieve intestinal spasms, which is the reason it is also known as colic root. Early uses of Mexican Wild Yam also included relief from rheumatism, asthma, and digestive and urinary tract disorders.

Mexican Wild Yam Today

Today Mexican Wild Yam is thought to be effective for many women’s health issues. The plant is seeing an increase in popularity for the belief that it is a safer all-natural alternative to synthetic hormones. Mexican Wild Yam contains a chemical known as diosgenin, which is a precursor to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Because of diosgenin, Mexican Wild Yam is a common ingredient in many alternative products. Common uses include estrogen replacement therapy, to relieve symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness in older women, premenstrual syndrome or PMS, menstrual cramps and irritability, and weak bones or osteoporosis. Mexican Wild Yam is also used in products for breast enlargement. Some also believe that Mexican Wild Yam can alleviate leg and back pain related to the menstrual cycle, and acute labor and postpartum pains.

Unfortunately studies suggest that diosgenin can only be converted into estrogen or progesterone in a lab environment. It appears that the body is not equipped to make the transition from the chemical to either hormone itself.

Mexican Wild Yam is also used as a natural treatment for a few disorders in both men and women including diverticulitis, gallbladder pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. Extract from the plant is also used to increase energy, and boost sexual desire and drive.

Side Effects of Mexican Wild Yam

Hormone sensitive conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids could be made worse with Mexican Wild Yam. The yam may also increase the risk of clot formation in people with a Protein S deficiency. Taking large doses of Mexican Wild Yam can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Mexican Wild Yam has been used for hundreds of years for the various benefits that were believed to come from it. Unfortunately, the modern day testing that has been preformed on this plant has not been able to support these beliefs. Hopefully new information on the Mexican Wild Yam will come to light, but for now you may want to stick with whatever medicinal regimen your doctor recommends.

What is Fo-ti?

Fo-ti is a plant native to China and other areas throughout Asia. It is also known by the names Chinese Knotweed, Climbing Knotweed, Flowery Knotweed, He-Shou-Wu, and Kashuu. He-Shou-Wu is the common name in China, the name which refers to an old legend of a man restoring his black hair, vitality, and youthful appearance after taking the root.  The root of the Fo-ti plant is used commonly in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often boiled in a black bean mixture, and in this processed form is called red Fo-ti. The unprocessed root is known as white Fo-ti.

Traditional Uses of Fo-ti

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the processed and unprocessed forms of the Fo-ti root are considered two different herbs. Unprocessed or white Fo-ti is used to relax the bowel and relieve constipation.  Processed or red Fo-ti is used to strengthen the blood, revitalize the liver and kidneys, and improve energy or Chi within the body.  It is also believed to help cure premature gray hair, premature aging, weakness, angina pectoris or chest pain, back pain, and erectile dysfunction.

Fo-ti Today

Scientists have found that processed or red Fo-ti contains protein- sugar complexes known as lectins. Lectins bind to carbohydrate strands in the body and act like antibodies. This helps prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the body. In animal studies the lectins in red Fo-ti also appeared to help lower cholesterol, prevent fat from building up in the liver and blood, reduce the accumulation of plaque in the walls of arteries. The animals used in these studies also experienced an increase in red blood cell production and their ability to adjust body temperature and adapt to cold weather. Red Fo-ti has also shown some anti-tumor and anti-oxidant effects and boosts immunity. Unprocessed or white Fo-ti has been found to have a laxative effect.

While there have been no conclusive studies preformed on the effects of Fo-ti in humans, only in animal subjects, the roots of Fo-ti in both forms continue to be used throughout China and other parts of the world to attain these great benefits. The Chinese also use Fo-ti to promote fertility, increase blood sugar, relieve muscle aches and pains, and they have found that the root can be effective against diseases like malaria.

Side Effects of Fo-ti

Little is known about the potential side effects that Fo-ti can have. The unprocessed white Fo-ti can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramping. There is also little known about the toxicity of the root but white Fo-ti is considered to be potentially more toxic then processed red Fo-ti.

Conclusion

Although there is no conclusive evidence to support the claims made about the efficacy of Fo-ti in humans, the animal studies have had great results. Fo-ti can be found throughout the US in whole root, sliced root, root powder, capsules, tablets, and tinctures. Many of the products available here contain the cheaper unprocessed white Fo-ti, but most of the benefits are attributed to red Fo-ti.

What is Silymarin?

Silymarin is the active extract found in the seeds of the milk thistle plant. Milk thistle is native to areas of Europe but can now also be found growing throughout areas of the United States. The seeds of milk thistle contain a number of complex flavonoid compounds including silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin, which together are known as Silymarin. This extract has been a popular herbal treatment for liver dysfunction for thousands of years. Today Silymarin has been found to be beneficial against a number of other diseases and dysfunctions as well.

Liver

Since the Middle Ages, Silymarin has been used to treat various liver dysfunctions. Scientists have discovered that Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant, fighting the effects of oxidation and free radicals that cause damage to cells in the liver and throughout the body. Studies have shown that Silymarin can reduce damage in the liver that is a result of acetaminophen, recreational drugs, pesticides, some poisons, excess iron, and even hepatitis. The extract has also been shown to be effective in reversing damage done to liver cells by alcohol, including early stage cirrhosis.

Kidneys

Animal studies have shown that Silymarin helps reduce damage to the kidneys from chemotherapeutic drugs. The extract reduced and prevented toxicity in the kidney cells of rats. Trials are still being conducted to see if Silymarin will have the same effect on human kidneys.

Milk Production

Studies have been preformed on the effect of Silymarin on nursing mothers. Results from previous tests had shown that the extract effectively increased milk production in cows. In the human trials, the results showed a significant increase in the daily milk production of new nursing mothers, with no negative effect on milk quality.

Other Benefits

In addition to the benefits above Silymarin has also been shown to alleviate oxidative stress, and reduce memory impairments associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Silymarin may also be effective in promoting skin health, reducing damage to the skin from burns and inhibiting cancer growth or melanoma from UV radiation. Silymarin may be effective for reducing cholesterol and blood lipids and some claim that the extract is a good natural cure for hangovers. It has also been used to help cleanse or detox the body, and has been touted as a natural alternative to anabolic steroid use.

Side Effects of Silymarin

There are very few side effects reported from Silymarin use. Some have noted stomach irritation when taking a Silymarin supplement in capsule or tablet form. The extract may also have a mild laxative effect in users.

Conclusion

There are so many great things that Silymarin has been found to help with and many more that it is being studied for. It will be exciting to see what new benefits are found from this amazing plant.

There is little regulation in place for milk thistle extract or Silymarin. You will want to pay close attention to labels if you are purchasing this supplement to make sure you are getting a quality product that will be effective.

What are Black Cumin Seeds?

Black Cumin Seeds come from the Nigella Sativa plant, which is part of the buttercup family. The seeds are dark, thin, and crescent shaped, and look a little bit like black sesame seeds. Black Cumin is used in many ethnic cuisines for their bold flavor and they have also been found to have many health benefits and healing properties.

History of Black Cumin Seeds

Black Cumin Seeds have been used for centuries for their health benefits. The seeds are referenced both in the Bible and in the works of the prophet Mohammed. Mohammed believed that Black Cumin could cure “anything but death itself.” Black Cumin Seeds were also found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh King Tut, which suggests that the ancient Egyptians believed that the seeds were important not only in this life but were also a necessary tool in the after-life. The seeds were commonly used in these ancient times to treat upset stomachs, headaches, toothaches, colds, and other infections. Black Cumin Seed oil was also used to strengthen hair and nails.

Health Benefits of Black Cumin Seed

Black Cumin Seeds have been found to contain over one hundred different chemical compounds, including many essential fatty acids and B vitamins. Studies have found that the compounds contained in the seeds and oil help the body fight diseases by boosting the natural production of interferon, raising white blood cell counts, and increasing bone marrow production.

Many of the traditional uses of Black Cumin Seeds remain today. The seeds and oil are also used to help treat asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, pertussis, and colds. The seeds can be used to calm nerves, lower blood pressure, increase milk production in nursing mothers, and improve digestion as well. In addition to the cosmetic benefits to the hair and nails, the Black Cumin oil is great for the skin and can be used to treat conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Research has shown that Black Cumin Seeds may be beneficial for those dealing with autoimmune diseases and allergies.

Black Cumin Seeds are now being tested as a possible weapon in the fight against cancer. It is the seeds ability to increase interferon, bone marrow, and white blood cells that is believed to make it effective in fighting against cancer cells. Many tests have shown great results when the Black Cumin Seeds were given to animal subjects. As of now, no human trials have been done yet, but the possibilities and the potential of theses seeds is enticing.

Conclusion

There are many great characteristics of Black Cumin Seed. In addition to the traditional uses, the seeds are showing amazing potential when it comes to treating even bigger diseases. Can these seeds really cure everything “but death itself?” Maybe, maybe not, but taking a supplement of Black Cumin could definitely be worth a shot.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from (surprise) coconuts and is mainly composed of saturated fatty acids.  While that sounds terrible (we are usually taught that saturated fats are the devil) there are actually a number of great health benefits associated with coconut oil.   It contains 92% saturated fatty acids including:

• Lauric – 47.5%
• Myristic – 18.1%
• Palmitic – 8.8%
• Caprylic – 7.8%
• Capric – 6.7%
• Stearic – 2.6%
• Caproic – 0.5%
• Oleic – 6.2%
• Linoleic – 1.6%

Coconut Oil Benefits

What could be so great about a bunch of saturated fatty acids, you ask?  Well, here are some of the most significant benefits of coconut oil:

• Weight Loss – The medium and short-chain fatty acids in coconut oil provide a great benefit to digestion and promote a healthy functioning thyroid. The low incidence of obesity in people living in tropical/coastal areas with high coconut oil consumption is likely no coincidence.
• Immune System – Coconut oil strengthens the immune system by providing antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These have been shown to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Mineral Absorption – Many of the fatty acids in coconut oil work to absorb and distribute essential minerals throughout the body.
• Hair Care and Skin Care – Coconut oil works as a hair and skin conditioner and provides the essential proteins required for healthy skin and hair growth. It is commonly found in premium skin creams and hair conditioners.

Coconut Oil Risks

There are no health risks associated with coconut oil aside from rare allergic reactions.  If you are allergic to coconut, you are probably already aware and will obviously not be using it any time soon.

Conclusion

Coconut oil is no miracle elixir (you don’t see islanders living forever, right?) but it is a very healthy and nutritious ingredient which has a variety of uses and is also very affordable.  Whether as a skin or hair treatment, a supplement, or used simply as a cooking oil or seasoning, its benefits can be substantial.

What are Essential Oils?

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “essential oil”, it might sound like an oil which is absolutely necessary.  Essential minerals and essential amino acids are responsible for this misunderstanding.  An essential mineral or amino acid is called essential because your body does not produce it naturally and so you must consume some amount of it for optimal health.  Essential oils are thus called because they are oils which represent the “essence” of the plant that they come from and are typically highly concentrated extracts.  So, you’d expect mint essential oil to be very minty and cinnamon essential oil to be very…well, “cinnamony.”

Essential Oils Benefits

Many essential oils are regularly used for their concentrated aromatic properties and can be found in candles and bath salts for “aroma therapy.” Oils like cinnamon, eucalyptus and mint (menthol) are good examples. Essential oils extracted from flowers are often used in perfumes and candles

Some of these oils are also used for medicinal treatments, as in the case of menthol to soothe a sore throat or suppress a cough.

One very important essential oil, known as capsaicin, is extracted from hot peppers and has proven to effectively increase the body’s basal metabolic rate.  This helps to burn more calories on a regular basis and may result in significant weight loss in some cases.

Essential Oils Risks

Because of the highly-concentrated nature of essential oils, some can prove to be irritants and shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin. Essential oils from citrus plants can also cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.  In the right dose and dilution, essential oils can be very useful and safe, but caution should be used if you are ever handling pure essential oils.

Conclusion

With a variety of sources and applications, essential oils are extremely useful and valuable.  Because of their concentrated nature, they are often more potent and more expensive than basic herbal extracts, but they are highly potent.

What is Royal Jelly?

Royal Jelly, despite sounding like something that Prince William might smear on his daily toast, is actually a biological product of honey bees.  More specifically, it is an excretion which used as the primary food source for developing bee larva as well as for the queen bee.  The larva are enclosed in small compartments and surrounded with Royal Jelly as their personal food supply as they develop and the queen is regularly fed the jelly by worker bees.  As humans have such a long history of stealing things that bees produce, its no surprise that we might figure out something else to take away from them!

As for what Royal Jelly is actually made of , the components vary depending on the breed and location of the bees from which it is harvested, but the rough breakdown is:

• 60% Water
• 15% Protein
• 16% Sugar
• 6% Fat
• 3% Vitamins, Salt, Amino Acids and Antibiotic components

Royal Jelly Benefits

The fact that Royal Jelly is used to promote the growth and nutrition of honey bees has given cause to many supplement companies to develop and market it as a unique health serum, vitamin supplement, or even weight loss supplement. Other suggested applications have included asthma, liver disease, pancreatic conditions, insomnia, PMS, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, skin disorders, and high cholesterol.

Though some might promote Royal Jelly as a miracle tonic or the “perfect food” because it is the sole source of nutrients for developing be larvae, let’s just remember that humans and bees are different in a lot of ways.  Even so, based on the preliminary research that has been done on the benefits of Royal Jelly, you might experience the following benefits:

• Improved metabolism
• Lower cholesterol
• Stronger Immune System

Each of these benefits may provide mild assistance for those who are looking to lose weight, but Royal Jelly is unlikely to have a direct impact in weight loss.

Royal Jelly Risks

Generally, Royal Jelly is known to be safe when taken as a supplement, though if you have any sort of bee allergy, or chronic allergies in general, you’ll definitely want to consult with your physician before taking Royal Jelly.  Some studies also suggest it may have negative interactions with a chemical called warfarin which is included in anti-coagulant medication. Specifically, it may increase chance of bruising or bleeding.  However, this effect is not something most people will ever need to worry about.

Conclusion

While Royal Jelly may sound a little gross, it’s a very safe and nutritious substance that will continue to be researched and developed for a variety of purposes.  Though many of the claimed benefits of Royal Jelly are completely bogus and it is by no means a “miracle food” or the “perfect food”, it may provide mild benefits when included in vitamin and health supplements.  As it is relatively difficult to harvest, Royal Jelly tends to be pretty expensive and so it isn’t clear how cost-effective its benefits may be.  If you’re looking to try something new, however, Royal Jelly is promising and all-natural.