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FAT BURNERS... Under the Microscope
Are you confused about which fat burners to use, if they're safe, or if any of them really
even work? Finally, renowned authorities on physique development and supplement science have
rated the best "fat-burner" supplements.
Ever wonder which supplements are "best" for burning off that dreaded, unwanted bodyfat? Call
them thermogenics, fat-loss catalysts, metabolic enhancers, fat burners, or any other name...
these supplement all focus on one thing: fat loss! Here are five of the best fat burners we
will highlight for you now:
Whether you're trying to shed 30 lbs of fat, competing in a physique-transformation competition,
striving to get ripped for your next vacation, or somewhere in between... here you'll find a
clear-cut path. You see, we've done the work for you and thoroughly reviewed and rated the top
15 "fat-fighting" supplements to take the guesswork out of figuring out which ones work, which
ones are totally worthless, and which are downright scams for one reason: so you don't have to.
To get the full report on all 15, download your FREE Fat-Burners eBook
here.
This fact-filled report arms you with the type of detailed information on the latest fat-fighting
aids you need to make intelligent, informed choices. You'll discover which supplements are proven
and can really make a difference; which remain speculative; which remain unproven; and equally
important, which ones are safe and void of potential (harmful) side effects.
NOTICE: Information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not meant to
substitute for the advice provided by a qualified physician or other medical professional.
Information and statements contained herein, regarding dietary and food supplements, have
not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should not use the information contained herein for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified
health-care practitioner prior to use of supplements if you have any pre-existing medical
conditions, including high blood pressure, heart or thyroid problems, nervous disorders,
diabetes, or are taking any prescription drug. Do not use fat-burner supplements if pregnant
or lactating.
Fat Burner #1—CITRUS AURANTIUM
What is it?
Citrus aurantium, commonly referred to as bitter orange, has been used for thousands of
years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve overall health. That is, until recently,
when science discovered compounds (the most well-known being synephrine) from these little
orange fruits demonstrated equally powerful thermogenic ("fat-burning") activity. In fact,
synephrine has prominently become referred to as ephedra's "calmer chemical cousin" because
it increases the body's metabolic rate or ability to burn calories, without producing negative
side effects on the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
How it works
Citrus aurantium appears to work by way of its active compound called synephrine, which is a bit
like ephedra (an amphetamine-like chemical found in a lot of weight-loss and performance products).
Like ephedra, this chemical also appears to reduce appetite and boost metabolism—the rate our
bodies burn calories—thus stimulating fat loss. Unlike ephedra, though, you're likely to
experience very little, if any, side effects with Citrus aurantium. This is because Citrus
aurantium contains chemicals called amines (tyramine and octopamine), which are not as
lipophilic—meaning they do not cross the blood/brain barrier as easily as ephedra—which
reduces central nervous stimulation and cardiovascular effects. In other words, this could
mean no nervous energy (i.e., shakes or jitters), increased heart rate, or insomnia.
What does the science say?
According to recent research at McGill University, another reason Citrus aurantium gives
you a smooth flow of energy without the jitters is because it stimulates certain receptors
(called beta-3 adrenergic receptors) that help break down fat—known as lipolysis.
Simultaneously, this stimulation causes an increase in the metabolic rate. Therefore, you
burn fat without bothering other receptors (namely, beta-1, beta-2, or alpha-1) that
over-stimulate your heart rate and blood pressure. In contrast, ephedra stimulates all
alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, thus causing unwanted side effects. For this reason,
synephrine is now being used as a replacement for central nervous stimulants like ephedra
in many thermogenic formulas.
How to take it
Most leading research indicates that four to 20 mg of synephrine per day, which usually is
provided by supplementing with 200 to 600 mg of a standardized Citrus aurantium extract
(at three to six percent synephrine), may be most effective. To get the full report, download your
FREE Fat-Burners eBook here.
Fat Burner #2—COLEUS FORSKOHLII
What is it?
Coleus forskohlii is an ancient Ayurvedic plant and member of the mint and lavender family,
which grows in the mountains of Asia. Recent research has shown that the active ingredient
in coleus is forskolin, which plays a major role in a variety of important cellular functions,
inhibiting histamine release, relaxing muscles, increasing thyroid function, and increasing
fat-burning activity. Though scientists are only just confirming the many benefits of coleus,
there's a definite "buzz" circulating about its potential for aiding in fat loss.
How it works
The main argument for using it to drop fat is that the active chemical forskolin initiates a
cascade of chemical reactions that cause fat cells to basically release their energy and melt
away. In more technical terms, what happens is forskolin increases an enzyme called adenylate
cyclase, which increases levels of another enzyme called cAMP (cyclic AMP), which is found in
fat. cAMP then stimulates another enzyme, hormone sensitive lipase, to burn fat. Additionally,
by a similar mechanism using cAMP, coleus increases thyroid hormone production and release,
thereby increasing the body's metabolism, to burn more calories.
Basically, forskolin initiates a similar cascade of chemical reactions as ephedrine. Where
coleus differs from ephedrine is ephedrine stimulates adrenergic receptors (which is the
primary mechanism for ephedrine, even though this process is not totally accountable for
its fat-burning effects) before it reaches cAMP. Unfortunately, many negative side effects
can be experienced when some of these adrenergic receptors are stimulated, such as increased
blood pressure, anxiety, etc. (This is basically why users of ephedrine-based supplements
oftentimes experience unwanted and sometimes dangerous side effects.)
To the coleus user's advantage, however, coleus bypasses the adrenergic receptors and goes
straight into the cAMP cycle, which is the next step in the ephedrine fat-burning process
and subsequently also bypasses all of the potential unwanted, adverse effects associated with
ephedrine. Simply stated, this is like having the option of two journeys driving to work:
both will get you to the identical spot, and both will take the same amount of time, but one
route (coleus) is a calm country drive with no traffic, whereas the other route (ephedrine)
is a busy high-speed motorway with perils and hazards with every lane change... we know which
route we prefer!
What does the science say?
Scientists have, in fact, studied the effects of coleus for over 15 years and have found an
abundance of benefits, including bodyfat reduction and lean body mass enhancement. However,
scientists are only now beginning to show how these effects occur in the real world. While
more research is indeed needed (as is the case for many supplements), these theories and
initial clinical studies adequately support its claimed benefits. Still, there is apparently
some even more exciting research on the horizon.
Speaking of exciting research, this just in...
One of the most respected individuals in the field of sports nutrition research, Dr. Richard
Kreider, recently conducted an interesting presentation called "Ephedra Alternatives" at
Nutracon, held in March in Anaheim. Here he touched on a range of speculative but promising
nutrients, one of them being coleus. Dr. Kreider stated that initial pilot studies suggest
Coleus forskholii may promote weight and fat loss and/or mitigate (or moderate) weight
gain in overweight subjects.
He also recently presented data at the 2002 Experimental Biology meeting of his own recently
conducted study on coleus. In a double-blind, randomized study, 23 overweight females supplemented
their diets with ForsLean (a patented form of coleus) extracted for 25 mg of forskolin two times per
day for 12 weeks. The participants' body composition and bodyweight were examined every four weeks
for the 12-week study period, and any side effects were recorded on a weekly basis. The study
results found that although no significant differences were observed in caloric or macronutrient
intake, ForsLean helped mitigate gains in body mass—that is, subjects taking ForsLean observed a
slight decrease in bodyweight while subjects taking the placebo continued to gain weight.
Additionally, the study showed users felt less fatigue, so they had more energy. And their
appetites were reduced, so they felt fuller for longer. Also on the upside, there were no
reported negative side effects.
How to take it
A common dosage range is 50 to 100 mg, two or three times a day. Fluid extracts of two to
four milliliters taken three times per day are used as well. Important Tip: An extract
standardized to at least 10% to 20% forskolin is preferred. To get the full report, download
your FREE Fat-Burners eBook here.
Fat Burner #3—YERBA MATE
What is it?
Yerba mate is a perennial (a plant that doesn't die at the end of the year) and member of the
holly family, evident by its leathery leaves. It grows wild in the rainforests of Argentina,
Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Paraguay (where it is cultivated). Just about everyone has felt the
jittery side effects of too much caffeine at one time or another. Yerbe mate, in contrast,
gives your brain a boost without making you nervous. Interestingly, it has been shown to
improve mood and concentration, reduce anxiety, prevent mental fatigue, and prolong the
effects of thermogenesis (i.e., fat burning)... along with a multitude of other compelling
benefits.
How it works
There are 196 chemicals in yerba mate that become active in the body once consumed, including
B vitamins; Vitamins A, C, and E; and the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and
selenium. And mate has 11 polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. But the most important
chemical in mate is "mateine." Mateine is a xanthine alkaloid. You might have heard of other
xanthines, such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. Strikingly, mateine appears to
possess the best combination of xanthine properties. Like other xanthines, it mildly arouses
the central nervous system, but unlike other stimulants, it doesn't appear to be addicting,
nor does it produce unwanted side effects such as insomnia or nervousness. Interestingly, it
actually works as a tonic for the central nervous system, calming the body and mind, leaving
you feeling alert and sharp.
The result of the chemical combination in mate is then responsible for its substantial
increase in energy and fat burning. Mate appears to help support long-term energy by maintaining
energy production with oxygen for longer periods of time, which burns more calories, improves
heart efficiency, and delays buildup of endurance, robbing waste products, such as lactic acid
that are created by anaerobic glycolysis (energy production without oxygen). One indicator that
it is working to burn more fat is a drop in something called the respiratory quotient (RQ),
which indicates a rise in the proportion of fat being oxidized or burned in the body.
What does the science say?
"Hot off the press": Dr. Torben Andersen undertook a study at Charlottenlund Medical Centre
in Denmark with 44 healthy overweight patients using an herbal combination of guarana and
another two herbs, yerba mate and Damiana. Dr. Andersen's results were quite positive: those
taking the herbal combination for 45 days lost an average of 5 kg (or about 11 lbs). This
was a significant difference compared to the placebo group, which lost only an average of
0.45 kg (or about one pound). Also noteworthy, the herbal combination delayed gastric emptying
by 20 minutes, which means a longer feeling of fullness after eating a meal.
How to take it
Research indicates the intake of yerba mate to be most effective at 500 to 1,500 mg daily,
two to three times evenly throughout the day, before meals and/or exercise. Recent theory:
Mate may be most effective for promoting fat loss if one serving is taken upon rising,
first thing in the morning, especially before cardiovascular exercise. To get the full
report, download your FREE Fat-Burners eBook here.
Fat Burner #4—EPHEDRA
What is it?
Ephedra, or ma huang (its interchangeable herbal name), is an ancient Chinese herbal form
of the powerful stimulant ephedrine. Recently, it has grown in popularity—both good and
bad—throughout the world, as a most revered weight-loss aid because it has been shown
in numerous studies to temporarily suppress appetite, is a natural stimulant, and acts as
a thermogenic—burning more calories, faster. Yet, because of the media's recent
attention on its "higher than normal" rate of Adverse Event reports to the FDA, ephedra
may be best known for its potential negative side effects.
How it works
Imagine you're crossing the street and a speeding car almost hits you. Within seconds, you
begin to sweat, your heart pounds, and you feel almost out of breath. This is known as the
"fight-or-flight" response. Well, consuming the herb ephedra (or ma huang) appears to
produce a similar result—due to increased adrenaline and central nervous
system stimulation of beta-1,2 receptors. In essence, it increases blood pressure and heart
rate, makes you sweat, and increases blood flow to the heart, brain, and muscles. Only it
may last quite a bit longer than your body's immediate response to avoiding a car—more
like 20 to 30 minutes. This internal act, in turn, raises the body's core temperature—a
process called thermogenesis—and helps break down (burn) fat cells.
What does the science say?
Ephedra has been shown in numerous studies to be an effective weight-loss aid (as a thermogenic
and appetite suppressant). Plus, research indicates it can temporarily enhance energy levels.
Until recently, ma huang was considered the most effective natural thermogenic on the market.
However, you should know that since 1994, the FDA has received and investigated over 800
reports of Adverse Events (i.e., reactions) associated with products with ephedra (or ma
huang). Reports that range from elevated blood pressure, muscle disturbances, insomnia,
dry mouth, heart palpitations, nervousness, strokes, and even death.
Due to these reports, the FDA prompted a considerable study on ephedra, entitled "Adverse
Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Events Associated with Dietary Supplements Containing
Ephedra Alkaloids." The conclusion of the study, which was published in December of 2000,
said "...the occurrence of events that caused permanent disability and death, we conclude
that dietary supplements that contain ephedra alkaloids pose a serious health risk..." It's
our take then, these findings indicate the need for a better understanding of individual
susceptibility to the adverse effects of ephedra, and it should be used with extreme caution
or avoided altogether as a fat-loss supplement.
How to take it
For instant "energy" as a performance stimulant or to enhance the body's ability to burn fat,
studies support taking from 12.5 to 25 mg of ephedrine two to three times daily. When using the herbal
ma huang or ephedra extract (standardized for eight percent ephedrine alkaloids), 150 to 300 mg two
to three times per day is reportedly effective. To get the full report, download your
FREE Fat-Burners eBook here.
Important Notice: Read all warnings before supplementing
with ephedra. It's highly likely you'll find there are more possible (unwanted) side effects
listed on the warning label than you bargained for.
Fat Burner #5—7-KETO™
What is it?
This powerful micronutrient is the product of years of intense research—7-Keto is a new breed
of supplement—one engineered for specific results. Its ability to promote safe fat loss
without the "buzz" of stimulants is a breakthrough in weight-loss supplements and is
creating quite a stir in both the scientific arena and in the real world. Recently
developed and awarded five patents, 7-Keto was discovered by Dr. Henry Lardy, who spent
the last 10 years examining over 150 metabolites in hopes of finding a nutrient that
would impart the positive benefits in promoting thermogenesis—increasing the body's
metabolism (to burn more calories). What Dr. Lardy has discovered is suggested by many
researchers to be the most potent thermogenic enhancer available in aiding safe,
effective fat loss... and for good reason.
How it works
Search the shelves at your local health-food store, and you'll find them lined with today's
more popular weight-loss products that claim to "boost" metabolic rate. However, look a little
closer at the label, and you'll discover the substances contained in these formulas are
nothing more than stimulant-based nutrients (e.g., ephedra, ma huang, Sida cordifolia, etc.),
which primarily work by suppressing the appetite and cause weight loss through limiting the
urge to eat, with only a limited ability to increase the body's metabolic rate (its ability
to burn calories).
7-Keto is quite different in its mechanism of action in the body. It works by helping to
increase the body's metabolic rate by way of the thyroid (T3) gland. A much safer approach
to fat loss than stimulants. What most people don't realize is that after the age of about
25, our metabolisms (the rate our bodies burn calories) begin to slow, and often, no matter
how hard we resist, our bodies insist on burning less and less calories. The inevitable
response is to store the "unburned" calories as fat, and thus, we have a harder time keeping
unwanted weight off. This is where 7-Keto can play a vital role in weight reduction and
particularly in fat loss—by "shifting" the metabolic rate, so the body is able to increase
fat metabolism, even while resting.
What does the science say?
A new peer-reviewed clinical trial reveals a significant reduction in both bodyweight and
bodyfat in overweight adults by positively impacting thyroid functioning: in a double-blind,
placebo-controlled study, 100 mg of 7-Keto taken twice daily for eight weeks was shown to
increase levels of the thyroid hormone T3 (or triiodothyronine) by an astounding, yet
safe (within the normal range) 17.88%. The placebo group, by comparison, experienced an
increase of only 2.75%. This is significant because T3 is not only the most active
thyroid hormone but also has the greatest effect on metabolic rate.
These results for fat loss faired positively as well: over the eight weeks, the 7-Keto
group lost a significant amount of bodyweight compared to the placebo group. In fact, the
7-Keto group lost three times more fat than the placebo group (6.34 lbs vs. 2.13 lbs). Plus,
bodyfat percentages decreased by 1.8% for the 7-Keto group, and the placebo group experienced
only a .57% loss.
How to take it
Interestingly, because of the high cost to produce 7-Keto, most supplement companies suggest
taking 25 to 50 mg per day. However, according to the most recent studies, 100 mg of 7-Keto
taken twice daily (for 200 mg per day) was found to be most effective for weight loss. Evidence
shows that taking from 100 to 200 mg per day can impart positive effects on fat loss. To get the
full report, download your FREE Fat-Burners eBook here.
Important Tip: 7-Keto is a patented supplement, so watch out... if
you come across a product that is supposed to have real 7-Keto in it, and it doesn't have the
U.S. patent number 5,296,481 (for weight loss) on the label, don't buy it! It's a counterfeit.
A very good source of 7-Keto may be found in the fat-burner product called
Lean System 7 here.
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Fat-Loss Facts
Fat Burner #1—CITRUS AURANTIUM
