FAT BURNER SECRETS REVEALED
This report is designed to save you money. By informing you of ingredients or products
that may do little or nothing for you.
By letting you know the best ingredients for assisting in your weight
loss. By helping you determine a good
price for fat burning agents and products.
I do not try to fully explain in scientific detail what
these agents are, how they work or to quote the studies explaining why they
work. I want to keep things simple, easy
to read and understand. If you want to
track down more detailed information about a particular agent then I will
provide some very good links to resources where you can research further. Those links are located at the end of this
report.
Most of the information presented in this report targets
the average person who does not exercise.
What I mean by this is, if you begin exercising (especially the very
beneficial weight lifting) you may require and benefit from higher doses of
certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
For example: Under normal non-exercise conditions, the
dosage of amino acids and B vitamins you normally get in your diet or through a
supplement complex is very adequate for processing energy. If you start exercising regularly, then
additional supplementation could be necessary for the adequate processing of
energy. Other factors such as age,
insulin resistance, thyroid problems and other conditions can play a role in
how much of a particular nutrient is adequate to stimulate fat loss.
I highly recommend better nutrition and an exercise program (as outlined
in Weight Loss Simplicity) for those who want to permanently lose fat
fast. Most people who attempt to take
the short-cut route and lose weight only through pills may find their weight loss
is not as great as they had hoped for or after losing a few pounds find it
creeping back on.
Which fat burner is right for you?
Just like no single nutrition plan works for every person,
no single fat burner pill will have the same effectiveness for everybody. Why?
Each person’s body type is different and each person’s chemical make up
is slightly different.
You have to make an honest evaluation of why you think you
are overweight. This may even require a
visit to the doctor.
If you are a person with an average body build and had no
eating disorders and no family history of obesity yet you find yourself
overweight. Did you become overweight
simply because you became lazy and started leading a sedentary lifestyle and
had poor nutrition habits? If so, then
you probably would respond quite well to a simple change in your nutritional
habits, exercise and a basic fat burner consisting of the E/C/A stack (Ephedrine/Caffeine/Aspirin).
If on the other hand even in your youth you were
plump. Came from an over weight family
or possibly even had someone in your family with diabetes or borderline
diabetes (representing a sugar imbalance or insulin problem). Then you have to approach your nutritional
changes a little differently and the fat burners that are most effective for
your body chemistry may be different from the person described in the above
paragraph. You may find that "fat
burners" like Corosolic Acid (banaba leaf) or Gymnema are best to help regulate your insulin and would be
better for you instead of the E/C/A stack.
Fat Burners- In
this report I use the term to represent a very broad list for a variety of
herbs, vitamins, amino acids, and hormones that in various ways will assist you in being more productive at
losing weight.
Notice: Please remember, these agents will only ASSIST your weight loss. You must always first and foremost be ready
to lose weight through proper nutrition and exercise.
No single pill, powder or elixir is the answer to your
magical weight loss dreams.
FACT: A person can
only lose 1 to 2 pounds of fat a week and permanently keep it off using proper
calorie reduction and exercise. Fat
burners may increase this rate of fat loss but do not expect miracles of 15
pounds of fat lost in two weeks. The
body is not designed to rid itself of fat that fast.
Notice: Some diets and products will claim you can
lose 10 pounds or more a week. Even if
their claim is true about their product, you will not lose 10 pounds of FAT. You may lose 1 pound of FAT, 1 pound of
muscle and 8 pounds of water weight. Or
even worse your fad diet will not provide enough calories sending your
metabolism into a nose dive (very bad) and your body will start feeding upon itself. You will lose muscle (and weight) as your
body scavenges for sources of protein and fuel.
Please read product claims carefully. Almost all products say their results also
include a proper nutritional program with exercise. Your body does not want to give up fat. It is a very valuable source of energy that
it has stored away for later use.
What is
Thermogenesis? Elimination of excess calories by generating heat.
How can I increase thermogenesis within my body?
• Exercise every day
• Increase lean muscle mass (You don't have to become a body
builder to do this. Even light training
with weights can build some muscle.)
• Proper Nutrition (Keep your metabolism revved up by eating less
food more often.)
Agents, ingredients (herbs, vitamins, etc.) that increase
thermogenesis.
Some of the listed agents work through thermogenesis. Others work by affecting various levels of
the conversion of food or body fat to energy such as insuring proper insulin
function, helping the liver process fats or stimulating a sluggish thyroid.
Please use any thermogenic agents with caution, always
starting with low dosages to test your body for any unusual reactions. Some of these agents (like ephedrine) the
body can quickly develop a tolerance to if you take them on a regular
basis. So the same dosage will be less
effective. Do not keep raising the
dosage! Take a break, allow your body to
empty itself of the chemical by cycling off of the agent. Typically take a break every 3 to 4 weeks,
staying off for about a week then resume the on off cycle. Or, only take the agent every other day.
Another effective method to keep from building a tolerance to an
ingredient would be to find different fat burners that you have found effective
for your body type and then take them on alternate days.
Please
consult a doctor before consuming any herb or drug particularly if you have a
special condition concerning diabetes, pregnancy, thyroid, kidney etc. or if
you are on any prescribed medication.
Some of these agents can raise blood pressure or cause thinning of the
blood and many other effects to the body.
I urge you
to seek comparative advice on these ingredients so you will be a betterinformed
consumer. Be cautious of commercial
sites that rave about the benefits of ingredients and then link you to a
product that contains those ingredients.
Research further at sites offering neutral or non-commercial advice
before purchasing.
The information
found in this report is for educational purposes only and is not intended to
diagnose or treat any condition. Please
research further and consult with qualified Nutritionist, Doctors or other
weight loss professionals.
Full List of
Ingredients (All of the ingredients listed below may not be useful for
weight loss but you will see them promoted as weight loss agents. I have tried to provide information that will
help clear up what is most beneficial.)
Details of each agent listed below follows later.
4-Hydroxyisoleucine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Aspirin
B vitamins
Caffeine
Capsaicin
Chromium
Coleus Forskolii
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Corosolic Acid (banaba leaf)
Creatine
Dioscorea villosa
Ephedrine
Fenugreek
Green Tea (polyphenols)
Guarana
Guggul
Gymnema
HMB (beta Hydroxy-Methyl-Butyrate)
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)
L-Carnitine
Lipotropics
Momordica Charantia (bitter melon)
Morinda citrifolia (Noni)
NADH
Naringin
Pyruvate
Ribose
Synephrine
Taurine
Theobromine (listed under Cocoa Bean)
Theophylline (listed under Cocoa Bean)
Vanadium
Yohimbine Hydrochloride
Some agents listed do not have repeated solid, unbiased
human studies that clearly point to its abilities to help you lose weight. Many ingredients are accepted "on
faith" that they work or have shown limited effects in the laboratory but
these studies have not been applied to humans.
You will easily see in the charts and graphs I have
provided for you, three main ingredients listed over and over. These three ingredients are Ephedrine,
Caffeine and Aspirin. You may see these
ingredients referred to as "the stack" or "E/C/A stack". It is well accepted that these three agents
work the best and the reason they are always combined (or stacked together) are
because they help each other work better.
When one ingredient helps another ingredient work better this
relationship is considered synergistic.
One other ingredient has been found to extend the abilities
of a number of agents or work in a synergistic fashion. It is called Naringin. You may begin to
see this ingredient appear in more and more formulas but for right now it is
only found in a few. Naringin is mainly
found in grapefruit juice and it is the ingredient that imparts the bitter
flavor. Some brands of grapefruit juice
are using methods to reduce naringin therefore making their juice taste
sweeter. Naringin increases the effectiveness
of caffeine. Please use caution in drinking grapefruit juice and consuming
prescription drugs because naringin has been shown to alter some drug's
effectiveness.
One Huge Problem (This will save
you money)
Brown Fat- There
are 2 main types of fat, white fat and brown fat. Some companies claim certain ingredients will
help release the energy stored in brown fat.
While there are some animal studies to back this claim up there is one
huge problem. Humans have little to zero
brown fat in their bodies! Brown fat is
found exclusively in animals and mainly in animals that utilize
hibernation. Do not fall for claims made on this basis!
Simplified Details
(for more details or references to laboratory studies please use the links
provided at the bottom of this report.)
4-Hydroxyisoleucine
This is the isolated active ingredient in fenugreek seeds that actually
works. It may help regulate insulin
insuring more energy gets to cells and gets used. Do not look for fenugreek seeds in products
because you would have to take very large dosages to get the benefits. This product is presently fairly expensive
and there are other ingredients that perform about the same function and cost
less. With the active ingredient you
only need about 250 mg per dose.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP) Griffonia simplicifolia
used more for affecting mood disorders than weight loss as a mild appetite
suppressant. The studies for this
controversial agent in relieving depression are mixed at best and zero for
weight loss. It is not recommended since
there are so many other agents that do a better job. Our bodies make 5-HTP from the amino acid
L-Tryptophan but taking supplements does not increase 5-HTP.
Apple Cider Vinegar
in liquid or pill form there is zero evidence this does anything for you
relating to weight loss. Go to the store
and buy some for under a dollar and season your food with it. If an apple cider vinegar product works for
reducing fat then it is because of other fat burning ingredients included in
many of the products.
Aspirin Salicin, White or Purple Willow Bark, Acetyl-Salicylic Acid . When combined with ephedrine and
caffeine, aspirin taken 3 times a day in dosages of approximately 300 mg helps
to form the most potent fat burner available.
Doctors now recommend for certain people regular treatments of low
dosages, up to 100 mg, of aspirin for other ailments other than weight
loss. Regular aspirin can contain
100-400+ mg depending on strength.
Constant use of high doses of aspirin may cause internal bleeding. There are plenty of good products that do not
contain aspirin.
B Vitamins most
all the B Vitamins assist in the processing of energy. A dietary deficiency is not likely unless you
are following a strict fad diet that is limiting in variety of foods and
multivitamins or B complexes certainly supply enough. Additional supplementation does not tend to
assist in the extra burning of calories. Dosages per day; B1 (Thiamin) 1.5 mg, B2
(Riboflavin) 1.7 mg, B5 (Pantothenic Acid) around 5 mg, B8 (Folic Acid) 400
mcg, B12 (Cobalamin) 6 mcg, B3 (Niacin) 20 mg, B6 (Pyridoxine)
2mg,
Certain groups of individuals may be at higher risk for
lacking one or more of the B vitamins.
Pregnant women need extra B8, vegetarians and the elderly may need extra
B12 etc. but a good diet that involves a variety of foods plus a basic
multivitamin should insure you get more than the RDA. Although these vitamins are very important
and you do not want to be deficient in them; Weight loss claims from fat burning
supplements that say you need their product because it contains any of the B
vitamins is unwarranted as long as you eat properly and take a multivitamin.
Caffeine Guarana, Guarna Extract, Guarana Seed, Kola
Nut, Bissey Nut, Paullinia
Cupana, Mate, Yerba Mate, Guaranine. Caffeine can be found in many sources and you
can easily substitue with a cup of coffee, tea or even green tea. One of the benefits of taking caffeine in
pill form is no additional calories associated with sugars usually used to sweeten
drinks. Acts mainly as a nervous system
stimulant and mild appetite suppressant.
Combined with ephedrine, it makes the best fat burner stack known. 200 mg 3 times a day.
Caffeine Comparison
The amount of caffeine in some common beverages is as
follows:
• Coffee, brewed - 40 to 180 mg. per cup
• Coffee, instant - 30 to 120 mg. per cup
• Cola and other soft drinks, containing caffeine - 36 to 90 mg.
per 12 oz
• Tea, brewed American - 20 to 90 mg. per cup
• Tea, brewed imported - 25 to 110 mg. per cup
• Tea, instant - 28 mg. per cup
The product Vivarin contains 200 mg of caffeine
Capsaicin Cayenne, Capsicum Capsaicin is the
compound that makes peppers hot. Some
people can ingest large quantities without adverse
gastrointestinal side effects (heartburn).
Basically any hot spicy food that causes you to sweat is having a
thermogenic effect on your body.
Effective dosage can be high, up to 3 grams per day and can cause
heartburn in some individuals.
Chromium Chromium Picolinate, Chromium Citrate, Chromium Chloride, Chromium
Polynicotinate. These are all
different forms of the same mineral but the body is better at absorbing some
than others. There is a big fight
between the two camps of those who say chromium picolinate is better and those
who say chromium polynicotinate is more absorbable. This mineral helps insulin at regulating
blood sugar. The two most popular forms
are picolinate and polynicotinate. Recommended dosage per day is 120 mcg. Some fat burner supplements supply as much as
200 mcg and I have seen recommended dosages (for hard training weight lifters)
as high as 400 mcg.
Although higher than the recommended serving of chromium
may not increase weight loss, it is thought that many people are deficient in
this trace mineral. Therefore people who
are overweight (or diabetic) may not be getting the full effects of the insulin
regulating abilities of this nutrient. A
simple multivitamin should help insure you get enough and buying supplements that supply more may be
just a waste of money.
You may also get chromium from Brewer’s Yeast, a source rich in this
nutrient often used by vegetarians since it also supplies B12, copper and
iron. One ounce of brewer's yeast can
supply an easily absorbable 100-200 mcg.
Cocoa Bean Chocolate The ancient magical drink
really does contain numerous active compounds that may act as potent fat
burners. Do not run out and buy a bunch
of chocolate at the store. Once processed
and mixed with milk and sugar it will do you no good except to put on fat and
maybe help give you a feeling of satisfaction.
But here is a breakdown of 4 active ingredients that when isolated and
standardized for proper potency may prove effective.
Caffeine See
caffeine listed above.
Phenylethylamine
(PEA) This is the ingredient that makes you feel good. By promoting a sense of well being, happiness
and satisfaction it can help eliminate binge eating or eating due to
depression. Remember our bodies are very
smart and when depressed many people turn to chocolate possibly to stimulate
that feeling of well being. The only
problem is store bought chocolate promotes fat storage. This ingredient may be found in some brands
just to bring on feelings of satisfaction to help eliminate over eating. It does not directly promote fat loss.
Theobromine
Affects humans much like caffeine by acting as a stimulant and mild
diuretic. Amounts can vary greatly in
different chocolates and beans so the ingredient needs to be standardized.
Theophylline
Can stimulate the central nervous system, increase heart rate. Considered a potent stimulant that may cause
jitters and other negative side effects much like ephedrine. So people who are sensitive to stimulants of
this type may need to avoid it.
The last two ingredients, Theobromine and Theophylline, are
somewhat new and may begin to appear in more and more fat burner mixes. Knowledge of their actual fat burner
abilities is limited at this point.
Coleus Forskolii
Makandi The root of this mint plant
contains forskolin, a compound found naturally in the body that can affect many
aspects of metabolism. Supplementing
with forskolin may be a good thing although I do not believe there is solid
human evidence for it. It is
increasingly appearing in more products.
If you want to supplement with it look for standardized extracts of
10-20% forskolin, about 100-300 mg per day.
Conjugated linoleic
acid (CLA) there is plenty of fantastic positive data in animal
studies but in human studies the results have been mixed on weight loss. Recently, I have been reading very good
results from newer human studies from reputable resources. You may benefit the most from this agent the
more overweight you are but if the results in the animal studies transfer at
all to humans, then this is a great supplement.
CLA also appears to target fat loss in the stomach area. CLA, a naturally occurring fatty acid, is
obtained in your diet mainly through beef and dairy products. Although in supplements it is mainly derived
from vegetable oils. Be sure to look for the brand name Tonalin for quality CLA
products. The right dosage of CLA is
unclear but it appears an average diet would not supply enough (maybe
1-gram). About 3-6 grams daily should be
an appropriate amount.
Corosolic Acid Banaba Leaf, Glucosol, Regulin. Helps to regulate blood sugar and
insulin. May reduce cravings for
carbohydrates and sweets resulting in weight loss over an extended period of
time. You will probably see this
ingredient listed more often as banaba leaf in diet teas but the two company
brand names producing the chemical form are Glucosol and Regulin. 16-48 mg per
day divided with meals.
Creatine This
supplement is highly effective. But it does not directly help you to lose
weight. Creatine is necessary (we
need about 2 grams per day) in our muscles to process energy. This supplement is proven, in many studies,
to help you build additional muscle if you are working out with weights. Additional muscle helps you to burn more
calories therefore you will burn additional fat. There is no need to take this supplement
unless you are going to lift weights. It
also does not increase duration-oriented exercise like aerobic activities. Do not take it just to try and burn extra
calories. Creatine is found in meat and
fish and you normally get about a gram in an 8 ounce steak. Dosage 2 g per day.
Dioscorea villosa Mexican/Wild Yam may have some benefit
in regulating blood sugar but no good evidence exist to support this. More likely useful in helping women during
the menstrual cycle but there are better ingredients for this.
Ephedrine Ephedra, Ma Huang, Sida Cordifolia. Laws
in some states and Canada limit the drug ephedrine. You can also find ephedrine in some
over-the-counter medications such as asthma bronchial dilators (both inhalants
and pill form) and in decongestants.
Personally, I took all of these products to alleviate my allergies and
mild asthma for years before I became truly aware of the active
ingredients. It is considered to be one
of the most effective thermogenic agents, it stimulates the nervous system and
can raise blood pressure. Recommended
dosage for a healthy adult of ephedrine is no more than 100 mg in a 24-hr
period. Almost all reputable products
deliver no more than 20 mg of ephedrine in a single serving as
recommended. For further information on
ephedra visit www.ephedrafacts.com
Fenugreek
Typically used in seasoning foods fenugreek is also known for its ability to
affect blood sugar and reduce appetite.
The only draw back is large quantities are required to obtain results
making it unlikely to be used for such purposes. The seeds also act like the popular chitosan
and absorb fats. Consumption of 15-20 grams per day is effective in controlling
blood sugar, while higher levels (up to 100 grams) may be needed to effectively
suppress appetite for weight loss purposes.
It is unlikely that any supplement on the market would supply these
quantities.
The active ingredient in fenugreek seeds that is actually
useful has been isolated and is called 4-hydroxyisoleucine (see
4-hydroxyisoleucine listed above for details)
Green Tea polyphenol, catechins The active
compounds in green tea are the polyphenols of which various catechins make up
the largest portion. There is some
pretty good evidence that green tea has a direct effect on weight loss. Look for extracts standardized to at least
60% polyphenols 125-500 mg per day. This
equals approx. 4-10 cups of green tea.
Guarana (see
caffeine) Guarana seeds contains twice as much caffeine as coffee beans so
companies use it as a cheaper source of caffeine.
Guggul gum guggul, guggulu, guggulsterones,
guggulipids, from the mukul myrrh tree If you take this make sure your
supplement says guggulipids as gum guggul and guggulu may contain unwanted
impurities. Presently there is not
enough lab evidence to suggest this supplement is warranted for weight loss but
further studies are being made. It has
been used in India in Ayruvedic medicine for many years to stimulate thyroid
production. If you have low thyroid
output you may benefit from this chemical.
Guggulsterones are becoming increasingly popular in body building
supplements to encourage every ounce of fat loss possible. Dosage is 200-800 mg
daily.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gurmarbooti, gurmar, periploca of the
woods, meshasringi Helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin. May reduce cravings for carbohydrates and
sweets resulting in weight loss over an extended period of time. Known as the "sugar destroyer" is
may also reduce the taste of sweetness on your tongue. Caution: Certain medications,
including antidepressants (St. John’s wort) and salicylates (white willow and
aspirin) can enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of gymnema sylvestre,
whereas certain stimulants such as ephedra (Ma Huang) may reduce its
effectiveness. Dosage
uncertain but 400 mg per day helped diabetics and so those who are simply
overweight should require less.
Hydroxycitric Acid
(HCA) Garcinia Cambogia, Citrin, CitriMax This popular weight
loss ingredient actually does not have enough evidence to support it being used
as the main ingredient. There is some
evidence it may block conversion of simple sugars into fats but does not work
directly on dietary fats. HCA may be
limited to working as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid mainly if you
are consuming large quantities of carbohydrates (mainly simple sugars like
bread, potatoes, candy etc.) One other
case against it is the high dosages used in the studies are considerably less
than what is offered in a lot of commercial products. Dosages to look for are a
minimum of 750 mg of Garcinia Cambogia standardized to contain at least 50% HCA
3 times per day.
HMB (beta
Hydroxy-Methyl-Butyrate) Like creatine listed above this supplement is safe and
proven for muscle recovery. So
indirectly it can help you lose fat but mainly if you are going to be exercising. HMB helps to keep your muscles from breaking
down during exercise (both short duration and endurance exercise). There are some indications it does help
metabolize fat. Dosage is about 1 gram
per day while not working out and 3 grams per day during intensive workouts.
L-Carnitine is
an amino acid easily produced from a variety of other common nutrients (lysine,
methionine, vitamin C, iron, niacin and vitamin B6) within the body. L-Carnitine is needed to release energy from
fat. In situations of high energy needs the body can become temporarily
deficient. There is no evidence that
larger doses help with additional fat loss and the body produces all it
needs. Even strict vegetarian diets or
extremely low calorie diets do not tend to lack in L-Carnitine. You can be assured of getting plenty by
taking an amino acid complex or consuming plenty of protein. If you wish you can supplement with 2-6 grams
per day.
(Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is very similar and some people
suggest more effective. Although you are
not likely to notice any difference the recommended dosage is lower, 500-750 mg
per day.
Lipotropics in general, are substances
that prevent an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver (fat disolvers).
Besides improving fat metabolism, lipotropics will also aid in the metabolism
of fat-soluble nutrients and aid the liver in its other metabolic functions
such as the processing of hormones, estrogen, sulfa drugs, glucose, and
glycogen.
The average person should get plenty through their diet and
there is no real evidence that additional supplementation increases weight loss
but if you wish to supplement, find a good multivitamin/B vitamin complex that
supplies these nutrients. There should be
no need to waste money buying special "lipotropic" products for
weight loss.
4 lipotropics listed below:
Choline
aids in emulsifying cholesterol so that it doesn't settle on arterial walls.
Lecithin or Phosphatidylcholine is the best way to supplement although the body
can make choline from the amino acid methionine. The average diet supplies the RDA dosage per
day approx 400-900 mg. Additional
supplementation should not be required unless you are an athlete then you may
want to look at 1-5 grams per day.
Betaine
(TMG) (trimethylglycine) Methyl groups can deactivate harmful substances in the
body and convert them to helpful substances. Both betaine citrate and betaine
aspartate are good supplements to look for. Betaine is not an essential
nutrient, and thus no deficiency state exists.
Inositol
metabolizes fats and cholesterol and aids in transporting fat in the blood
system. Thus it is an aid in the redistribution of body fat. No real deficiency state exists although in
clinical treatments doctors have prescribed high dosages of 1 gram or
more.
Methionine
is an amino acid that reduces fat and aids in lowering cholesterol. It can be
substituted for choline, which aids in reducing liver fat. Methionine seems to act as a catalyst for
choline and inositol thus speeding up their function. It is an essential amino
acid and requirements vary according to body weight, approximately 800–1,000 mg
of methionine per day. An amount easily
obtained by most diets.
Momordica Charantia
Karela, bitter melon, bitter gourd,
carilla plant, wild cucumber,
African cucumber,
Kuguazi is a common vegetable eaten by many throughout the world, Bitter
Melon grows on a vine, is cousin of the squash and hates cold weather. The vine
resembles that of the tomato. Instead of round red fruit, however, the bitter
melon has green cucumber shaped fruit. It's called "bitter" for
taste, "melon" for looks.
There is some evidence to suggest bitter melon works to stabilize
insulin or lower blood sugars. It is
presently unclear as to which chemicals or combination of chemicals in this
plant are responsible for it's actions.
Further studies are being conducted. Dosage very uncertain possibly
between 5-100 ml per day.
Morinda citrifolia (Noni) typically
known as Noni Juice in a variety of forms.
Do
not waste your money on products that promote this as the main ingredient for
weight loss. There is no evidence that suggests it will
help you lose weight.
Naringin may not
directly affect weight loss but it will extend the affect of other ingredients
like caffeine. Essentially making the
agent more potent. Naringin also has
been shown to affect many prescription drugs.
Please use caution with this ingredient.
Dosage of 50-200 mg per day.
NADH nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide this
compound is required for the metabolic process of energy production. It is found in meat and poultry and may
increase energy levels through supplementation.
Although not as expensive as pyruvate it can cost $2-15 dollars per day
for the recommended dosages of approx. 2-15 mg per day.
Pyruvate usually
combined with calcium but also combined with sodium, potassium or magnesium to
stabilize the compound. There is little
doubt that this supplement works for weight loss. The main problem is cost. Most studies used large quantities 25-40
grams per day and most supplements sold commercially only supply about 250-1500
mg per day (a huge difference). There is no evidence to support these
small, commercial dosages are beneficial to weight loss. There have been a couple of studies that used
lower dosages around 6-10 grams a day with positive results when combined with
exercise. Prices may change but just to
supply your body with 20 grams of pyruvate a day would cost on average around
$16.00 dollars. Even if the lower dosage
of 10 grams a day was effective it would still cost you around $8.00 dollars a
day for this single supplement. If you
can afford the price and stand the possible gastrointestinal side effects of
gas, bloating and diarrhea such large dosages may cause, then by all means help
yourself.
Ribose can
assist with energy production and can become depleted during long bouts of
exercise over periods of days.
Supplementation should not be necessary for the average exercising
individual but the athlete who exercises hard nearly every day may
benefit. Dosage per day 3-10 grams.
Synephrine Citrus Aurantium, Bitter Orange, green
orange, sour orange, Zhi Shi. It is a
mild stimulant and appetite suppressant though the scientific data on humans is
poor to limited. Synephrine is
chemically similar to ephedrine but may not have the negative central nervous
effects of ephedra or caffeine, so it may be a good alternative to those seeking
thermogenesis without ephedrine although it may not be as effective. Synephrine may raise blood pressure. Dosages to look for are approximately 200-600
mg of citrus aurantium that have been standardized to contain 3-6% synephrine
or about 4-20 mg of synephrine.
Taurine is a
conditionally essential amino acid meaning there are certain times of mental
and physical stress when the body does not produce enough. As the second most abundant amino acid in the
body it plays a large variety of rolls. There
are no solid studies backing claims of increased energy or muscle increase from
supplementation. It has been found that
sometimes, strict vegetarians and diabetics can be lacking in taurine, which is
mostly found in red meat, dairy, fish and poultry. Energy drinks may have between 50 and 100 mg
and various clinical studies have used 500mg up to 6 grams.
Vanadium Vanadyl (Vanadyl Sulfate), Vanadate A
trace mineral recently discovered to be essential although no RDA has been
established yet. Some multivitamins may
not contain it but it is thought we only need about 10 mcg per day. Your normal daily diet should supply enough,
10-30 mcg. This mineral may help
metabolize carbohydrates and regulate blood glucose (vanadium mimics
insulin). Vanadyl Sulfate is probably
the best form and bodybuilders will consume daily dosages as high 50 mg per
day, but remember this is a trace mineral and consuming to much could lead to a
toxic buildup.
Yohimbine
Hydrochloride (HCL) Yohimbe, Yohimbe
Bark, Quebracho may aid in the direct loss of body fat. Also may prevent arteries from becoming
clogged. There is more evidence that
suggest it is better used for erectile dysfunction in men rather than weight
loss. That is the reason why you will
see yohimbine included in "male formulas" more often than just in
weight loss products. May also raise
blood pressure. Dosage of 1-5 mg daily.
The Best Ingredients for Weight Loss
The E/C/A/ stack
(Ephedrine/Caffeine/Aspirin)-
Combine with Naringin to extend the effectiveness.
Ephedrine/Caffeine
Ephedrine
Cafeine
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Green Tea
Capsaicin
Pyruvate-
Effective in large dosages (but very expensive) the quantities found presently
in products are unlikely to be useful as a fat burner.
Corosolic Acid (banaba leaf)
Gymnema
Mid-range ingredients for
weight loss
(some ingredients have limited or mixed data but may provide some
assistance)
Synephrine
NADH
Coleus Forskolii
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)
Aspirin Guggul
Naringin
4-Hydroxyisoleucine
Theobromine and Theophylline (listed under Cocoa)
The least effective or worthless ingredients for
weight loss
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Dioscorea villosa (Mexican/Wild Yam)
Morinda citrifolia (Noni)
Yohimbine Hydrochloride (HCL)
Fenugreek
Apple Cider Vinegar
Pyruvate Yes, I
also included it in the most effective list because it is proven to work. The only problem is no one I have found yet
sells it in large enough doses to be of use.
What is the best Brand?
No single brand that I have found contains the complete mix
of the best and mid-range ingredients.
They each have slightly different combinations of ingredients to help
set them apart.
Many of the brand names are all highly effective and very
good products but in utilizing the charts where ingredients and brands were
compared in a side by side analysis. I
was able to find a brand that contained the most number of effective
ingredients examined in this report.
The first two recommendations contain Ephedrine or Ma
Huang. They are:
1. (TwinLabs) Ultimate Diet Fuel (The Best)
2. (TwinLabs) Extreme Ripped Fuel (Next Best)
There are only a few ingredient differences between these
two products.
The next recommendations are brands that contain NO
Ephedrine or Ma Huang. I am still looking
for a brand that really knocks me out with its combination of ingredients but
so far I haven't found one. There are
some good candidates and by mixing and matching or buying ingredients
separately to fill in the gaps you might can "create" a really good
one.
1. (Health and Nutrition Systems) Carb Cutter (Gets my top vote for
right now)
2. (BioChem) Glucolean
3. (EAS) Results Thermogenic Ephedra Free
Weight loss ingredients in a good multivitamin
or amino acid complex (or ingredients
that you do not typically need to seek in supplements). Typically, if you are
getting the RDA of the following nutrients then purchasing commercial weight loss products
containing these nutrients is probably a waste of your money. Look for products that supply only the best
weight loss ingredients you need.
B Vitamins Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Amino acids L-Carnitine
L-Tyrosine
Lipotropics
Vanadium
E/C/A Stack
The E/C/A stack is a proven winner but it can be very
powerful and have strong effects on the body.
I think that for most people it is safe to take as long as you follow
the directions and do not abuse this combination. For more information on ephedra visit www.ephedrafacts.com As with any chemical some people are more
sensitive than others and if you have not tried this combination then proceed
with caution.
The reason you will find the same approximate dosages in
most fat burners is because there is a certain ratio that has been proven to be
the most effective and increasing the dosage does not make it better. 20 mg of ephedrine, 200 mg of caffeine and
300 mg of aspirin per dose three times a day.
There is only one brand that has the patent for the exact formula used
in the clinical trials (it is called ECA Stack by NutraSport). Other brands mimic this formula by using the
herbal equivalents. If aspirin bothers
you then look for the herbal equivalent, willow bark or look for one that does
not contain it. The ephedrine/caffeine
stack by itself is potent.
How to make the E/C/A stack more effective
Take it 30 minutes before you work out so you can exercise
more intensely and burn extra fat. Don’t
take it every day. Take it every other
day and on the days you don’t take it use a secondary set of ingredients that
are different from the E/C/A stack. If
you do take it every day be sure to take a break for one week out every month.
Special Vitamin Section
The following are some vitamins and minerals you want to be
sure to get enough of to help fight fatigue and to keep your body supplied with
the proper nutrients so you can lose weight.
If you become deficient in one or more of these nutrients then feelings
of tiredness can set in or your body will not be able to function properly to
burn fat.
Four Fatigue
Fighters Doctors have found that many people who experience fatigue are
usually deficient in one or more of these nutrients. Just being tired is no symptom showing you
lack any of these nutrients. Make sure
you are getting enough sleep first and foremost.
1. Iron
2. Magnesium
3. Potassium
4. Vitamin C
Dieter’s
Deficiencies Doctors have discovered that people who are overweight or on
low calorie diets may lack some of the following nutrients. Simply because you are overweight or dieting
does not guarantee you are lacking any one or more of these nutrients.
1. Calcium
2. Chromium
3. Copper
4. Iron
5. Magnesium
6. Vitamin A
7. Vitamin C
8. Vitamin E
9. Zinc
Special Section: Carbohydrate and Fat Blockers
Carbohydrates
Carbs are the fuel that your body prefers to use. When people go on low carb diets it affects
their brains too. This is why you may
become irritable, tired, and depressed.
Your body craves carbs and you are going to eventually "crash and
burn".
People will binge on foods that give quick carb jolts. These carb jolts come in the form of simple
carbs or simple sugars that your body can break down quickly to satisfy that
craving. Foods like candy, ice cream,
and pizza. Your body is not stupid and
knows where to go to get what it wants.
Use low carb diets intelligently. Do not try to stay on them for extended
periods. If you find low carb dieting
works for you, then utilize them for maybe 2 or 3 week stretches. But when you go off of them continue to exert
good nutritional control. This is why it
is highly recommended for any diet to take a break one or two days a week to
reward yourself and to keep your brain and body happy.
Two highly effective Fat and Carb Blockers are Chitosan and
Phaseolamin
Chitosan Known
for years, is a marine fiber. Until
recently it was required to take the product 30-60 minutes before you ate. Now new developments allow you to take it
just before you eat. The brand name
chitosan to look for is Liposan Ultra. It can bind 5 times more fat than regular
chitosan and dissolves instantly in the stomach.
Phaseolamin
(Phaseolus vulgaris) An effective new carb blocker is derived from the
kidney bean. One brand name to look for
is Phase 2 although many products simply list the ingredient as phaseolamin
(extract of northern white kidney bean).
A 500 mg dose can block dozens of calories.
Products to look for containing these ingredients:
Carb Cutter (Health
and Nutrition Systems) Does not contain Liposan Ultra but does have
phaseolamin and several other ingredients for assisting the transportation and
utilization of sugars.
The next 3 Brands contain Liposan Ultra:
OptiBlock (SlimSense)
LipoSpa (Nutramerica)
(Natrol) Fat Intercept and Ultra Chitosan
What to look for in an online auction or while making any fat burner
purchase?
If you are not familiar with the brand you are buying, make
sure they list the following:
1. Ingredients
2. Quantity of ingredients per serving
3. Recommended serving and number of servings per day
4. Quantity of pills per bottle
Buyer Be Aware!
I have seen bottles of Stacker 2 (a reputable product) on
eBay that are very inexpensive. The only
problem is the bottle only contains 30 pills!
At the recommended dosage of 2 or 3 pills, several times a day, at best
these bottles will only last a week or two.
Make sure they list everything you need and pay attention to everything!
Standardized:
Learn to read the label
If you look at the label on a bottle that contains the
herbal equivalent of ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin you may see something like
the following.
Ma Huang 250 mg (standardized to 6% ephedrine) 20 mg
What does this mean?
This means the manufacturer used the herb Ma Huang to supply the active
ingredient ephedrine rather than using the chemical drug ephedrine. The Ma Huang was manufactured so that 6% of
the 250-mg is ephedrine. Or 20 mg of the
250 mg of Ma Huang is ephedrine.
One problem with labels is there is no standardization for
labeling supplements or herbs.
You have to take the manufacturer’s word that it contains
what it says it does. This is one reason
to use reputable popular brands that have a lot to lose if it is found out they
do not supply what the label says.
If the label says 250 mg of Ma Huang and nothing else, then
you have no idea how much of the active ingredient ephedrine is actually in the
250 mg. You could be getting practically
no ephedrine or getting way too much to be considered safe.
Your safest bet it to look for herbal ingredients that list
the standardization of the active ingredient.
One other way to tell if you are getting a proper dose of
ephedrine is if they list the ingredient as an alkaloid. In other words you may see listed on the
label Ephedra alkaloids 20 mg supplied as Ma Huang
What is a good price to pay for a fat burner?
Of course this can easily vary because some companies use
inferior ingredients or don't even put the ingredients in. Try to stick with trusted brand names. You may pay a little more but you are more
assured of accurate quality. Another
factor is some ingredients are flat out more expensive to produce such as
Pyruvate, CLA, 4-hydroxyisoleucine.
Average pricing for brand name products seems to be between
.20 cents and .33 cents per pill.
Easily determine a good price for fat burners by first
checking for ingredients you want. If
they list a bunch of amino acids and vitamins then you probably do not want it
if you already take a multivitamin/amino acid complex (more does not mean
better). Then check for quantity (based
on mg, mcg, etc.) of the ingredients per serving. If the quantity of ingredients between two
nearly identical fat burners is the same then price comparison is really
easy. Pay attention to their serving
size. If one brand says take 2 pills 3
times a day and another brand says take 6 pills 3 times a day, you really need
to double check the quantity of ingredients per serving. Next, find out the cost per pill.
To find out the cost per pill, simply take the total quantity
of pills in the bottle (30, 60, 90 etc.) and divide by the total cost. Don't forget to include shipping and handling
if it applies. For example:
Lets assume the ingredients are the same in the following
two products.
Product #1: $29.95 divided by 90 pills equals .33 cents per
pill
Product #2: $39.95 divided by 120 pills equals .33 cents
per pill
The two prices listed above are actually equal on a per
pill basis. But lets say the first
product only requires 1 pill 3 times per day to equal 500 mg and the second
product requires 3 pills 3 times per day to equal 500 mg.
Here is how to find out the cost per serving and per day.
Product #1: .33 cents multiplied by 1 equals .33 cents per
serving (1 pill) or .33 cents multiplied by 3 for .99 cents per day.
Product #2: .33 cents multiplied by 3 equals .99 cents per
serving (3 pills) or .99 cents multiplied by 3 for $2.97 per day.
Obviously it is much cheaper to pay .99 cents per day for
Product #1 as opposed to $2.97 per day for Product #2.
How to save $399.60 dollars a year on the best
fat burner
The best fat burner presently known is the combination of
ephedrine and caffeine (you can include aspirin). You can buy these two ingredients cheaply if
you purchase them individually instead of buying a brand name that contains
these 2 active ingredients.
You can go into most any well stocked nutrition store such
as GNC or Vitamin World and buy a bottle of ephedrine (Ma Huang) and you can
also buy the caffeine (I use the brand Vivarin). Be sure to look for the proper dosage of
ephedrine, which would be no more than 20 mg per serving to be safe.
Here is the formula I used to arrive at saving $399.60 a year.
Savings obtained by individually purchasing the active
ingredients to the best fat burner presently known. Of course actual prices may vary.
The Nutrasport product E/C/A Stack contains 3 active
ingredients, ephedrine alkaloids 20 mg, caffeine 200 mg, acetylsalacylic
(aspirin) 324 mg. SRP $44.50 for 120 pills based on their web site www.ecastack.com
Serving size is 2 capsules 3 times a day.
$44.50 divided by 120 equals .37 cents per pill. ($2.22 per day) ($66.60 per 30 day month)
($799.20 per 12 months). Of course you
would not actually use the product every day for a year and Nutrasport does not
recommend that you do.
Now the prices of the same individual active ingredients
purchased separately.
Stacker Pure Ephedrine pills- SRP at
Powerhouse-supplements.com $11.95 for 60 pills. 1 serving equals 20 mg of
ephedrine (from Ma Huang) 3 servings per day for optimum fat burning with caffeine. $11.95 divided by 60 equals .20 cents per
serving (.60 cents per day) ($18.00 per 30 day month) ($216.00 for 12 months)
Vivarin Caffeine pills- SRP at Drugstore.com was $11.49 for
80 pills. 1 serving equals
200 mg. 3 servings per day for optimum fat burning combined
with ephedrine. $11.49 divided by 80
equals .14 cents per serving (.42 cents per day) ($12.60 per 30 day month)
($151.20 for 12 months)
Rite Aid Aspirin- SRP at Drugstore.com $2.49 for 100
pills. 1 serving equals 1 tablet at 325 mg, 3 servings per day combined with
ephedrine and caffeine for optimum fat burning effects. $2.49 divided by 100 pills equals .03 cents
per serving (.09 cents per day) (2.70 per 30 day month) ($32.40 for 12 months)
The following chart shows cost per year if taken every day
(not recommended)
|
Caffeine
|
$151.20
|
Nutrasport ECA Stack
|
$799.20
|
|
Ephedrine
|
$216.00
|
|
|
|
Aspirin
|
$ 32.40
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$399.60
|
Total Difference = 399.60
|
|
I recently bought a box of Vivarin with 80 tablets for
$6.50 this equals .08 cents per pill and a bottle of Ma Huang with 90 capsules
for $9.99 this equals .11 cents per pill.
Both together would be .19 cents per pill. If I took 3 servings a day (.57 cents) this
would cost me $208.00 a year.
If you want the best fat burner and want to save hundreds
of dollars a year then that is what I recommend. You can also buy most of the other
ingredients known for weight loss separately also. Ingredients like Green Tea, Capsaicin
(Cayenne), Synephrine (Citrus Aurantium), HCA etc.
Daily "Recipe" for maximum
fat burning
Drink plenty of water, exercise for 30 minutes and eat
small nutritional meals 5 or 6 times a day.
Every day consume the following:
• Multivitamin.
• Amino Acid complex or protein drink.
• Green Tea either as an enjoyable drink, at least 4 cups per day
or in pill form.
• CLA This product is not cheap and not recommended if on a
budget.
• Other beneficial dietary fats (good fats) like Flax seed oil
that contains Omega 3 fatty acids.
Every other day consume the following:
• A product containing the E/C/A combination.
On days you are not taking the E/C/A stack try the
following:
• Substitute with a product that contains synephrine
• Capsaicin/Cayenne pills
• A product affecting insulin that contains banaba leaf and/or
gymnema.
• Possibly a product with guggulsterones for your thyroid.
• HCA
I would not recommend suddenly starting all of these
products at once. If you have never
consumed any of them then you do not know how your body will react. If you do become mildly ill from gas or
diarrhea then you would know which product to discontinue. Try one product for a while and if everything
goes okay then add another. You did not
suddenly become overweight overnight and taking some time to insure your health
and lose weight in the same fashion you put it on (a little at a time) is a
good thing.
No reputable product exists that will magically melt dozens
of pounds of fat off your body in just a few weeks. Learn good nutrition habits, exercise and you
will get to where you want to be.
Metabolism Boosting Foods
I have said it before and I will continue to say it. The best thing you can do to keep your
metabolism revved up is to exercise, add muscle to your body and to eat 5 to 6
small nutritious meals a day.
Now I know many of you will never exercise and this is
unfortunate because the health benefits you gain is truly a long list. But, I also know the one thing everybody must
do everyday is to eat. Making simple,
wise choices will speed you on your way to losing weight.
Eliminate fried and fatty foods (Skip restaurant and
machine-vended foods)
Eat more lean protein (chicken, fish, and turkey)
Consume more fruits and vegetables
Replace all your processed (white bleached flour) grains
with whole grains (brown rice and whole wheat)
Complex Carbohydrates and High Fiber Foods
Whole grain cereal, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and
oatmeal.
They work by keeping insulin levels low after eating.
When your insulin spikes or increases sharply (like it will
after eating sugary foods or simple carbs) your body signals it is time to
store fat. To store fat, your body slows
down your metabolism.
Skipping meals (like many dieters do) has the same effect. Your metabolism will slow down and prepare
your body to store fat. This is where
the YO-YO effect comes from when dieters begin eating again and rapidly gain
weight.
Lean Protein
Chicken, turkey, lean beef, lean pork (avoid hamburger and
most pork products).
Your body works harder to break down the protein in meat
than it does carbohydrates or fats.
Good Fats
Fish (Tuna, Salmon), Flax Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil
Works by increasing the Omega-3 fatty acids, which can
decrease the hormone leptin.
Leptin influences metabolism. Increased Leptin can trigger your metabolism
to slow down.
Metabolic Herbs and Spices
Spicy peppers like Jalapeno, Habanero and Cayenne contain
Capsaicin
Capsaicin works by speeding up your heart rate.
A single spicy meal may boost your metabolism by 25% last for
as long as 3 hours and may help you burn hundreds of extra calories. (Don't go to a Mexican restaurant and expect
to get skinny. Many Mexican dishes
especially in restaurants are high in fat).
Caffeine
Works by speeding up your heart rate.
Green Tea (The active ingredient is called EGCG)
Revs up your brain and nervous system.
Cocoa
A blend of ingredients thought to make you feel good and
raise metabolism
Kicken Coffee Recipe
One cup of coffee
One heaping spoon of baking cocoa mixed in
(If you are brave a few dashes of hot sauce will put you
over the top)
Sweeten to taste (remember to limit sugars for maximum
weight loss)
Fat Attack: A 6 Step Simple Nutrition Guide
Good Nutrition like everything else does not have to be
complicated, simple is better. Follow
these simple rules for 2 to 3 months and you will be amazed at the results.
1. Revise your Cupboard.
Simple Rule: If Man Made it Don't Eat It.
If it is not in your house you can't eat it. Rid your kitchen of processed foods and
snacks. Do not fall for marketing that
claim low-fat, low-sugar, low-carbohydrate.
Too many companies manipulate labels and they are hard to figure
out. Keep your cupboard simple. Chicken, tuna, vegetables (fresh, frozen and
canned are fine), fresh fruits, and complex carbohydrates consisting of whole
wheat, brown rice, yams, oatmeal (not the processed quick cook kind). Use plenty of herbs and spices so your meals
don't get boring.
2. Handy Gauge
Simple Rule: Use Your Hand to Gauge How Much to Eat.
Do not count calories, weigh food or other methods that make eating
difficult. A fist or palm sized amount
of lean protein along with a fist-sized amount of a complex carb (brown rice,
oatmeal, and whole wheat) and fist sized serving of vegetable or fruit.
3. Eat Less More Often.
Simple Rule: Eat every 3 hours.
Eating nutritious smaller meals and snacks every few hours
will keep your metabolism high all day long with a steady supply of
energy. Do not eat out, take all your
food to work.
4. Water Yourself
Simple Rule: Drink twice as often as you eat.
Water makes everything in our bodies work better. This cannot be understated. The first thing you should do every morning
when you get up is drink a glass of water.
5. Friendly Fats
Simple Rule: Friendly Fats Fight Fat.
Consume friendly fats (2 to 5 tbsp.) 2 times a day. Reduce bad fats found in meat, cheese,
butter, margarine, shortening and whole milk.
Eliminate fried foods and snacks.
Your friendly fats are linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid
(omega-6) found in fish and some nuts.
The easiest and best way to consume these friendly fats is to buy Flax
Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil or Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend. Do not cook with these oils but mix them with
food you are ready to eat. You can also
add CLA supplements to your diet.
6. Nutrients
Simple Rule: Mother Nature Provides the Best Fat Fighters
Take a multivitamin and be sure to get plenty of Calcium
through low-fat dairy sources. Consume 1
gram of protein per pound of body weight (one chicken breast can have 40-45
grams of protein). Consume 35 grams of
fiber a day (good sources are bran, brown rice, beans and green vegetables).
Nutrition and weight loss can be simple.
