Are you lacking the nutrients that may help you loose weight?
All you have to do is visit your local health food store or pharmacy and you will find there are literally hundreds of weight loss products on the market many of which make false claims and promises about their capacity to promote weight loss. It is relatively easy to become confused by the use of technical jargon, and faced with the desperation to loose weight buy into products that have no effect or even worse have negative side effects. So I have decided to post the following in order to provide an insight into some of the nutrients that are know to support the body in weight loss.
5 HTP
5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) is converted to serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been linked to overeating and obesity. Research has shown that 5HTP reduces calorie intake and promotes weight loss by reducing appetite. This is particularly good for people who suspect they may have a genetic predisposition to obesity. It is usually available through consultation with a naturopath or health practitioner.
Calcium
High calcium diets have been found to reduce body fat accumulation by increasing the release of fat and reducing its storage in the body. Studies have shown that women who consume diets low in calcium have larger waistlines, higher body fat mass and an increase in the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Creatine
Creatine is made up of three amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine. This is particularly useful for those wanting to loose weight as research has shown that creatine increases the metabolism of fat by muscles in the body. It is not uncommon during weight loss regimes that muscle mass is lost along with fat. Creatine helps to preserve muscle mass which will in turn continue to burn more fat.
Chromium
Chromium is an important mineral for the control of blood sugar levels. Although research hasn’t conclusively shown that chromium reduces body weight, it has been shown to be useful for those with insulin resistance or type II diabetes. Insulin-sensitizing agents like chromium may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies show that chromium supplements, in particular niacin-bound chromium or chromium-nicotinate, may be effective not only in cases of insulin resistance but also for lowering plasma cholesterol levels in the body. People with strong sugar cravings may find chromium helpful.
Choline & Inositol
These substances are known to be lipotropic. A lipotropic nutrient is one that promotes the export of fat from the liver. Lipotropics are necessary for the maintenance of a healthy liver as well as burning the exported fat for energy. Without lipotropics such as choline and inositol, fat can accumulate in the liver. Research has shown that choline and inositol reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.
Co Q10
This nutrient is a very potent anti-oxidant, it is present in many if not most cells in the body, and plays an important role in energy production. It improves the efficiency of the energy production process in cells, ensuring that the body is burning calories efficiently is important for weight loss Co Q10 may do this. Clinically it is also often used to lower blood pressure.
Vitamin C
Research has shown that the amount of vitamin C in the blood corresponds to the bodies capacity to burn fat. As vitamin C affects fat oxidation those who consume a diet rich in vitamin C have been found to burn more fat during exercise. It is also suspected to be capable of reducing food cravings.
Riboflavin (B2) & Niacin (B3)
Both of these B vitamins play an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body. Vitamin B3 in particular is involved in the normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids needed for proper digestion. As well as lowering cholesterol it improves circulation in the body.
Acetyl-L Carnitine
In the body this nutrient functions like a shuttle transporting fat from fat cells to other cells in particular muscle cells that then burn the fat to produce energy. Therefore carnitine increases the use of fat encouraging weight loss and helping to reduce the loss of muscle mass often seen in those dieting. It reduces triglycerides in the blood, as well as the fatigue so often experienced from being overweight.
It has to be said that although the above mentioned nutrients are useful they should not replace a healthy safe weight loss regime for this you should seek the guidance of a nutritionist or naturopath with the qualifications to prescribe the appropriate nutrients and an individualised diet plan for you.
