3 key supplements for toning and weight loss

Supplements for toning and weight loss can help dieters reach their goals or aid people looking to tweak a healthy lifestyle

Weight loss is always among the top resolutions, and if you fall into the large group of people determined to make this a year of health and shrinking scale numbers, these three nutritional supplements for toning and weight loss may help boost your results.

Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia cambogia, a fruit also known as Malabar tamarind, has become a popular supplement to weight loss. Its extract is a source of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which stops the body from producing fat cells and increases the serotonin levels in the brain. An article published on MedicalDaily.com described how HCA works:

“Essentially, it stops the body from producing fat cells by inhibiting an enzyme, citrate lyase, that your body requires to convert fat from carbohydrates … HCA also suppresses appetite by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that makes you feel good … By increasing serotonin levels, HCA improves mood and suppresses the drive to react to stressful situations with food. As you eat less, your body releases stored fat in your fat cells.” ¹

As popularity of Garcinia cambogia has grown, so has the number of studies being conducted. One particular group set out to research over-the-counter supplements for toning and weight loss derived from plants by gathering and analyzing data from a number of electronic databases. Their scientific review, published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, concluded that Garcinia cambogia, among other plant extracts, has been “shown to provide potentially promising therapeutic effects including appetite control and weight loss.”

The researchers pointed out that further investigation is required to determine specific factors, including dosage, side effects, and long-term safety, among others.²

Green coffee bean extract supplements for toning and weight loss

Green coffee bean extract (CGBE), made from green coffee beans, contains strong polyphenol antioxidants in the chlorogenic acid (CGA) family. It has been found to help with weight loss due to its CGA content, and some believe its caffeine content may provide a weight loss benefit, as well.³

One study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, observed body weight and fat accumulation in mice with the goal of investigating CGBE’s effect on mild obesity. The researchers concluded, “These results suggest that CGBE is possibly effective against weight gain and fat accumulation by inhibition of fat absorption and activation of fat metabolism in the liver.”⁴

Raspberry ketone

Raspberry ketone, a chemical in red raspberries, is most commonly used to supplement weight loss, aid in reducing obesity, and increase lean body mass. According to WebMD, “Some research in animals or in test tubes shows that it might increase some measures of metabolism.” However, it is also noted that more scientific evidence is needed.⁵

A study published in Life Sciences observed the effects of raspberry ketone in mice being fed high-fat diets. The researchers found that it did, in fact, help with elevations in body weight and therefore concluded that raspberry ketone “prevents and improves obesity and fatty liver.”⁶

Looking for one supplement for toning and weight loss instead of three? Dee Cee Laboratories Inc. offers Triple FORM+, which combines garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean extract, and raspberry ketone into a single dose. 

References

¹ Scutti S. “Garcinia Cambogia Extract Blocks Fat, Suppresses Appetite: Ancient Herbal Diet Could Be Next Big Thing.” MedicalDaily.com. http://www.medicaldaily.com/garcinia-cambogia-extract-blocks-fat-suppresses-appetite-ancient-herbal-diet-could-be-next-big-thing. Published June 2013. Accessed January 2015.

² Astell KJ, Mathai ML, Su XQ. “A review on botanical species and chemical compounds with appetite suppressing properties for body weight control.” Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2013:68(3);213–221.

³ EBSCO CAM Review Board. “Green Coffee Bean Extract.” NYU Langone Medical Center. http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=132201. Reviewed September 2014. Accessed January 2015.

⁴ Aitani M, Seki E, Shimoda H. “Inhibitory effect of green coffee bean extract on fat accumulation and body weight gain in mice.” BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006: 6(9).

⁵ WebMD. “Raspberry Ketone.” WebMD.com. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1262-RASPBERRY+KETONE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1262&activeIngredientName=RASPBERRY+KETONE&source=2. Accessed January 2015.

⁶ Hara M, Inoue S, Okuda H, et al. “Anti-obese action of raspberry ketone.” Life Sci. 2005:77(2);194–204.