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Now Bateeilee blogs will post Caralluma for Weight Loss. Caralluma (Caralluma fimbriata) is a type of edible cactus. Long used as an appetite suppressant and endurance enhancer in traditional Indian medicine, caralluma extract is now widely available in supplement form.

Proponents claim that taking caralluma supplements can help promote weight loss. Caralluma contains pregnane glycosides, a class of naturally occurring compounds thought to inhibit the formation of fat.

Caralluma and Weight Loss

Currently, there is very little scientific evidence to support the claim that caralluma can promote weight loss. However, some preliminary research suggests that caralluma may help fight obesity. In a 2011 report published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, for instance, scientists note that pregnane glycosides found in caralluma may act as anti-obesity agents and appetite suppressants.

The available research on caralluma and weight loss includes an animal-based study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2010. In the study, researchers found that placing rats on a caralluma-enriched diet helped reduce their food intake and prevent gains in body weight and fat mass. What's more, caralluma appeared to protect against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

In an earlier study (published in the journal Appetite in 2007), researchers assigned 50 overweight adults to two months of treatment with either caralluma or a placebo. Compared to members of the placebo group, participants given caralluma experienced significantly greater decreases in hunger levels and waist circumference. However, body weight, body mass index, body fat, and calorie intake did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Other Types of Caralluma

There are several other species of caralluma used in herbal medicine. For instance, Caralluma arabica is said to reduce inflammation, while Caralluma sinaica is purported to fight diabetes.

Is Caralluma Safe?

Very little is known about the safety of using caralluma in the long term. If you're considering the use of caralluma, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment.

Where to Find Caralluma

Widely available for purchase online, caralluma supplements are sold in many natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements.

Should You Use Caralluma for Weight Loss?

Due to a lack of supporting research, caralluma cannot currently be recommended as a weight loss aid. If you're looking to lose weight, the National Institutes of Health recommend following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise. Keeping a food diary, getting eight hours of sleep each night, and managing your stress may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

There's also some evidence that certain mind-body techniques (such as yoga, acupuncture, and tai chi) may support your weight-loss efforts.
If you're considering the use of caralluma (or any type of dietary supplement) for weight loss, consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post L-Carnitine for Weight Loss. Can It Help You Lose Weight?. L-carnitine is a nutrient widely available in supplement form and often marketed as a weight loss aid. Made naturally in the body, L-carnitine is essential for transporting fat into cells to produce energy. 

While many supplement manufacturers claim that L-carnitine can speed up metabolism, there is little scientific support for L-carnitine's ability to promote weight loss.

Health Benefits of L-Carnitine for Weight Loss

 

To date, few clinical trials have tested l-carnitine's effectiveness as a weight loss aid. The available research includes a 2000 study from the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, in which 36 moderately overweight premenopausal women were given either L-carnitine or a placebo twice daily for eight weeks. Analyzing study results, researchers found no difference in total body mass or fat mass between those who took L-carnitine and those given the placebo.

A number of animal studies have also shown that L-carnitine may not support weight loss. A 2002 study from the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, for instance, found that rats treated with l-carnitine did not experience a greater reduction in body fat levels compared to a control group.

What's more, a 2005 study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that rats fed an L-carnitine-enhanced diet tended to gain more weight than other animals in the study (despite no difference in their intake of calories).

Side Effects

In some cases, L-carnitine supplements may produce certain side effects (including nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a "fishy" body odor). In addition, L-carnitine may interact with antibiotics used in the long-term prevention of urinary tract infections (such as pivampicillin).

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Acupuncture for Weight Loss.  Some proponents of acupuncture suggest that the needle-based alternative therapy can help promote weight loss. Long practiced in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the body's flow of vital energy (or "chi") and, in turn, improve several factors known to contribute to weight problems and obesity.

How Does Acupuncture Promote Weight Loss?

Although scientists aren't sure how acupuncture might promote weight loss, it's thought that undergoing acupuncture may suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and reduce stress. However, these theories have yet to be extensively tested in scientific studies.

Research on Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Although there is relatively little scientific support for the theory that acupuncture can promote weight loss, some studies suggest that acupuncture may be of some benefit to people looking to lose weight. In a research review published in 2009, for instance, scientists analyzed 31 studies (with a total of 3,013 participants) and found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction of average body weight and improvement in obesity. However, the review's authors caution that many of the reviewed studies were of poor quality.

Other research on acupuncture's effects on weight loss has yielded mixed results. For instance, a 1999 study of 40 obese people found that 12 weekly acupuncture sessions led to significant improvement in anxiety and depression but failed to promote weight loss. In study published the previous year, however, frequent acupuncture (administered twice daily for four weeks) was found to suppress appetite and promote weight loss among overweight participants.

Should You Use Acupuncture for Weight Loss?

Due to the lack of scientific support, acupuncture cannot currently be recommended as a main strategy for weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight, talk to your doctor about which weight-loss strategies are right for you. If appropriate, you may want to consider combining acupuncture with other alternative therapies and key lifestyle changes in order to promote weight loss.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post What is Constipation?. Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in the United States. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies widely from person to person, from once or more a day to three times a week. In general, however, you are likely constipated if you pass a hard, dry stool less than three times a week.

Constipation can also make you feel bloated and uncomfortable and you may find yourself straining during bowel movements.

Although constipation can affect anyone, it's more common in women and in people over age 65. It also tends to occur during pregnancy, after childbirth or surgery, with certain medications such as opioid pain relievers, and with some conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Natural Remedies for Constipation:

 

1) Fiber

A diet low in fiber may play a role in constipation. Insoluble fiber, which passes through the body almost unchanged, gives stools bulk and a soft texture, making them easier to pass. Foods that are high in insoluble fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Try wheat bran, brown rice, or whole grain bread.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines. Prunes and figs can be added to breakfast or eaten as a snack.

Another option is to sprinkle one teaspoon of ground flaxseeds over any meal. They can be found in packages at the health food store or some grocery stores. They have a mild, nutty taste. Learn about more eating to relieve constipation in Foods for Constipation.

Fiber supplements are also available, the most popular being psyllium supplements such as Metamucil. Guar gum and acacia fiber are also popular. Add fiber to your diet gradually to avoid bloating and gas. Also, be sure to drink enough water otherwise fiber can have the opposite effect and be constipating.

2) Fluids

Making sure you drink enough fluids such as water may help some people with constipation. Fluids make bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
Watch your consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola drinks, which can be dehydrating.

3) Stimulant Laxatives

 

Many herbal laxatives and "dieter's teas" are stimulant laxatives, or anthranoid laxatives. They include herbs such as:

• Cascara sagrada
• Rhubarb
• Aloe
• Senna
• Senna Tea
• Buckthorn

Some of these herbs, such as senna, are approved as over-the-counter treatments for constipation. Although they are meant to be short-term treatments, in reality, people may become dependent on them and use them for weeks, months, or even years at a time in order to have a daily bowel movement.

They should not be used for longer than a week unless under medical supervision. Prolonged use may cause the bowels to lose the ability to move on their own, and has been linked to chronic diarrhea, potassium depletion leading to muscle weakness and potentially dangerous irregular heart rhythms, and kidney or liver impairment.

4) Biofeedback

Biofeedback therapy may help people with constipation resulting from pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles do not function properly. It occur as a result of conditions such as obesity, an enlarged prostate, or after childbirth.

Biofeedback therapists teach how to better coordinate muscles used to defecate. Approximately 70% of people have improved symptoms after biofeedback training.
Although biofeedback has only been explored as a treatment for this type of constipation relatively recently, results are promising.

For example, one study compared biofeedback (one session a week for five weeks) to laxatives (polyethylene glycol 14.6 to 29.2 grams per day) plus education in people with chronic, severe pelvic floor dysfunction. All participants had previously tried fiber supplements plus enemas.or suppositories but hadn't responded.

After six months, biofeedback sessions were more effective than tha laxative, with 43 of 54 (80%) of the biofeedback patients versus 12 of 55 (22%) laxative-treated patients reporting major improvements. Benefits appeared to last at least two years.

See my article on Biofeedback.

5) Probiotics

Probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract. Some of the ways they are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.

There is some preliminary evidence that probiotic supplements may improve constipation. For example, one study looked at the effect of a probiotic beverage containing a strain of beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus casei Shirota (65 milliliters a day) or a placebo in people with chronic constipation. The probiotic drink resulted in significant improvement in severity of constipation and stool consistency.

Another study examined the effectiveness of another strain of probiotics on constipation in children and found no effect. Eighty four children between two and 16 years of age with constipation took lactulose (a laxative) plus a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus GG or lactulose alone. After 12 and 24 weeks, lactobacillus was not more effective than lactulose alone at treating constipation.

Find out more about using acidophilus and other probiotics.

6) Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body.

A point that is often recommended by acupuncturists for constipation is Large Intestine 4. Although it hasn't been studied for constipation, it is a simple home remedy that may work for some people. The point is at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger when they are brought close together. Caution: this point is typically avoided during pregnancy.

With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply gradually increasing pressure. Hold for three minutes. The pressure should not be painful or uncomfortable.

Learn more about Acupressure.

7) Magnesium

A deficiency of the mineral magnesium may contribute to constipation. Magnesium is found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in supplements.

Magnesium is needed for normal muscle function, including intestinal muscles. One recent study examined the intake of magnesium with constipation in 3835 women. Low magnesium intake was associated with constipation.

Today Bateeilee Blog will post Psyllium for Weight Loss. One popular natural remedy for weight loss is psyllium, a plant that produces seeds rich in fiber. Known as mucilage, the fiber in psyllium has been found to have a laxative effect. Due to its ability to stimulate the digestive system, psyllium is often used as a detox diet agent as well as a weight loss aid.

Does Psyllium Work for Weight Loss?

Studies show that psyllium may help relieve constipation, keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes. However, to date, there is very little scientific support for the use of psyllium as a weight loss aid.

In a 2010 report from the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, scientists note that adding psyllium to the diet may lead to weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. Another 2010 study (published in the Journal of Nutrition) suggests that psyllium-enriched meals may help enhance fullness (and, in turn, discourage overeating). Additionally, preliminary research in animals indicates that psyllium may affect levels of leptin (a hormone that plays a key role in fat metabolism).

Is Psyllium Safe for Weight Loss?

Although psyllium is generally considered safe, it may trigger certain side effects (such as gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea). In order to protect against adverse effects, make sure to drink at least eight ounces of fluids for every seven grams of ground psyllium seeds you consume.

Should You Use Psyllium for Weight Loss?

Due to the lack of supporting research, psyllium cannot currently be recommended as a weight loss aid. However, fiber sources like psyllium (as well as flaxseed, oatmeal, and whole grains) should help promote weight loss when incorporated into a healthy diet and combined with a regular exercise routine. It should be noted that the current fiber recommendation for adults is 20 to 35 grams per day.

Besides weight loss, psyllium is used for digestive concerns, such as constipation and diverticulitis. It is also used as a detox aid.

If you're considering the use of psyllium (or any other weight loss supplement), make sure to consult your physician before beginning treatment.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Low-Fat Foods Better for Diabetes. When it comes to diabetes prevention in the obese, recent research shows that a diet of low-fat products works better than smaller portions of high-fat foods. Mice put on a low-fat diet were found to be more sensitive to insulin than those receiving the same amount of energy from high-fat food.

Mice that received just low-fat products were more sensitive to insulin than mice that ate small portions of high fat food. Clinically obese people sometimes suffer from Type II diabetes due to more fatty acids being released from the adipose tissue present in obesity. These fatty acids can reduce the functioning of the beta cells in the pancreas as well as the sensitivity of various tissues to insulin. 

Fat accumulation in adipose tissue is less harmful than fat accumulation in organs such as the liver and muscles. Treatment methods that lead to a reduction of fat accumulation in the liver and muscles might also remedy type II diabetes mellitus in obese patients. 

In diabetics, the regulation of the blood glucose level and the transport of glucose from the blood to tissue cells are disrupted. This is due to either an inadequate production of insulin or the insulin available not being effective enough. Obesity and type II diabetes mellitus will probably be the health problems of the 21st century, as the number of obese people has risen sharply over the last few decades. This article was adapted from a news release by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post What Is Obesity?. According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity is defined as "the condition of an excessively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to lean body mass." A more commonly-known definition of obesity is that of an individual's weight being 30% or more above what is considered normal as defined by a standardly-accepted height/weight chart (e.g. The National Center for Health Statistics or Metropolitan Life Insurance Company). Overweight and obesity are also commonly determined by calculating an individual's body mass index. 



Morbid obesity means that the individual weighs anywhere from 50 to 100% percent more than normal weight or they are more than 100 pounds over normal weight. Morbid obesity literally means that the amount of overweight a person is carrying is life-threatening, due to its related health risks. Morbid obesity also often significantly hinders or prevents an individual from accomplishing many day-to-day functions. Surgical procedures like gastric bypass are often seriously considered as a weight control option for those who are morbidly obese.

Why should obesity taken seriously?

Obese individuals have a 50 to 100% increased risk of death from all causes as compared to normal-weight individuals.

What is the difference between being overweight and obese?

The CDC defines overweight as referring to increased body weight in relation to height as determined by comparison to a standard height/weight chart. People who are considered overweight have not reached a high enough weight to qualify as being obese. As a rule of thumb, the medical community usually considers someone to be overweight rather than obese if their weight is 10% higher than normal as definied by height/weight charts.   

Now Bateeilee Blog will post How to Lose Weight Naturally, If you're trying to shed pounds, it's possible that certain hidden factors might be messing with your weight loss efforts. Take a look at several problems shown to thwart weight loss and the natural approaches that could serve as your solutions. Also, find out which natural remedies and therapies are most promising for weight loss.

Weight Loss Approaches

• Hidden Factors That Can Prevent Weight Loss - Here's a look at several hidden factors shown to prevent weight loss, and a few natural approaches that could help.
• Reduce Belly Fat Naturally - Research suggests that certain natural solutions may help reduce belly fat. Here's a look at several study findings.
• Inflammation and Weight Gain - In recent years, a number of studies have shown that weight gain may be linked to chronic inflammation. Here are natural approaches that may reduce inflammation while supporting weight loss.
• Natural Support for Obesity Prevention - Certain alternative therapies may also be beneficial when it comes to obesity prevention.

Supplements

• Bitter Orange - Bitter orange is purported to help treat constipation, indigestion, heartburn, loss of appetite, and nasal congestion, as well as promote weight loss.
• Capsaicin - Capsaicin, a natural substance sourced from chili peppers, is said to speed up metabolism and reduce fat tissue, as well as curb overeating by taming appetite.
• Chia - Find out whether chia — yes, the same sprouts found in your Chia Pet — can help you slim down and stay healthy.
• Chitosan - Often marketed as a natural weight loss aid, chitosan is a dietary supplement made from the shells of crustaceans (such as crabs, shrimp, and lobster).
• CLA - Proponents claim that CLA can reduce fat while building muscle, as well as keep cholesterol in check.
• DHEA - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that's produced by the adrenal glands.
• Fucoxanthin - Fucoxanthin is a type of carotenoid found naturally in edible brown seaweed such as wakame and hijiki, which are used widely in Asian cuisine. It is also found in much smaller amounts in red seaweed.
• Hoodia - Much of hoodia's popularity stems from claims that the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert in Africa relied on hoodia for thousands of years to ward off hunger and thirst during long hunting trips.
• Hydroxycut - Find out why this weight-loss supplement may not be safe.
• Probiotics - By consuming these live microorganisms, proponents claim, overweight people can correct bacterial imbalances thought to contribute to weight gain.
• Psyllium - One popular natural remedy for weight loss is psyllium, a plant that produces seeds rich in fiber.
• Spirulina - Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae available in dietary supplement form.
• Triphala - A blend of three botanicals, triphala is a popular remedy in ayurveda (the traditional medicine in India).
• Vitamin D - Some research suggests that running low on vitamin D might increase your risk of obesity, while taking vitamin D supplements may help promote weight loss and weight maintenance.

Diets and Food

• Green Tea - If weight loss is one of your top health goals, green tea may help.
• Oolong Tea - Several studies indicate that oolong tea may help promote weight loss.
• Shirataki Noodles - What are shirataki noodles? I've heard they're the latest diet food but find it hard to believe that eating noodles could help with weight loss. Isn't it counter-intuitive?

Therapies

• Acupuncture - Some proponents of acupuncture suggest that the needle-based alternative therapy can help promote weight loss.
• Hypnosis - Hypnosis is a mind-body technique often purported to promote weight loss.
• Yoga - In the quest for weight loss, many people turn to yoga (an age-old mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation).

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Health Benefits of Bitter Orange,  Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a type of tree that grows in the Mediterranean region, as well as in California, Florida, and other parts of the world. Extracts of the tree's flowers, leaves, and dried fruit and peel are used in herbal medicine.

Uses for Bitter Orange

In traditional Chinese medicine, bitter orange has long been used to treat health problems such as nausea, indigestion, and constipation.

Bitter orange is also purported to help treat heartburn, loss of appetite, and nasal congestion, as well as promote weight loss. Some proponents recommended applying bitter orange topically to treat fungal infections (such as ringworm and athlete's foot).

Benefits of Bitter Orange

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of bitter orange for health purposes. Indeed, no studies have shown that the herb is useful in treatment of nausea, indigestion, constipation, heartburn, nasal congestion, or fungal infections.

Bitter Orange for Weight Loss

In recent years, bitter orange has been marketed as a natural weight-loss aid. Proponents claim that bitter orange helps stimulate the fat-burning process.

In several small studies, participants have experienced an increase in metabolic rates when consuming bitter orange products. However, researchers have yet to confirm that bitter orange is beneficial to people wanting to lose weight.

What's more, bitter orange contains two compounds (synephrine and octopamine) that are structurally similar to those found in ephedra (an herb banned by the U.S. FDA because it raises blood pressure and is linked to heart attacks and strokes). Synephrine has been found to increase blood pressure in humans, and may increase risk of cardiovascular events.

Safety Concerns for Bitter Orange

Because of its potential to cause abnormal heart rhythms, raise blood pressure, and speed up heart rate, bitter orange should only be used under the direction of a physician. Anyone with a cardiovascular condition (such as heart disease or high blood pressure) or diabetes should avoid bitter orange.

Bitter orange should not be combined with caffeine or any natural substances containing caffeine (such as green tea and yerba mate). It should also be avoided by anyone taking medications (such as MAO inhibitors) or herbs/supplements that increase heart rate.

Due to lack of safety evidence, pregnant women should avoid products that contain bitter orange.

Adverse Effects of Bitter Orange

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there have been reports of fainting, heart attack, and stroke in healthy people after taking bitter orange supplements alone or combined with caffeine.

When topically applied, bitter orange oil may increase the risk of sunburn, particularly in light-skinned people.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Capsaicin for Weight Loss. Capsaicin, a natural substance sourced from chili peppers, is said to support weight loss. Proponents claim that the compound can help speed up metabolism and reduce fat tissue, as well as curb overeating by taming appetite. While scientists have yet to confirm that capsaicin can serve as a weight loss aid, some early studies suggest that this spicy chemical may be of some benefit to those trying to slim down.

The Science Behind Capsaicin and Weight Loss

Here's a look at several findings from studies on capsaicin and weight loss:


1) Capsaicin and Appetite
Upping your capsaicin intake may ease your appetite, according to a 2009 study from the journal Clinical Nutrition. In an experiment involving 27 healthy volunteers, researchers found that consuming a combination of capsaicin and green tea led subjects to feel less hungry and take in fewer calories.

Another 2009 study (published in the European Journal of Nutrition) found that capsaicin may help decrease ghrelin (a hormone involved in promoting hunger).


2) Capsaicin and Metabolism
A number of laboratory and animal studies show that capsaicin may help rev up thermogenesis (a biological process involved in burning calories). However, there is currently a lack of studies testing capsaicin's ability to boost metabolism in humans.


3) Capsaicin and Body Fat
Preliminary research indicates that capsaicin may help fight the buildup of body fat. In tests on rats fed a high-fat diet, the authors of a 2010 study from the Journal of Proteome Research found that capsaicin stimulated certain proteins known to break down fat and inhibited the actions of proteins involved in producing fat. 

Is Capsaicin Safe for Weight Loss?

Although capsaicin is generally considered safe when consumed in foods, capsaicin supplements may cause some side effects (such as stomach irritation and aggravation of ulcers and heartburn). In addition, capsaicin supplements may interact with certain medications (including aspirin and blood-thinning drugs).

Should You Use Capsaicin for Weight Loss?

Due to the lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend capsaicin supplements for weight loss. However, increasing your capsaicin intake by eating chili peppers or chili-pepper-based sauces may be beneficial to your overall health (partly due to the compound's antioxidant effects). If you're considering the use of capsaicin supplements for weight loss, make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Health Benefits of Coconut Oil?. Coconut oil is a natural substance said to offer a host of health benefits. One of the few plant sources of saturated fat, coconut oil contains lauric acid (said to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties) and medium-chain triglycerides (purported to speed up metabolism and promote weight loss). 

Why Do People Use Coconut Oil?

Proponents claim that coconut oil offers the following health benefits:

• supports thyroid function
• increases metabolism
• antiviral and antibacterial properties
• improved blood pressure
• improved cholesterol levels
• weight loss
• better diabetes control
• increased bone strength
• better digestion
• prevention of cancer
• hair and skin health
• prevention of heart disease
• stress reduction
• increased immunity

Some research shows that adding coconut oil to your diet may offer certain health benefits, however, there is currently a lack of scientific support for any of the health claims about coconut oil.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil:

Some studies suggest that coconut oil may provide these health benefits:

1) Reduced Belly Fat

Consuming coconut oil may help fight abdominal obesity, according to a 2009 study from the journal Lipids. For 12 weeks, 40 women with excess belly fat were placed on a diet, told to exercise each day, and given daily supplements containing either soybean oil or coconut oil. Although members of both groups lost weight, women given coconut oil showed a greater decrease in the size of their waistlines.
More about Natural Methods For Reducing Belly Fat.

2) Improved Cholesterol Levels

Preliminary research suggests that coconut oil may help keep cholesterol in check. A 2004 study published in Clinical Biochemistry, for instance, found that rats fed virgin coconut oil (a type of coconut oil produced without the use of chemicals) for 45 days experienced a reduction in their total cholesterol and levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Besides coconut oil, find out about other ways to Lower Cholesterol With Supplements.

3) Weight Loss

Tests on mice indicate that combining coconut oil with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may promote the loss of body fat. However, it's not known whether combining coconut oil and CLA might produce the same health benefits in humans. What's more, it should also be noted that CLA may have negative impact on blood sugar metabolism and possibly contribute to insulin resistance.
See 15 Popular Weight Loss Supplements. 

How to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be purchased at most natural-foods stores. When selecting a coconut oil, look for organic, non-GMO coconut oil. Stay away from hydrogenated oil or oil that has been treated with heat, solvents, or bleach. Opting for extra-virgin oil ensures that the coconut oil product has not been refined, bleached, or deodorized. In addition, extra-virgin coconut oil tends to offer a richer flavor than refined coconut oil.

Often used in stir-frying and baking, coconut oil can replace butter as a spread or flavoring agent for bread, oatmeal, popcorn, vegetable dishes, and other foods. Coconut oil can also be added to smoothies and shakes.

In addition to 100% coconut oil, some companies make a product made from the whole coconut, not just the oil, so it also has protein and fiber. It is called coconut butter or coconut manna, and is used in smoothies, shakes, desserts, dressings, and sauces.

Today Bateeilee Blog will post Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss, Can It Help You Shed Pounds?. Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. During the fermentation process, sugar in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and then into vinegar. Like other types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and it also contains some lactic, citric and malic acids.
 
Apple cider vinegar is often touted as a natural weight loss aid. Produced during the fermentation of apple cider, the vinegar contains acetic acid (a substance found in many other types of vinegar). Although there's limited evidence that acetic acid may have some effect on body weight, research is currently lacking.

What are the Claims? 

Proponents claim that consuming apple cider vinegar before a meal can help suppress your appetite, speed up your metabolism, prevent bloating and keep your blood sugar in check. However, there's no evidence to support these claims.

Research on Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss:

To date, there is a lack of studies testing the effects of apple cider vinegar on weight loss. While preliminary research indicates that consumption of vinegar may offer some protection against obesity, little is known about the potential weight-loss benefits of apple cider vinegar in particular.

The available research on vinegar and weight loss includes a 2009 study from Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. Every day for 12 weeks, 175 obese adults consumed 500 ml of a beverage containing 15 ml of vinegar or 30 ml of vinegar or no vinegar. By the end of the study, members of the vinegar-drinking groups had a significantly greater decrease in body weight, body mass index, abdominal fat and blood fat levels compared to those in the placebo group. 

In addition, a 2009 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given acetic acid developed up to 10 percent less body fat (compared to mice not given acetic acid). The study's authors suggest that acetic acid may prevent the buildup of body fat by activating genes involved in breaking down fats. However, it's too soon to tell whether acetic acid might provide similar weight loss benefits in humans.

It's unknown whether either of these studies tested the use of acetic acid derived from apple cider vinegar or from other vinegar types. Given that there are no available studies testing the effects of apple cider vinegar on weight loss, no conclusions can be drawn about the product's effectiveness as a weight loss aid.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss:

Due to the lack of supporting research, apple cider vinegar cannot be recommended as a standard treatment for weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight, the National Institutes of Health recommends following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise. Keeping a food diary, getting eight hours of sleep each night, and keeping your stress in check may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

There's some concern that undiluted apple cider vinegar (in liquid or pill form) may harm the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. What's more, apple cider vinegar may damage tooth enamel if sipped. There's also some evidence that excessive apple cider vinegar consumption may lower your blood potassium levels and bone mineral density. Given these safety concerns, it's important to talk to your doctor before using apple cider vinegar for weight loss.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post What is Hoodia Gordonii?. Hoodia (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) is a cactus-like plant that grows primarily in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.

In the last few years, hoodia has been heavily marketed for weight loss and has become immensely popular.
Although there has always been a demand for diet pills, after the ban on the herb ephedra, the market was particularly ripe for the next new diet pill.

Much of hoodia's popularity stems from claims that the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert relied on hoodia for thousands of years to ward off hunger and thirst during long hunting trips. They were said to have cut off the stem and eat the bitter-tasting plant.

Hoodia gordonii grows in clumps of green upright stems. Although it is often called a cactus because it resembles one, hoodia is actually a succulent plant.

It takes about five years before hoodia gordonii's pale purple flowers appear and the plant can be harvested.
There are over 13 types of hoodia. The only active ingredient identified so far is a steroidal glycoside that has been called "p57". Currently, only hoodia gordonii is thought to contain p57.

What is the History of Hoodia Gordonii?

In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia gordonii to suppress appetite. In 1963, scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa's national laboratory, began studying hoodia. They claimed that lab animals lost weight after they were given hoodia gordonii.

The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated what they believed to be an active ingredient in hoodia gordonii, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After obtaining a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research. 

Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer learned about hoodia and expressed interest in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever.

Much of the hype about hoodia started after 60 Minutes correspondent Leslie Stahl and crew traveled to Africa to try hoodia. They hired a local Bushman to go with them into the desert and track down some hoodia. Stahl ate it, describing it as "cucumbery in texture, but not bad." She reported that she lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also said she didn't experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations. 

Where is Hoodia Gordonii Found?

Hoodia gordonii is sold in capsule, powder, liquid, or tea form in health food stores and on the Internet. Hoodia is also found in the popular diet pill Trimspa.

How Does Hoodia Gordonii Work?

Despite its popularity, there are no published randomized controlled trials in humans to show hoodia is safe or effective in pill form. 

One study published in the September 2004 issue of Brain Research found that injections of p57 into the appetite center of rat brains resulted in altered levels of ATP, an energy molecule that may affect hunger. The animals receiving the P57 injections also ate less than rats that received placebo injections. However, this was an animal study and injections in the brain are different from oral consumption, so it cannot be used to show that oral hoodia can suppress appetite in humans.

The manufacturer Phytopharm cites a clinical trial involving 18 human volunteers that found hoodia consumption reduced food intake by about 1000 calories per day compared to a placebo group. Although intriguing, the study wasn't published or subjected to a peer-review process, so the quality of the study cannot be evaluated.

What are the Side Effects of Hoodia?

There are some potential side effects of hoodia that you should be aware of. What are Hoodia's Side Effects and Safety Concerns?

How do I Know if it's Pure Hoodia?

There are widespread reports of counterfeit hoodia products. Mike Adams of News Target, estimates that 80% of hoodia products are contaminated or counterfeit. It's impossible to know if a hoodia product contains pure hoodia and the active ingredient, unless it has been tested by an independent laboratory.

People looking at hoodia buyer's guides, hoodia ratings, and hoodia comparisons on the Internet should be very cautious. Most of these sites have been secretly created by companies selling hoodia. They explain why the hoodia in other products is inferior, even though there are no published reports showing that one is more effective.

Hoodia also goes by the names xhooba, !khoba, Ghaap, hoodia cactus, and South African desert cactus.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Chia For Weight Loss, Can Chia Help you lose Weight ? Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a flowering plant often marketed as a weight loss aid. Some proponents claim that chia can also protect against heart disease, stimulate the immune system, and improve nerve function. 

Sold in whole-seed, oil, and capsule form, chia contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. To date, however, there is little scientific evidence showing that chia can promote weight loss or offer any other health benefits.

The Science Behind Chia and Weight Loss

For a 2009 report from Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials, scientists gathered the available research on the health effects of chia. Although some studies showed "possible effectiveness" for several conditions (including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and angina), the report's authors caution that there is limited evidence supporting the use of chia for any indication (including weight loss).

In a study published in Nutrition Research the same year, researchers assigned 90 overweight or obese adults to 12 weeks of treatment with chia seed or a placebo. Looking at study results, the researchers found no differences in body mass, inflammation, or blood pressure between the two treatment groups.

In 2007, another study published in Diabetes Care and involving 20 people with type 2 diabetes found that 12 weeks of treatment with chia helped reduce systolic blood pressure and inflammation but failed to produce changes in body weight.

Is Chia Safe as a Weight Loss Aid?

Although chia appears to be safe for nonallergic individuals, there's some evidence that it might increase the effects of drugs taken for diabetes and high blood pressure. Consumption of chia may also lower your blood sugar levels.

Should You Use Chia for Weight Loss?

Due to the lack of supporting research, chia cannot be recommended as a weight loss aid. Adding whole chia seeds or chia oil to your diet may offer some health benefits, but it's important to consult your physician before taking chia capsules (or any other dietary supplement) in the effort to promote weight loss.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Can Resveratrol You Lose Weight? Resveratrol is a popular natural remedy said to offer a broad range of health benefits. Found naturally in the skin of grapes, resveratrol is widely available in supplement form. Research shows that resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Although a number of laboratory and animal-based studies suggest that resveratrol may provide certain health benefits, research on the health effects of resveratrol in humans is somewhat limited. Resveratrol is a natural remedy frequently marketed as a weight loss aid. An antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, resveratrol is said to speed up metabolism and prevent the growth of fat cells.

The Science Behind Resveratrol and Weight Loss

To date, most of the data on resveratrol and weight loss have come from test-tube studies and animal-based research. In a 2011 study published in the journal BMC Physiology, for instance, scientists found that lemurs fed a resveratrol-enriched diet gained less weight during the winter (a period typically marked by weight gain in the small primate animals). Study results suggest that resveratrol helped prevent weight gain by revving up the lemurs' metabolism and decreasing their intake of calories.

Previously published animal-based research indicates that resveratrol may help stave off weight gain among rodents fed a high-fat diet. In addition, test-tube studies show that resveratrol may help counteract the formation of fat cells.

However, in a 2009 report from Nutrition Research Reviews, scientists caution that resveratrol should "not be recommended for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity" until more is known about its safety and effectiveness. The report's authors also note that resveratrol may be toxic to the liver.

Should You Use Resveratrol for Weight Loss?

While preliminary research suggests that resveratrol shows promise for obesity prevention, given the lack of clinical trials on resveratrol and weight loss, it's too soon to recommend resveratrol as a weight loss aid. What's more, very little is known about the safety of long-term use of resveratrol supplements.

To increase your resveratrol intake without using supplements, try adding resveratrol-rich foods like grapes, blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate to your diet. Although these foods may not have a significant effect on weight loss, they do offer a range of antioxidants and other nutrients.

Following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise is the best approach to weight loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. Keeping a food diary, getting eight hours of sleep each night, keeping your stress in check, and natural weight remedies may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

If you're considering the use of resveratrol supplements for weight loss (or any other health purposes), talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen.

Now Bateeilee Blog will share The hCG Diet, What Is It? Are There Any Dangers?. The hCG diet is a weight-loss plan that combines calorie restriction with the use of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hCG diet was developed in the 1950s by Albert T. W. Simeons, an English endocrinologist. Participants are typically instructed to reduce their caloric intake to 500 calories per day.

A human hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, hCG is said to promote weight loss by suppressing appetite, revving up metabolism and reducing body fat. Although the diet traditionally involves the use of hCG administered by injection, some participants get the hormone by taking dietary supplements.
Despite the many marketing claims for the diet, scientific research shows that it is ineffective for weight loss.

The Claims

In pregnant women, hCG helps provide the fetus with the calories it needs to grow and develop. In order to deliver those calories to the fetus, hCG triggers the release of fat from parts of the body that typically pack excess fat (such as the abdomen). Proponents of the diet claim that hCG can have a similarly fat-reducing effect on individuals looking to lose weight. Specifically, the hormone is said to stimulate fat loss in so-called "problem areas" like the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips and undersides of the arms. Proponents also claim that the hCG diet can lead to overall weight loss. Some marketers suggest that diet participants can expect to lose up to two pounds per day.

The Science Behind the hCG Diet

There is no evidence that the hCG diet can help you lose weight (beyond the weight loss resulting from calorie restriction), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What's more, the FDA warns that the hCG diet has not been found to decrease appetite or redistribute body fat. In a report in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, scientists analyzed the available research on the effectiveness of the hCG diet in treating obesity. Reviewing 24 clinical trials, the report's authors found that the diet did not promote weight loss, reduce hunger, trim body fat or fight obesity.

Dangers?

Although hCG is approved by the FDA to treat infertility in women, hCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss. The FDA warns that using hCG as part of the diet may trigger a number of adverse reactions (including headache, irritability, restlessness, depression and fatigue). 

Since hCG may cause fluid retention, the FDA also warns that the hormone should be used with caution among people with heart disease, renal disease, epilepsy, migraines or asthma.

There are many safety concerns associated with severe calorie restriction, a key component of the hCG diet. For instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that following a very low-calorie diet may increase your risk of gallstones. Furthermore, some medical experts caution that severe calorie restriction can keep you from meeting your nutritional needs.

Should You Use the hCG Diet for Weight Loss?

Due to the safety concerns and lack of science behind the hCG diet, this program cannot be recommended for weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight, the NIH recommends following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise. Keeping a food diary, getting eight hours of sleep each night and keeping your stress in check may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

There's also some evidence that certain mind-body techniques (such as yoga, acupuncture and tai chi) may support your weight-loss efforts.

If you're considering the hCG diet for losing weight, it's crucial to consult your doctor before starting.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Vitamin D for Weight Loss, Can It Help You Lose Weight?. Vitamin D supplements are sometimes touted as a natural weight loss aid. Indeed, some research suggests that running low on vitamin D might increase your risk of obesity, while taking vitamin D supplements may help promote weight loss and weight maintenance.

Benefits of Vitamin D for Weight Loss

Here's a look at some key findings on vitamin D and weight:

1) Dieting
In a 2010 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that boosting your levels of vitamin D (and intake of dairy-derived calcium) may increase the likelihood of weight loss while dieting. The study involved 126 overweight women, all of whom were followed for six months.

2) Weight Gain Prevention
Vitamin D may help thwart the weight gain that often occurs in middle-aged women, according to a 2007 study from the Archives of Internal Medicine. For the study, 36,282 postmenopausal women were assigned to receive 400 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 mg of calcium in supplement form or a placebo daily. After three years, supplement-taking participants who had skimped on calcium prior to the study were found to be 11 percent less likely to gain weight (compared to those assigned to a placebo).


3) Heart-Health

Vitamin D may enhance some positive effects of weight loss, a 2007 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests. In tests on 63 overweight or obese women assigned to a weight loss program, scientists discovered that those who took 400 IU of vitamin D and 1,200 mg of calcium in supplement form daily during the course of their 15-week diet had greater improvements in cholesterol levels (compared to those given a placebo for the same time period).

When Should You Take It For Weight Loss?

Supplements containing both vitamin D and calcium are possibly effective for weight loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, scientists have yet to determine whether taking vitamin D alone (rather than in combination with calcium) can help promote weight loss.

Even though vitamin D is found in some foods (such as oily fish and fortified milk) and can be produced by the body during sun exposure, taking supplements may be a more reliable means of increasing your vitamin D levels. Although vitamin D might not help you lose weight on its own, increasing your vitamin D intake could support your weight loss efforts while enhancing your overall health. (Essential for strong bones and osteoporosis prevention, vitamin D may also help fend off heart disease and stimulate your immune system.) In order to achieve weight loss, it's important to combine vitamin D supplementation with a healthy diet and regular exercise program.

If you decide to take vitamin D supplements, be aware that consuming an excessive amount of vitamin D may cause vomiting, loss of bone density, and other problems.

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Can Chitosan Help You Lose Weight? Often marketed as a natural weight loss aid, chitosan is a dietary supplement made from the shells of crustaceans (such as crabs, shrimp, and lobster). Although supplement manufacturers claim that chitosan can fight fat absorption, there is little scientific support for the weight loss benefits of chitosan.

The Science Behind Chitosan and Weight Loss

For a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2008, researchers reviewed 15 clinical trials (with a total of 1,219 participants) that tested the effects of chitosan on adults who were overweight or obese. Compared to participants given a placebo, study members treated with chitosan appeared to lose significantly more weight and experience beneficial changes in cholesterol levels and blood pressure. However, the report's authors note that many of the reviewed trials were of poor quality. Furthermore, findings from the high-quality trials suggest that chitosan may have a minimal, insignificant effect on weight.

A larger report (published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004) also indicates that chitosan may not be useful for weight loss. Looking at five previously published reviews and meta-analyses (as well as 25 additional clinical trials), the report's authors found "no evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that any specific dietary supplement is effective for reducing body weight." Supplements highlighted in the report included chitosan, yerba mate, and yohimbe.

Should You Use Chitosan for Weight Loss?

Due to the lack of scientific support for its use, chitosan cannot be recommended for weight loss. What's more, some research shows that chitosan may cause certain adverse effects (including constipation and upset stomach) and reduce absorption of essential nutrients (including calcium and vitamins A, D, E, and K). In addition, chitosan may cause allergic reactions in people with shellfish allergies.

In order to lose weight, it's important to follow a healthy diet (including a wide variety of vegetables and fruits and a limited intake of saturated fats and refined-grain products) and stick with an exercise program that combines aerobic activity with strength training. Improving your sleep hygiene and managing your stress levels may also help promote weight loss.