Garcinia cambogia: A small fruit native to India and parts of Asia, contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a key ingredient in natural weight loss products. HCA is believed to suppress appetite and boost fat-burning by inhibiting citrate lyase, an enzyme that converts excess carbohydrates into fat. A 16-week clinical study demonstrated that participants taking Garcinia cambogia significantly reduced abdominal fat compared to a placebo group, without any rebound effect. These findings suggest Garcinia cambogia may help prevent and reduce visceral fat accumulation.
Green coffee beans: Unroasted and rich in chlorogenic acid, offer significant health benefits. Unlike roasted beans, green coffee retains higher levels of this compound, which has been linked to weight loss, improved metabolism, heart health, and diabetes management. Chlorogenic acid may help regulate blood sugar and promote fat metabolism. A clinical trial found green coffee extract effective in addressing features of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and abdominal obesity, making it a promising supplement for managing weight and metabolic health.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is widely recognised as a metabolism booster, which assists the body in the faster burning of calories and fat stores for use as energy. It also has a regulatory effect on blood sugar levels and simultaneously increases insulin levels in the body, helping to control both the appetite and cravings. It imitates the biological activity of insulin and increases the metabolism of glucose. Since high blood sugar levels can lead to increased storage of fat by the body, cinnamon facilitates weight loss by helping to prevent this.
Glucomannan: A water-soluble dietary fiber from the elephant yam (konjac), is known as “the broom of the intestines” in Japan due to its digestive benefits. It absorbs water, expanding in the stomach to promote a feeling of fullness without causing bloating, helping to control appetite and cravings. Additionally, glucomannan can reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and cholesterol, making it a valuable aid for weight management.
White kidney bean: Kidney bean extract is a natural substance commonly sold in supplement form and is typically referred to in weight loss circles as a “starch blocker” or “carb blocker”. It works by preventing alpha-amylase (an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body) from breaking down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar). By slowing down alpha-amylase activity, less glucose is present for the body to turn into fat. Kidney bean extract has also been associated with stable blood sugar levels, protecting against diabetes and heart disease, enhanced athletic performance and increased energy levels.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Is a fatty acid found in red meat and dairy, offering benefits for weight management without the high saturated fat or calorie intake. Popular in weight loss products, CLA supports fat reduction by helping muscle tissue burn fat while lowering body fat and cholesterol. It also boosts “good” HDL cholesterol, reduces triglycerides, supports bone strength, increases muscle tissue and regulates fat and protein metabolism. Additionally, CLA acts as a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer.
Chromium picolinate: An essential trace mineral that plays an important role in normal carbohydrate metabolism (which converts food into sugars), chromium also helps insulin (a natural hormone that is released in response to eating carbohydrates) to properly “transport” these sugars into cells to be stored as energy. It contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels – crucial for slimmer’s as high and low spikes can lead to cravings, excessive hunger and binge eating.