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Top 10 Weight Loss Supplements

My friends ask me, what is the secret to weight loss? I tell them exercise. They ask me, what if just exercise alone will not do, and you need a little help?

A young cell is characterized by its energy production, just like a young body. As we age, our physical output decreases. To this end, here are methods to increase energy, naturally and safely, at the cellular level.  My friends have asked me time and again, if I could please compile a list of supplements that can aid in weight loss. Well, here they are, but remember, you will definitely still need work out, work at it, exercise and make the right food choices. Nothing in life comes easy. Weight loss supplements should only be taken after consulting your doctor.

Thrills, Spills and Pills

photo credit – Pranjal Mahna

Here are 10 Weight Loss Supplements that can increase your energy levels:

1. Coenzyme Q – 10

CoQ10/Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone or coenzyme Q, is an enzyme produced naturally in the human body, found in every cell and tissue. It is involved in a number of biological functions including helping to produce energy, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping both skin cells and the body healthy. CoQ10 enhances cell metabolism, giving us greater energy and endurance, a greater ability to lose body fat,  and prevents energy decline seen in aging cells. CoQ10 also maximizes the burning of foods for fuel, helping to normalize fats in our blood.

2. Carnitine

Carnitine and its derivative, acetyl L-carnitine, are two of the most important nutrients for weight loss. Carnitine is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. Carnitine transports the fatty acids from our blood into the cell for this energy production. Thus, for carnitine to have optimum effect, we must have adequate essential fatty acids, such as omega 3’s, present in the diet.

3. Acetyl L-carnitine

Now let’s talk about L-Carnitine. The primary function of carnitine in the body, is to regulate fat oxidation (burning). L-Carnitine is responsible for transporting fat to the fat furnace in our cells called mitochondria. Unless fat makes it to the mitochondria, it cannot be oxidized, no matter how much you exercise or diet. That’s why overweight people find it hard to lose weight. Although exercise will naturally increase our levels of acetyl L-carnitine, if we are obese, over thirty or have other health problems, it will not raise them to therapeutic levels, therefore supplementation is necessary. One of the better products on the market is the GNC L-Carnitine 500 500mg capsules.

4. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha lipoic acid weight loss is a type of weight loss brought about by the nutrient alpha lipoic acid or otherwise known as lipoic acid. This lipoic acid, a type of vitamin B, is originally contained in every cell of the human body, where it helps the cell produce enough energy for metabolism. ALA is a unique antioxidant because it is both fat and water soluble. This means it can go to all parts of the cell, including the lipid (fat) portions such as the cell plasma membrane, as well as the interior of the cell (known as the cytoplasm) where water soluble chemicals reside.

5. DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)

DMAE, or dimethylaminoethanol, is an organic compound that can be found in high concentrations in sardines and anchovies. It is also produced by the brain in trace amounts. DMAE helps your body produce acetylcholine, a substance essential for healthy brain function. Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function by improving memory and problem-solving ability, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone — important for anyone on a weight loss or anti-aging program.

6. Glutamine

L-glutamine is a provisionally essential amino acid for the reason that the body can produce it. Your body stocks glutamine within the muscles, lung, liver, brain and stomach tissues. Glutamine makes up 60% of your body’s amino acid stocks. You can weaken your glutamine approximately up to 50% because of extreme workout, serious injuries or communicable ailments. Glutamine works to energize the intestines and immune system, cure soft tissues, prevent illnesses and sustain your body’s antioxidant source. Glutamine enhances metabolism as well as fat burning. Not only does it intensify fat burning once in use prior to and throughout workout, it also enhances your resting metabolic speed. Glutamine’s result on immune system task makes you remain in good physical shape so that you will not neglect exercising.

7. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Some scientists believe that in our quest to lose weight, we are not eating enough fat, or at least not the right kind of fat. The fat that is missing from our diet is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is found in red meat, lamb, and dairy products. CLA has powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity. It decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen and helps block the absorption of fat and sugar into fat cells (adipocytes). It also helps the insulin receptors remain intact, thus increasing insulin sensitivity.

8. Chromium

Chromium is a naturally occurring mineral. It increases the efficiency of insulin in our bodies, which is why it plays an important role in metabolising sugar and maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Your body also needs chromium for healthy protein and fat metabolism.  New research has examined the role chromium can play in helping to reduce food intake, suppress hunger levels and minimise food cravings. One clinical study found that overweight women taking chromium supplements reduced their total food intake by 25 per cent. Chromium can increase levels of HDL thus lowering total cholesterol.

9. Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that is found mostly in plant based oils such as borrage seed oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil. The body rapidly converts GLA into dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid, the precursor of prostaglandin E1, a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone-like compound that helps to regulate inflammation, blood pressure, and many other bodily processes. GLA is an essential fatty acid that acts as a metabolic stimulator.

10. Maitake Mushroom

Maitake literally means “Dancing Mushroom” in Japan. Ancient folklore has it that when the Japanese found Maitake deep in the mountains, they began dancing for joy. Maitake is known as the king of mushrooms for both its taste and health promoting benefits. Maitake mushroom has a high content of the polysaccharide compound called beta glucan which stimulates the activities of your immune cells. This delicous mushroom’s beta glucan has been shown to fight the formation and growth of tumors, putting maitake in use in cancer prevention strategies. Maitake helps to protect and support the liver and can lower blood pressure and blood-glucose levels, and may also be useful for weight loss.

These are 10 popular Weight loss supplements that can increase your metabolic rate. Have you ever tried any of them? Did they work for you? 

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8 Responses to Top 10 Weight Loss Supplements

  1. Wchavez June 8, 2012 at 12:41 am #

    Ive lost 105lbs with Herbalife… Ask me how??

  2. Working hard June 11, 2012 at 2:38 pm #

    Is it recommended to take all 10 of these at the same time? I’m actively working out as well and watching my calories but seem to be stuck at 231.

    • ciki June 12, 2012 at 1:33 am #

      Of course you should not take all at once! Depending on your current health/weight, family history or if you have any concomitant diseases etc, it’s best to consult a physician on what is the best diet plan for you.

  3. Louise July 2, 2012 at 9:40 am #

    Would you take the cq10 before or after food? And morning or night?

    • ciki July 2, 2012 at 10:13 am #

      Hi Louise! Never at night – it actually gives you energy so better an hour after breakfast. I find if I take it too near bedtime, it keeps me awake. Don’t want to end up cleaning the bathroom with a toothbrush just to fall asleep, LOL:)

  4. Louise July 2, 2012 at 10:16 am #

    Thanks ciki!! Not much chance of me cleaning bathroom with toothbrush – but hey I’ll try them In the morning and hope for a miracle 🙂

  5. Confused July 2, 2012 at 2:02 pm #

    You’re missing the only actual proven weight loss supplement… Caffeine. Most of these listed have never been proven in studies and trials or have actually been disproven (carnitine). Bad info

    • ciki July 2, 2012 at 2:14 pm #

      Really? well caffeine never worked for me. just a pre-buzz before workout, that’s it. And L-carnitine (NOT carnitine) works for me. So I’m speaking from my own personal experience.

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