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Burn
fat while you sleep! Eat whatever you want and
still lose weight! Don't suffer through hours
of grueling exercise to burn fat!
You've
probably heard all these phrases before but are
the fat burners containing ephedra that these
claims are attached to really that effective and
are they safe?
The
primary ingredient in fat burners is the herb
ephedra, also known as ma huang, or it's manufactured
version ephedrine. It has been used in Chinese
herbal medicine quite safely and effectively for
thousands of years. It is often combined with
synthetic or herbal versions of caffeine (e.g.
guarana, yerba mate or kola nut) and aspirin (e.g.
white willow bark).
But does ephedra burn fat?
The
answer to that question is yes. Ephedra does effectively
help the body to preferentially burn fat for energy.
But, according to medical studies, there can be
side effects, some of which are quite serious.
Ephedra
works to burn fat through several means.
- Its chemical
makeup increases the breakdown of fatty tissue
for fuel.
- Its stimulatory
properties help to increase resting metabolism.
This process is known as thermogenesis, which
is essentially excess heat production. You
body burns more calories simply by producing
more body heat.
- When ephedra
is combined with caffeine and aspirin, it
may have appetite suppressant effects.
- The nervous
system stimulation you get can help you maintain
your energy levels, which can aid you in your
exercise program.
When
used according to instructions and in moderate
doses, studies suggest that fat-burning formulas
containing ephedra, caffeine and aspirin can be
safely and effectively used to SUPPLEMENT a good
fat-burning program.
Fat
burners should never be used as the sole means
to achieve fat loss. A good fat loss program must
also address diet and exercise, contrary to the
hype you see on television and in print. Anyone
who relies solely on pills to lose fat is usually
doomed to regain the lost weight and potentially
quite rapidly after they stop taking the pills.
There
is a reason for this weight gain. These pills
are effective, therefore the person does not necessarily
have to change the habits that made them overweight
in the first place. When a person discontinues
use of ephedra without changing those habits,
almost inevitably the weight will come back.
The
fat-burning effects of ephedra do not come without
a price, however. Ephedra has a number of side
effects and should not be taken by people with
certain conditions.
Some
of these side effects of ephedra may include:
jitteriness, sleeplessness, increased heart rate
and blood pressure, anxiety, skin flushing or
tingling and nausea.
People
who should not take ephedra include those suffering
from heart disease, anxiety attacks, high blood
pressure, diabetes, adrenal disease, thyroid disease
or prostate disorders. If you are taking medication
for high blood pressure or are taking antidepressants
or MAO inhibitors, you should stay away from ephedra.
Also, it is not recommended for pregnant women
to use this herb.
Now
that you know some of the pros and cons of taking
ephedra supplements you, along with your doctor,
can use this information to help decide whether
or not ephedra is right for you.
For
more information on fat loss and exercise, click
here.
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