By Vicki Salemi
Eat less, move more. Sounds simple enough, right? If it was, more than
25.6 percent of American adults wouldn't be obese as of 2007, according
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. While a low-calorie diet
is the right idea for weight loss, it's important to eat foods that
contain the right vitamins and minerals to aid in this endeavor. Here
are several natural obesity remedies, which may help people lose weight
in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regimen.
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Natural Obesity Remedies
Soup
Using ultrasounds and MRI scans, scientists have found that after drinking a glass of water with food, the liquid passes directly into the intestines, but when the water is blended with the food it collects in the stomach, keeping you feeling fuller longer, as reported by the BBC. When you're hungry, your stomach produces cells called ghrelin which alert the rest of your body to fuel up, whereas when you feel full, your stomach stops producing these cells and you no longer are overcome with the urge to eat. According to the results from an experiment conducted by the BBC, eating soup may be your best defense against the release of these hunger-signaling cells. Vegetable is best because it blends well and because it is usually inherently lower in calories than a meat-based soup.
Using ultrasounds and MRI scans, scientists have found that after drinking a glass of water with food, the liquid passes directly into the intestines, but when the water is blended with the food it collects in the stomach, keeping you feeling fuller longer, as reported by the BBC. When you're hungry, your stomach produces cells called ghrelin which alert the rest of your body to fuel up, whereas when you feel full, your stomach stops producing these cells and you no longer are overcome with the urge to eat. According to the results from an experiment conducted by the BBC, eating soup may be your best defense against the release of these hunger-signaling cells. Vegetable is best because it blends well and because it is usually inherently lower in calories than a meat-based soup.
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Natural Obesity Remedies
Soup
Using ultrasounds and MRI scans, scientists have found that after drinking a glass of water with food, the liquid passes directly into the intestines, but when the water is blended with the food it collects in the stomach, keeping you feeling fuller longer, as reported by the BBC. When you're hungry, your stomach produces cells called ghrelin which alert the rest of your body to fuel up, whereas when you feel full, your stomach stops producing these cells and you no longer are overcome with the urge to eat. According to the results from an experiment conducted by the BBC, eating soup may be your best defense against the release of these hunger-signaling cells. Vegetable is best because it blends well and because it is usually inherently lower in calories than a meat-based soup.
Getty Images
Turmeric (Found in Curry)
The major fat-fighting component of turmeric, the signature flavor of curry, is curcumin -- a phytochemical, or a nutrient that may prevent diseases like obesity. In a Tufts University Study published in the May 2009 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" two groups of mice were fed high-fat diets, while one group had the added benefit of eating curcumin. The result? The curcumin-fed group didn't gain as much weight. The authors of the experiment note that additional trials are needed to determine whether the same effect would happen in humans.
CORBIS
7-Keto
This by-product of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has demonstrated its effect on weight loss. For instance, in a 1999 study participants were told to exercise three times each week for 45 minutes and to restrict their caloric intake to 1,800 calories per day. Participants who received 100 mg of 7-Keto two times each day lost six pounds after eight weeks, while the control group lost only two pounds. Lisa Nelson, RD, LN, of eNutritionServices.com explains, "It's believed the weight loss is related to an increase in a thyroid hormone (T3), which affects metabolic rate."
5-HTP
Since 5-HTP is a precursor for serotonin, and elevated serotonin levels are known to suppress the appetite, it's been thought to aid weight loss. In a double-blind trial without dietary restrictions, obese people with type 2 diabetes who took 750 mg of 5-HTP per day for two weeks significantly decreased their carbohydrate and fat intake. Participants lost an average of nearly five pounds. The placebo group shed an average of .2 pounds.
HCA
Also known as hydroxycitric acid, this supplement reduces the conversion of carbs into stored fat by inhibiting specific enzyme processes, as demonstrated in laboratories. "It can also depress the appetite and induce weight loss," says Annamaria Poluha, nutritionist and founder of Breathe Bloom Blossom, a nutrition, exercise and wellness program.
Glucomannan
Known as a water-soluble polysaccharide that is considered to be a dietary fiber, this supplement keeps blood sugar levels normal and keeps you satisfied longer. In one controlled trial of obese teens two to three grams per day were effective. In another trial, overweight adults lost weight with three to four grams per day with or without a low-calorie diet. "This soluble fiber absorbs up to 200 times its weight in water," adds Poluha.
Amylase inhibitors
These starch blockers know a thing or two about preventing the body from absorbing dietary starches. By definition, starches are complex carbohydrates and can't be absorbed unless they're broken down by the digestive enzyme amylase along with other enzymes. In essence, highly concentrated amylase inhibitors have been shown to prevent the absorption of significant amount of carbs.
Pyruvate
"Pyruvate plays a biochemical role in the body, specifically within the Kreb's cycle (glucose metabolism) and gluconeogenesis," says Nelson. "Anywhere from six to 30 grams per day may be effective, according to limited studies." One studied showed that pyruvate supplements of 22 to 44 grams/day enhanced weight loss and reduced body fat in overweight adults consuming a low fat diet.
HMB
HMB is a metabolite for leucine, an essential fatty acid. "If someone is deficient of leucine (rare), then they may benefit from the supplement," explains dietician Lisa Nelson. While she indicates three grams a day is needed in combination with resistance training, it's not as effective as other vitamins. Double-blind research shows that this supplement may only be effective when combined with an exercise program for people who are not highly trained athletes. One study showed that 70-year-old adults participating in a strength-training program for the first time who took three grams of HMB per day increased the amount of body fat lost.
L-carnitine
This amino acid packs a one-two punch when it comes to fat metabolism. In normal cells carnitine is required to transport fatty acids during the breakdown of lipids (fats) to generate energy. Most recently, the supplement, L-carnitine has been marketed as a weight-loss product. In a preliminary study of overweight teens in a diet and exercise program, participants who ingested 1,000 mg of L-carnitine each day for three months lost significantly more weight than the placebo group.
