In recent times the supplement industry has seen a big shift toward products that provide an instant physiological reaction. Trainers are being drawn towards pre-workouts for that instant tingling feeling and obvious pump effect; and fat burners to feel that increase in body temperature and a pounding heart rate. BUT the question is – do these physical reactions actually mean that the product is going to give you the result you are looking for?
This article looks at the six most effective ingredients that should make up any good fat burning/carb blocking formula and have you on the way to achieving your long-term goals - Not just that short-term fuzzy feeling and a red face!
FAT BURNERS:
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Found naturally occurring in beef, dairy and sunflower, CLA has been shown to burn body fat by increasing both muscle growth and metabolism. Studies have shown that prolonged use of CLA have such positive effects on body composition by increasing the uptake of nutrients into muscle cells leading to increased protein synthesis, higher metabolic rate and reduced fat storage.
In addition to body fat reduction, CLA has also been linked to not only reducing, but combating cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation and osteoporosis.
L-Carnitine
A non-essential amino acid found naturally in the body that helps to improve the metabolism and burn fat by transporting free fatty acids stored in subcutaneous fat into the muscle cell mitochondria where they are burned.
In addition to being known as a great fat metaboliser, L-Carnitine is also seen as largely beneficial in the reduction of oxidative stress and improved endurance capacity.
Green Tea Extract
Green Tea Extract contains a number of powerful antioxidants called catechin polyphenols. These are responsible for a number of health benefits based around their ability to combat free radical damage. One catechin in particular however, stimulates your metabolism to burn fat and increase weight loss. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) works to burn fat by stimulating the central nervous system to release fat into the bloodstream for the body to use as fuel.
CARB BLOCKERS:
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia is small sweet tropical fruit who’s rind contains the principal constituent Hydroxy Citric Acid (HCA). HCA is a potent carbohydrate regulating compound that works by blocking the enzyme Citrate Lyase which your body used to push excess carbohydrates into fat storage.
Phaseolamin
An extract of white kidney beans, Phaseolamin inhibits the effects of the starch digesting enzyme Alpha-amylase. This causes starches from foods to remain undigested or be digested in smaller amounts. In turn reducing the number of calories absorbed by the body.