There are a few different techniques weight loss supplements target. Some weight loss supplements techniques are stimulate metabolism, suppress appetite or a combination of these two key processes. Weight loss supplements can help achieve the primary objective; burn more calories than consumed.

     There are several weight loss supplements on the market. Many use similar ingredients. Hoodia Gordonii, Green Tea, and Chromium are some common weight loss supplement ingredients. How can these weight loss supplement ingredients help?

     Hoodia Gordonii popularity is growing. Hoodia Gordonii is a plant in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa resembling a cactus plant. Hoodia Gordonii is not a cactus plant however, it is a succulent. South African Bushmen have used Hoodia Gordonii to ward off hunger during long desert journeys. Hoodia Gordonii has finally migrated into weight loss supplements offering very effective appetite suppressing benefits. Appetite suppression without any stimulant effects is a great benefit of Hoodia Gordonii. Many weight loss supplements have been short lived because of harmful stimulant side effects. Individuals taking a weight loss supplement containing Hoodia Gordonii can expect to feel full more quickly while eating, become hunger less frequently after meals and feel generally less interesting in eating. Some do not feel the effects of Hoodia Gordonii for a few weeks of regular doses of the weight loss supplement. If appetite suppression is a quality you desire in a weight loss supplement, Hoodia Gordonii is an excellent ingredient to look for.

     Green tea has many health benefits and has recently developed popularity in weight loss supplements. A green tea study was performed at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Green tea, caffeine and a placebo were given to different study subjects. Individuals taking green tea burned approximately 78 calories more per day than individuals taking caffeine or placebo weight loss supplements. Green tea also hosts several other health benefits. Most weight loss supplements do not intend to add antioxidants to your weight loss plan but green tea offers powerful antioxidant properties. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol and one of the key ingredients in green tea. EGCG offers many health benefits including powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits, reduction in Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) levels among green tea users, and inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Green tea offers much more than just a metabolic increase of approximately 78 calories a day but is still a very effective weight loss supplement ingredient.

     Chromium is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements. Chromium picolinate is the most common form in weight loss supplements. The trace element, chromium, has been given credit for fat burning and even offered as an alternative for steroid use to body builders. Unfortunately, most of these claims are not true. Chromium aids in the production of the vital complex, glucose tolerance factor (GTF). The organic complex, GTF, interacts with insulin to regulate the uptake of glucose by cells. If an individual is chromium deficient, the production of Glucose Tolerance Factor will be reduced and the uptake of glucose by cells would not be efficient. Inefficient glucose uptake by cells is a common symptom of type-2 diabetes patients. Chromium can aid in lowering blood sugar levels by contributing in the production of GTF. Chromium also is recognized as an appetite suppressant but is most effective at increasing the efficiency of insulin during cellular glucose intake.

     Weight loss supplements can benefit many if used correctly. Remember to have a weight loss mentality and not to rely solely on the supplement for results. The staggering statistics in the United States suggest 2/3 of the population will probably be researching weight loss supplements this year. Before taking a weight loss supplement, make sure to understand all the side effects and benefits of the ingredients. Weight loss supplements can be the boost you need while building a thinner, healthier physique.