Read Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Join Betsy’s this summer on a weight loss journey with our six-part series, The Best Summer Weight Loss Guide. In Part Six, we conclude our weight loss tips with a look at some of the natural ingredients that may support your weight loss goals.

It’s clear that maintaining a healthy weight is vital to overall wellness. And while a nutritious diet is one surefire way to get there, there are a bounty of supplements on the market to assist in a healthy eating plan.

CURCUMIN

New research shows curcuminoids (active compounds in turmeric shown to decrease arterial plaque and modify lipids for heart health) can help manage LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Researchers enlisted 50 individuals with metabolic syndrome to take 1000 mg per day of curcuminoids with BioPerine extract; the same number of individuals took a placebo. At the end of eight weeks, it became clear that the curcumin was found to be effective in managing total cholesterol and LDL in people with metabolic syndrome. Another study, published in 2015, enlisted 117 subjects with metabolic syndrome. Researchers randomly assigned participants a curcuminoid treatment or placebo for eight weeks. At the end of the study, researchers found that the curcuminoids significantly improved the oxidative and inflammatory status in individuals with metabolic syndrome, as evidenced by its ability to lower c-reactive protein concentrations.

FORSKOLIN

Forskolin, a phytochemical found in the roots of the Coleus foskohlii plant, has been used since ancient times to treat heart disorders like high blood pressure and chest pain, but today’s research shows that forskolin can actually alter body composition in the treatment of obesity. Researchers enlisted 30 overweight or obese men, and treated them with either forskolin or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, those who took the forskolin presented with significantly decreased body fat percentages and fat mass. Additionally, they also had a significant increase in lean body mass. A similar study was performed on women, in which mildly overweight females supplemented their diet with the ingredient or placebo. At the end of 12 weeks, researchers found that the supplemented group not only had less weight gain, but they also reported less fatigue, hunger and fullness. Their conclusion? Even if forskolin doesn’t cause weight loss, it may help support healthy weight management.

HYDROXYCITRIC ACID (HCA)

HCA is derived from the rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit, and has been making headlines recently for its ability to assist in weight loss. One study combined HCA with garcinol, forskolin and alkaloid piperine (black pepper extract), and this patented black pepper extract (containing piperine, an alkaloid) was then tested on male and female subjects between the ages of 25 and 55 for 12 weeks. At the end of treatment, the group taking 500 mg of the herbal weight management formula demonstrated 7.5 percent total body weight loss. The placebo group clocked in at only 1.1 percent loss, which researchers attributed to the exercise and diet regimen. This shows how supplementation can enhance the effect of exercise and diet in garnering healthy, lean muscle mass.

At Betsy’s, we work to stay up-to-date with the latest information on supplements to help you reach your weight management and general health goals. We look forward to working with you this summer and throughout the year as you reach for your best you. It’s our way of always taking your health and your budget to heart®.

Betsy’s Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider about any health concerns and before beginning a diet or exercise plan, especially if you take medications or have a known medical condition. For example, the supplements mentioned in this article thin blood. Also, forskolin may be contraindicated with blood pressure medications and kidney disease.

Article copyright 2017 by Delicious Living and Sabinsa Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.