Weight Loss Corner

These days we appear to be spoilt for choice when it comes to weight loss products on the market. But, how does one decide which is the best for you?

The very interesting fact about Fucoxanthin supplements is that they target abdominal fat. It is a well-known fact that abdominal fat is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, any product that can help reduce fat in that area is very positive and a giant step forward.

Many weight loss products on the market contain stimulants, for example, bitter orange, ephedra or caffeine. The advantage that Fucoxanthin has is that it doesn’t appear to be a stimulant.

What is Fucoxanthin?
Fucoxanthin is a type of carotenoid. This is a source of vitamin A in the diet usually found in fruits and vegetables. Fucoxanthin is a natural compound which is also found in edible brown seaweed and has formed part of the Asian cuisine for a long time. Miso soup contains wakame, which is an example of such seaweed.

Interestingly, Fucoxanthin has been recognized as a dietary supplement which is very powerful and unique because it attacks the source of fat.

Can Fucoxanthin work for me?
The 4 main ways in which Fucoxanthin can help you lose weight fast include:

1) It boosts the metabolism
2) It targets abdominal fat
3) It enhances weight loss
4) It reduces the bad cholesterol

• Boosting the Metabolism
  An ingredient in Fucoxanthin is derived from marine algae which has a powerful heat-producing (thermogenic) effect. Because of this, it increases the metabolism. This in turn helps you burn off excess fat. A recent study revealed that participants using Fucoxanthin had a metabolic rate at least 18.2% higher than those participants who were on a diet alone. There were 140 overweight females participating in the study.
• Abdominal Fat
  At this stage it is not understood precisely how Fucoxanthin works, but it known that it tends to target UCP1, a specific protein which speeds up the rate at which abdominal fat is actually burned up. In doing this, it helps to increase the rate of metabolism. Abdominal fat tends to surround the vital organs and is linked with an increase in diabetes and heart disease.
  Compared with those who were on a diet alone, those using Fucoxanthin lost about 11.8 pounds on average. Those on a diet only lost a mere 2.8 pounds.
• Enhancing Weight loss
  In the study referred to, those not using Fucoxanthin lost an average of 3 pounds whilst those using it, lost an average of 14.5 pounds of weight.
• Reducing Bad cholesterol
  We do not need to be reminded about cholesterol levels. A very positive outcome is that Fucoxanthin reduces bad cholesterol. This has got to be good news. How does it do this? Fucoxanthin appears to stimulate the production of DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in certain fish eg salmon. This in turn, helps reduce the risks that are generally associated with obesity.

No side effects!
On-going research is always being done but thus far there are no known side effects reported in humans.

Very importantly, Fucoxanthin does not stimulate the nervous system.

Just in case you were considering consuming large amounts of “wakame” or other seaweed types which are a source of Fucoxanthin, don’t try it! Why? Seaweed is rich in iodine and excessive intake of iodine could result in iodine poisoning. That would interfere with thyroid function and could lead to developing other health problems.

Availability of Fucoxanthin?
It is available in capsule form and is obtainable from some health food stores and online.