Unusual Herbal Weight Loss Supplements

With the rapid increase in herbal preparations today it comes as no surprise that the herbal weight loss supplements are so popular. These supplements can be found in just about all the major chain stores, health food shops and even by way of the internet.

Most people have heard of the more popular preparations such as Guarana or perhaps Hoodia but how many potential dieters have heard of the more unusual components such as red pepper, soy or the various tea products? These diet aids tend to make the same general claims as the better known version do, however most of the time they are much less expensive. Let's briefly discus several of these products here.

Red pepper is better known as capsicum, cayenne pepper or chili pepper. It is a South American plant used as weight loss supplements, a stimulant, for aiding indigestion; it combats gas and a host of other applications. While you can readily find studies that have been completed in the areas of digestion or pain relief you would be hard placed to locate any that deals specifically with the products use as weight loss supplements. To those people who may perhaps have current stomach illnesses red pepper can increase their problems considerably. When red pepper is taken internally as with a capsule it could cause a burning sensation within the stomach as well as some very unpleasant bowel movements.

Another product that does not receive widespread appeal is the Soy weight loss supplements. Research studies have indicated that when soy protein is consumed in place of meat it tends to lower the body's cholesterol level and reduce fat. However, in the event that soy is taken while consuming meat the weight loses appears to be very minimal. Soy products are also used in resolving premenstrual problems, eliminating menopausal symptoms and reducing hypercholesterolemia. Although ultimate results are questionable in many cases the use of soy is considered to be totally safe and presents no special hazards at all. You would however want to beware of using the soy isoflavones as this less common form of soy may tend to interfere with the bodies thyroid hormone generation capabilities.

The last item that I would like to briefly mention here is the teas. There are various remedies on the market today that use both black and green tea to counter the effects of overweight. Both of the teas are made from the dried leaves of the Camellia plant. In addition to weight loss supplements the teas are used for various stimulant diuretics, headache remedies, osteoporosis, to combat cancer respiratory difficulties, persistent diarrhea and as prevention for cardiovascular diseases. Research shows some positive aspects towards drinking tea and they support the claim that the products can provide a modest amount of protection for cardiovascular patients. The side claims for the tea also promotes it towards bone loss protection, cavity prevention and kidney stone elimination. Those claims however made towards its benefit in weigh loss have not been documented and supported by sufficient research at this time.

Tea is generally safe for all people to use as a daily beverage however large quantities can possibly cause several adverse effects considering its high caffeine levels. People who are diagnosed with iron deficiencies may wish to limit their tea intake to only non-meal times since the tea can effectively limit the body's ability to absorb iron.