Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant, in the cactus family, that has been used as a natural appetite suppressant in India for centuries. It's a new arrival in the family of cactii and succulent plants that are becoming increasingly popular for their appetite suppressant, and weight loss properties, as well as their ability to lower blood sugar.
Supplements made from the popular hoodia gordonii cactus from the Kalahari Desert in Africa, are, for example, growing in popularity and usage in the U.S. and Europe. Like hoodia, caralluma fimbriata has been used to suppress appetite, and as a portable food for hunting. It is used to suppress hunger and appetite, and enhance endurance throughout India. It is also sometimes considered a "famine food," used during periods of famine to suppress appetite. For centuries, people in rural areas of India have eaten Caralluma fimbriata, which grows wild over various parts of the country. Caralluma fimbriata is cooked as a vegetable, used in preserves like chutneys and pickles, or eaten raw.
Caralluma fimbriata is believed to block the activity of several enzymes, which then blocks the formation of fat, forcing fat reserves to be burned. Caralluma fimbriata is also believed to have an effect on the appetite control mechanism of the brain. Ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) experts have noted that there are no adverse effects when using Caralluma fimbriata, and the plant has no known toxicity.
A patented, tested extract of Caralluma fimbriata has been developed and standardized by a company called Gencor. Known as "Slimaluma," the extract delivers the plant in a concentrated form. One of the only products available in the U.S. that uses the Slimaluma formula is Country Life's GenaSlim supplement, which combines the patented Slimaluma extract of Caralluma fimbriata with EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) from green tea. Together they reportedly have a synergistic effect on appetite control and weight loss. In several clinical trials Slimaluma was shown to be effective in reducing body fat through appetite control. One of the weight loss products containing Caralluma fimbriata extract is Caralluma Burn. If you're interested in trying this product for weight control, you can compare prices now from various online vendors.
Diet and Exercise Tips
Excessive body weight contributes to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, in addition to being a major influence on general health and well-being. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in about 50-60% of those who are obese.
A recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics concludes that seven of 10 adults don’t regularly exercise, and nearly four in 10 aren’t physically active. Lack of exercise can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. About 300,000 people in the U.S. die each year from diseases related to inactivity.
Proper diet and exercise are the mainstays for a healthy lifestyle, although many Americans turn to costly fad diets and exercise programs that fail to provide weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. The basic tenets to gradual weight loss and good health include developing healthy eating habits and increasing daily physical activity.
Take in fewer calories than you expend. Few people understand this basic, simple concept.
- Eat smaller meals 3-5 times per day.
- Eat nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
- Eat slowly, and wait 10-15 minutes before taking second helpings.
- Don’t eliminate everything you like from your diet. Eat those things in small amounts (pizza, candy, cookies, etc.)
- Prepare healthy snacks that are easily available (cut carrots, apples, etc.)
- Avoid buffets.
- Drink plenty of water, especially immediately prior to meals.
NutriSystem
A commercial program that has made the transition from weight loss center-based, like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, to an online weight-management program. It is a reduced calorie diet that focuses on balanced nutrition (60 %carbs/ 20%fat/ 20%protein) which follows the Food Guide Pyramid. This basic strategy is where your focus should be, but NutriSystem's approach revolves around the consumption of pre-packaged meals, which can be convenient and helpful in dealing with controlling your portion size, but it often fails to prepare the dieter for food preparation once the diet ends. Learning the proper habits, which are essential for long-term success, takes a back seat to short-term weight loss goals.
The second problem with pre-packaged meals is their considerable expense, especially when they are "NutriSystem" products, which are more expensive than the pre-packaged meals in the grocery store. Unlike Jenny Craig, NutriSystem's meals are not required purchases, but in order to follow their menu plans, the NutriSystem cuisine makes it much easier to follow and more convenient.
The key to the success of this diet is the transitional period where the client goes from pre-packaged to regular, prepared meals. You are assisted by a wealth of on-line support, counseling and informational resources, but there is no longer a physical person to talk to. Regular exercise is de-emphasized, similar to most commercial diets, mostly to avoid frightening away prospective clients/customers. But regular exericse is the most prominent trait in those who lose weight and keep it off.
NutriSystem is more expensive with the food compared to other programs and sells a questionable supplement which contains ephedra, but it does focus on the things that are important. A nearly identical on-line program is offered by its main rival, eDiets, which is less expensive, avoids pre-packaged foods and has even more on-line support. If you feel that you must use pre-packaged food, Nutrisystem is an excellent choice.
What is a dietary supplement
A dietary supplement (other denominations: nutritional supplement; food supplement) is a preparation intended to supply nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids, that are missing or are not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person's diet.
Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not required to undergo rigorous scientific studies to determine their effectiveness, safety, or appropriate dosages. While some supplements may have health benefits when used properly, others can actually be harmful. Some pose serious risks to safety, alertness, or ability to tolerate stress!
Dietary supplements can be divided into the following groups:
1. Vitamins and Minerals
These are the most common supplements. Estimated requirements and recommended safe daily intake levels are provided by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Instititute of Medicine.
When selecting a vitamin or mineral supplement:
• Check the label and choose a multivitamin-mineral combination that does not exceed 100% of the Percent Daily Value (DV).
• Look for the “USP” notation on the label. This indicates that the product meets specific standards of quality, purity and potency established by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.
2. Herbal Preparations
These preparations are made of plant parts or oils. There are no standards for quality, potency, safety or effectiveness of herbal products. Identical products may differ markedly between manufacturers or batches. Many drugs are derived from the same plants used in herbal preparations. Therefore, some herbal preparations have the same potential side effects as manufactured drugs.
3. Steroids and Glandulars
The term “steroids” refers to a large group of important substances (to include hormones) manufactured by the body. They also may be artificial; or extracted from the glands of animals. Potency of the steroids may vary widely. Steroid supplements are unnecessary for a healthy person, and pose significant risks of serious illness or even death.
Amino acids are parts of protein and are ordinarily supplied by food or made by the body. From a nutritional standpoint, most people do not require more amino acids than they eat in a healthy diet. Certain individuals on special diets such as vegan may benefit from supplements. Synthetic preparations are generally considered safe, although excessive use is considered unwise.
Before starting to use a supplement it is strongly recommended to consult your physician.
If you decide to take any supplement start with the lowest dose and increase it gradually but not more than the recommended quantity.
Beware of sensational claims and buy supplements only from reliable sellers.
Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not required to undergo rigorous scientific studies to determine their effectiveness, safety, or appropriate dosages. While some supplements may have health benefits when used properly, others can actually be harmful. Some pose serious risks to safety, alertness, or ability to tolerate stress!
Dietary supplements can be divided into the following groups:
1. Vitamins and Minerals
These are the most common supplements. Estimated requirements and recommended safe daily intake levels are provided by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Instititute of Medicine.
When selecting a vitamin or mineral supplement:
• Check the label and choose a multivitamin-mineral combination that does not exceed 100% of the Percent Daily Value (DV).
• Look for the “USP” notation on the label. This indicates that the product meets specific standards of quality, purity and potency established by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.
2. Herbal Preparations
These preparations are made of plant parts or oils. There are no standards for quality, potency, safety or effectiveness of herbal products. Identical products may differ markedly between manufacturers or batches. Many drugs are derived from the same plants used in herbal preparations. Therefore, some herbal preparations have the same potential side effects as manufactured drugs.
3. Steroids and Glandulars
The term “steroids” refers to a large group of important substances (to include hormones) manufactured by the body. They also may be artificial; or extracted from the glands of animals. Potency of the steroids may vary widely. Steroid supplements are unnecessary for a healthy person, and pose significant risks of serious illness or even death.
4. Amino Acids
Amino acids are parts of protein and are ordinarily supplied by food or made by the body. From a nutritional standpoint, most people do not require more amino acids than they eat in a healthy diet. Certain individuals on special diets such as vegan may benefit from supplements. Synthetic preparations are generally considered safe, although excessive use is considered unwise.
Before starting to use a supplement it is strongly recommended to consult your physician.
If you decide to take any supplement start with the lowest dose and increase it gradually but not more than the recommended quantity.
Beware of sensational claims and buy supplements only from reliable sellers.
