The number of health applications for green tea continues to increase; the antioxidant properties of green tea are renown but there is still much to learn about this unusual herb. Green tea weight loss extracts can be consumed in many ways including as regular tea plus it can be purchased in liquid or tablet form but whichever way it is used it has an excellent record as a calorie burner. Although known more for its weight loss properties, extended use has other beneficial affects by slowing the oxidation process of our cells to reduce the signs of aging.

Whilst this is an added benefit, weight loss products rely on its ability to work as a natural laxative and use it as a product that purges toxins from the system. The product increases the metabolic rate and the number of calories burnt so less fatty tissue forms. This said, green tea weight loss supplements still need the help of the person using them because if you are eating large amounts of junk food every day without any physical activity then you will still put on weight. Improvement to general eating habits is necessary because the intention to lose weight implies the dieter wants a much healthier lifestyle.

For the best results when using green tea as a hot drink; you are advised to use it prior sleep when the metabolism is slowing down. There is generally an acclimatization period of a couple of days when using this product, during which time the user may feel some stomach and bowel discomfort but it shouldn’t take too long before this vanishes. Such green tea weight loss effects are normal, particularly if you haven’t used the plant before as the body adjusts to the accelerated metabolism that eliminates the toxins much faster, before they pass into the blood. It doesn’t take long to see the results and if you follow your diet correctly; i.e. increasing your liquid intake, regular exercise and eating fruit and vegetables then expect to see good results within your first week.

Often, green tea is combined with other products to work more effectively and one such product is ginseng. Used in Asia for thousands of years ginseng is well known and respected there and provides essential vitamins and minerals for good health when combined with those already found in the product. Ginseng is also beneficial for the immune system and when used in combination with green tea, helps to improve the energy level of a person who is losing weight so they do not feel so lethargic. Both ginseng and green tea have excellent safety records even when the diet lasts up to 26 weeks.

Unfortunately the recent popularity of natural and herbal weight loss supplements has meant that every manufacturer has decided to start supplying them and the range keeps increasing, confusing the public. Some of the more popular natural weight loss supplements are Hoodia, guarana, dandelion, cascara and green tea extract.

The most recent of this group comes from Africa and unofficial tests have proved interesting but Hoodia Gordonni, as it is more commonly known, is a rare and expensive method of stopping the pangs of hunger. Apparently, it tricks the brain into thinking blood glucose levels are normal thus suppressing the body’s natural response to low blood sugar which is the sensation of hunger and while this sounds promising, long term weight loss studies are required.

The other well know supplement is Guarana which is a caffeine based stimulant with a diuretic effect so it helps speed up the system and burn off calories at the same time. Guarana has a few side effects which might not suit it as an herbal weight loss supplement like increasing the blood pressure with some users feeling dizzy or nauseous after using it.

To rid the body of excess fluid the dandelion has been used for many years as it makes the user go to the toilet more frequently and doesn’t generally cause any harm apart from the odd allergic reaction which has been reported. Whilst it is very effective at reducing the amount of fluid in the body, this herbal supplement is not designed to be used on daily basis.

Cascara is a laxative used in many weight loss supplements but any laxative will help a person lose weight just like any other form of ‘purging’ the body of waste and toxins. However, any form of laxative, herbal or otherwise should be used with caution as these products also remove healthy bacteria and essential nutrients when used regularly.

Green tea extract is probably the most popular yet safe herbal weight loss supplement and appears in vitamins, energy drinks and even in concentrated pill form. Some studies have shown positive results for increased weight loss with the use of green tea extract so long as healthy eating and exercise habits are also being followed.

Despite the large sums of money spent by people on natural weight loss products, there is still little proof that they are effective in the long term. Herbal products are also expensive and some experts believe this popularity is feeding the bank accounts of many large companies who are capitalizing on this with expensive supplements like Hoodia for example, which can often cost in the region of 50 dollars for every month it is used. If you are serious about shedding the pounds then you need to look at your diet and exercise level as well as how many natural weight control products you use.