Fat Burning Supplements:
Wheat from Chaff

There is another common problem with supplements – that of absorption. Your body is able to extract antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from foods – studies have proven this. But getting them from pills or as additives to food is much less well documented. Although the antioxidant is present in the supplement, it may not be in an absorbable form and therefore simply passes through the body without giving any benefit.

Take a look at this video:

After reading all of the above and really checking around, you should find yourself almost completely unsold on the benefits of MOST supplements. Let’s take a look at some of the most common supplements, their claims and effectiveness.

Anti-Oxidants: these naturally occurring compounds - present in the food we eat - are touted as preventers of cancer and heart disease. Others say no. New studies are published daily falling on both sides. Check this latest study done by the US Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC). They found that:

“…this study contradicts a long-held theory that touts lycopene as a magic bullet for prostate cancer, according to the May issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.”

And from the same study:

"…beta carotene is already known to increase the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease in smokers".

And yet another study said:

In fact, a higher intake of beta-carotene, another antioxidant found in many vegetables and commonly used as a dietary supplement, appears to increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.”*

Contrast the above information to the serious marketing media hype surrounding antioxidants that is all positive. Omega 3: This polyunsaturated fatty acid has claimed to do just about everything, but studies are conflicting and the effective dosages of supplements are quite large and potentially dangerous for some people. Tuna and other oily fishes like salmon all have decent, but safe quantities of Omega 3.

On September 8, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "qualified health claim" status to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids, stating that "supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."

See this Wikipedia article for more info on Omega 3:
* en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid

Protein Powder: This supplement has been used for years by athletes of all types to increase muscle mass without having to eat huge meals of mostly meat and soy products. Today, this product is normally high quality whey (from milk products) and is considered a good supplement for anyone who carries out a rigorous exercise program – please note the “rigorous” part. The more expensive brands have partially digested BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids) that are purported to absorb better and digest easier. Lactose intolerant folks should elect a pure whey protein isolate, which has less than 0.1 gram of lactose per tablespoon (20 grams) – most powders now come in this form.

These are just a few and more will be covered in future articles. Do you have a favorite supplement? Would you like to know more about a new supplement? Comments? Let us know at support@thefatburner.net

A final word on supplements from the American Cancer Society:

"Our guidelines suggest that people eat a mostly plant-based diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits," said Marji McCullough, a senior epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society.

* www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2007/1928384.htm