Health Network News

We are inundated with advice on weight loss. Whether you are looking for a diet or weight loss supplement, there is sure to be something new. What you really need to think about when considering a weight loss aid or diet is what your individual weight loss problems are. Will the diet or product work for YOU?

How does green tea work to help people lose weight? It contains EGCG which provides energy, speeds metabolism and fat metabolism and blocks a bit of the starches you consume. It also has the ability to produce a sense of well-being. It contains zero calories, making it an excellent replacement for high calorie beverages.

Hoodia works to control your appetite because it contains p57. This compound appears as glucose in the body, or at least this is how your brain sees it. Because your brain triggers hunger when blood glucose levels drop, hoodia fools the brain and hunger is not triggered. You will not feel like eating as often.

Now, you need to think about your particular weight loss issues and decide whether green tea or hoodia will benefit you more.

Do you have a sluggish metabolism? As we get older, our metabolism naturally slows. Your metabolism might also be slower if you skip meals or live a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a slow metabolism, your body tends to store more fat than a body with a high metabolism. If you begin to eat appropriately (small portions throughout the day rather than skipping meals or eating one large meal), try drinking green tea in between meals to boost your metabolism.

Green tea also is also unique in that it can increase energy via caffeine and antioxidants, but it also has a calming effect on your moods due to L-carnitine. So, if you are an emotional eater or if you lack energy to exercise, green tea might give you the boost you need without the jittery, anxious feeling that caffeine produces.

Most of all, if you tend to drink high calorie beverages in between meals, green tea might be the perfect replacement. Not only will it offer the above benefits and keep you hydrated, but it contains zero calories. You might just shave 300 or more calories off your daily intake by replacing sodas, juice or coffee drinks with green tea.

Do you eat a diet high in sugar? Refined carbs such as canned sauces, junk foods, pastas, breads and rice contain high amounts of sugar and starch. Overtime, your brain may trigger hunger on higher than normal blood glucose levels because it becomes used to these high sugar intakes and glucose spikes. You may even crave sweets. In this case, hoodia may be the right answer to your weight loss dilemma.

The bottom line is weight loss can only occur and last if you change your eating habits and lifestyle choices. Regular exercise coupled with a healthy meal plan will benefit you most. Depending on your individual weight loss issues, green tea or hoodia may give you a boost and help you lose weight more quickly and with a bit less effort.