Losing Body Fat: Vitamins, Minerals and Plant Based Supplements

Once you have detoxified and refined your exercise routine to be as effective as possible, focusing on adding healthy and safe vitamin, mineral and plant-based supplements are a great way to continue to boost your fat-burning.  As in previous articles, I have set up these categories of nutrients so that the first supplement in each category represents the supplement with the best feedback and response for losing unwanted body fat.  I suggest implementing a combination of supplements or trying to find one combination fat-burning formula that contains at least one supplement from each category.

Vitamins & Minerals

‘ZMA’ - consists of a precise combination of the minerals, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6.  It is a clinically studied formulation that has been shown to safely increase levels of natural growth hormone production in the body.  This in turn can lead to enhanced muscle growth from your resistance workout as well as tapping into body fat reserves for energy during the aerobic portion of your workout.   For optimal results, consume 2 to 3 capsules of ZMA either about 30 minutes before a workout  or  post-workout -  20 minutes before going to bed.  [1]

Chromium polynicotinate & Vanadium - helps to properly metabolize sugar and complex carbohydrates and to achieve stable blood sugars.  These two minerals work by improving insulin sensitivity so that less insulin is needed to be released from the pancreas in order to clear sugar from the bloodstream.  Less insulin release equals more efficient pancreatic function, less chance of acquiring diabetes, improved carbohydrate utilization for energy (rather than being stored as fat), and even a potential decrease in carbohydrate cravings.  Safe and effective daily dosages are 100 to 200 mcg of Chromium and .5 to 1.5 mg. of Vanadium.

Co-Q10 - is an antioxidant and vitamin-like energy cofactor that is found in the inner membrane of every cell’s mitochondria, and works synergistically with L-Carnitine.

Plant-based substances

Fucoxanthin (seaweed extract) - is the first marine algae-derived ingredient with clinically proven thermogenic effects without the traditional  jittery side effects of common thermogenic aids, such as coffee or ephedrine (Ma Huang).    Fucoxanthin is also known for its powerful antioxidant affect which protects cells from free radical damage.  Marine vegetables have long been considered among the most nutritious vegetation on Earth and have been included in the diets of various Asian cultures since ancient times. Epidemiological studies strongly suggest that the consumption of marine vegetables by this population may be a contributing factor to their good health.  [2]   See product label for dosing.

Holy basil -  is categorized as an adaptogenic tonic herb that helps to support and enhance the body's response to physical and emotional stress.  It helps to reduce the stress hormone Cortisol and therefore reduces the role Cortisol plays in lipogenesis or body fat production.    Research demonstrates that Holy Basil safely increases physical and emotional endurance, improves the body's response to stress, and enhances adrenal function.     Given our fast-paced lifestyles, Holy Basil's unique health benefits can be an invaluable addition to our health maintenance routines.  Can be taken in tea form, as in Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea or in capsule form, usually in the doses of 150 to 350 mg. twice per day and standardized for its phytoactive properties.

Gymnema Sylvestre - reduces carbohydrate cravings and increases carbohydrate utilization for immediate energy needs rather than being stored as body fat.  It has been used traditionally in India for centuries and has been shown in research to support healthy glucose metabolism by mediation of insulin release and activity and enhancement of healthy pancreatic function.  Most Gymnema Sylvestre extracts used are standardized to 25% gymnemic acids, the same concentration used in clinical research.  The suggested dosage is 150 to 200 mg. daily of standardized gymnemic acids - divided evenly between breakfast and lunch.

Including these supplements, along with the suggested amino and fatty acids mentioned in Feb 4^thblog , in your overall healthy lifestyle can only enhance your efforts to detoxify, exercise, eat healthily, and help you on your way to achieve your healthy living goals.

John Friedstein, Certified Nutritionist

General nutritional & supplementation advice can provide real health benefits.   However, neither our website nor our blogs should replace seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any health condition or problem.  We encourage our customers with questions regarding their own health & health history to address these towards their own physician, nutritionist, or other health care provider.   Inform your healthcare provider first before incorporating any new supplement or regimen into your daily routine - if you have any medical conditions, are taking any medications, or are pregnant / lactating.

References