Safest Weight Loss Supplements

Weight loss supplements work with the body to help increase the metabolism, reduce appetite and enhance energy levels. While weight loss supplements provide support to lose excess body fat, they must be conjoined with a reduced calorie diet and daily exercise program. Prior to starting any weight loss supplement, speak with your doctor to ensure its safety.

Chitosan

• Chitosan works with the body to enhance digestion of fats and reduce overall appetite. This supplement is made from crustacean shells--mainly crab and shrimp. When chitosan is introduced to the body, it immediately begins to absorb fats within the stomach. Since chitosan is unable to be fully digested by the body, the fats that have been captured within this fiber substance pass through the intestines without being absorbed. Not only will this supplement reduce the amount of lipids absorbed by the digestive system, it also limits the amount of fats that raise cholesterol levels. One of the main side effects of this supplement is loose stool; however, this can be limited by adopting a low-fat diet.

  To consume chitosan, you will want to make sure that the supplement contains a high level of pure chitosan and not fillers. According to the recommended dosage from the University of Maryland, you will want to consume 1,500 milligrams of chitosan 3 times per day with 8 ounces of water. Take this supplement within 30 minutes of your meals to reduce the appetite and to capture excess fats before they enter the intestines.

Green Tea

• Green tea has been used for centuries for its ability to calm the nervous system and increase the amount of antioxidants within the system. Antioxidants fight free radicals from overproducing within the body. By reducing the amount of free radicals, such complications as premature aging, improper organ functions and fatigue will be reduced or eliminated. The main active compound within green tea is EGCG, or apigallocatechin gallate. This compound is the most active and according to the University of Maryland, it is believed to be the source of the medicinal quality of green tea. The fat-burning properties of green tea are thought to be provided by catechins within the polyphenols. While this is a common belief, the University of Maryland states that further studies are required to prove the full effectiveness of this supplement.

  Green tea is available in dried leaves, capsules and liquid extracts. A total of 320 milligrams of green tea polyphenols per day are suggested. This is equivalent to three cups of green tea per day. To prepare this supplement, bring eight ounces of water to a rolling boil. After the water is boiling, add one green tea teabag to the water and cover. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes before removing the bad and pouring into a tea cup. Sweeten with pure agave nectar and consume three times per day.