Bitter Fruit for Better Weight Loss

Weight loss is a subject that concerns everyone. There are hundreds of products, supplements and diets available to cut fat, build muscle and improve appearance. Citrus aurantium, also known as the bitter orange, has gained considerable scientific support as an effective natural weight loss supplement, improving upon popular products that include ephedra, and is emerging as a promising way to lose weight when combined with diet and exercise.

Basics

• Studies by McGill University have shown that weight loss supplements such as bitter orange and ephedra contain adrenaline-like chemicals that stimulate responses from alpha and beta receptors, which are found on the surface of every cell in the body. The end goal is to stimulate lipoysis (a process that breaks down fat) and thermogenesis (a process that burns fat away) in these cells.

Cells

• How alpha and beta cells respond to the stimulation of weight loss supplements is dependent on the cell type and location. Stimulation of alpha-1 and 2 cells cause increased blood pressure, arterial constriction, and inhibited lipoysis (the breaking down of fat). Beta-1 and 2 cells react to stimulation by dilating blood vessels and affecting cardiac function. Beta-3 cells are the true target for weight loss supplements. Stimulation of these cells increases the break down of fat (lipoysis) and increases the metabolism, allowing the fat to burn away more quickly (thermogenesis).

Side Effects

• Certain weight loss supplements such as ephedra stimulate all the above types of alpha and beta cells. They increase weight loss, but they also have side effects that include higher blood pressure, constricted arteries, increased heart rate and insomnia. They also run the risk of stimulating alpha-2 cells, which can inhibit the break down of fat.

Bitter Orange

• Dr C.M. Colker and his colleagues studied the bitter orange and found that it stimulated the beta-3 cells and resulted in weight loss among his study group of healthy adults. Subjects that used bitter orange consistently lost more body fat than the control group that did not receive any supplements. Researchers at McGill University also achieved similar success using bitter orange as a weight loss supplement.

Fewer Side Effects

• The McGill University research team found that bitter orange acts almost exclusively on the beta-3 receptors. This results in diminished side effects such as increased blood pressure, insomnia and constricted arteries. Dr. Colker's study also displayed weight loss results without the presence of side effects.

Not a cure-all

• Like any weight loss program, taking bitter orange supplements should include a regiment of exercise and a balanced diet. In both of the studies cited, consumption of bitter orange was supplemented with mild exercise and healthy food. If you experience adverse reactions to the supplement, consult a physician.