The new natural weight loss pills –

The race for a surefire formula against extra pounds continues at full speed. The winds, which have always blown in favor of natural slimming supplements, have gained strength since the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) prohibited the consumption and sale of most appetite suppressants consecrated by medicine. Get to know the natural anti-obesity substances that will gain even more space from now on.

blocked sugar

Although research is still incipient, there are indications that the vegetable reduces the amount of sugar in circulation. This was observed in a preclinical study (done with guinea pigs) at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Uvo, in Nigeria. The animals, which had laboratory-induced diabetes, lost weight after ingesting the plant. “In addition to reducing blood glucose levels, Mucuna pruriens improves the metabolism of sugars, which also contributes to weight loss”, explains Karina Ruiz, pharmacist and master in pharmacology, from Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo. Not to mention that the low amount of glucose is related to a discreet production of insulin, a hormone that, in high doses, helps to store fat.

Karina also highlights another line of research: “Phytotherapy increases the levels of a neurotransmitter (a substance that acts in the brain) associated with pleasure, which helps to reduce food compulsion. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.” For the time being, mucuna is only available in compounding pharmacies, usually in capsule form, upon medical prescription. It is not possible to estimate how much it makes you slim – and that goes for almost all herbal medicines. More than depending on other studies, this can vary from person to person, in addition to table habits and exercise practice. The first results can be seen in two to four weeks.

Side effects: consumption without guidance from a competent professional (nutritionist, endocrinologist or herbalist) can trigger hair growth, amenorrhea (suspension of menstruation), infertility, inhibition of prolactin (hormone responsible for breast milk production) and interactions with antidepressants and antidiabetics. It is prohibited during pregnancy, as it has abortive action.

reduced appetite

“A clinical study in overweight patients who received Pinus koraiensis showed a 9% reduction in the volume of food consumed”, says Karina Ruiz. This promotes a significant decrease in daily calories, which leads to weight loss.” It can be diluted in water, milk, juices and shakes, and consumed before main meals.

Side effects: are not known.

jet satiety

Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis (or spirulina) seaweed can also be used to reduce daily calorie consumption. Rich in proteins of high biological value, they quench quickly. Just to give you an idea of ​​the protein concentration: 60% to 70% of the weight of spirulina is due to the content of this nutrient (values ​​higher than that of soy, considered an important source of protein of vegetable origin).

Increasing protein consumption is strategic for weight loss. She takes longer to digest and therefore decreases hunger. The anti-hunger effect also includes the participation of other nutrients from these algae: B and E vitamins, beta-carotene, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The difference between them? The maximum variety originates from Central America, while the platensis is found in Africa, Asia and South America. However, the composition is almost the same.

“They only have a small difference in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the good fat”, explains nutritionist Natana Martins, from Paraná. Another positive point in favor of the waist: they reduce the absorption of fat. “Algae increase the activity of the protein lipase enzyme, which has the function of breaking down fat molecules to facilitate their elimination”, says Natana.

According to nutritionist Flávia Figueiredo, from the Mundo Verde network, the supplement (sold in capsules) also raises the levels of amino acids in the blood plasma, favoring the release of anorexigenic hormones, those that make you feel full, such as cholecystokinin. Results appear in three months.

Side effects: are not known.

Metabolism a thousand

Ascophyllum nodosum kelp extract can also make you happy on less food. Found on the market under the name D-alG, it acts in the stomach preventing the absorption of calories. The extract even accelerates the metabolism by stimulating the burning of fats. “Studies have shown that the supplement helped overweight women to shed 2.8 kilos in eight weeks”, says Cláudia Coral.

Side effect: may interfere with thyroid function because it contains iodine.

better than medicine

Black pholia became famous two years ago for helping to conquer stubborn fat around the waist. Produced with an extract of plants of the genus Ilex paraguariensis, its effects were recently compared to that of sibutramine, a medicine used to control appetite and banned by Anvisa for acting on the central nervous system. The test in rats was carried out by the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science at USP.

Guinea pigs fed diet and black pholia lost 10% of their excess weight in 30 days, a result similar to that produced by sibutramine. “The advantage of the supplement is that it does not pose a risk of toxicity”, says biochemistry pharmacist Joseth Gimenes, from São Paulo. In humans, it is possible to expect a loss of 2 kilos per month.

Side effects: are not known.

Fight even cellulite

As well known as the black pholia, the lean pholia (Cordia ecalyculata vell) was studied by the same research group at USP, in the same way and also using sibutramine as a comparison. The conclusion was that the plant, which has thermogenic action, makes you lose 13% of overweight in 30 days. “Although its main indication is weight loss, in clinical practice I see a reduction in the appearance of cellulite by improving lymphatic circulation”, observes nutritionist Mariana Duro, from São Paulo.

Lean pholia even promotes the breakdown of fat directly in the fat cells. But Fúlvia Hazarabedian, a nutritionist at Academia Bioritmo, in São Paulo, warns: “Those who are hypersensitive to any of its active ingredients (lantoin, caffeine, potassium and tannins) should not ingest the product, which is also contraindicated for hypertensive patients, pregnant women and women who breastfeed.”

Side effects: are not known.

anti-fat fibers

The edible seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), found in Indian food stores in the form of capsules, satisfy and delay hunger. “Composed of fenuline fibers, the seeds attract water and form a viscous gel that fills the stomach, promoting satiety”, explains Mariana Duro. Digestion also slows down and you take longer to feel hungry.

But the fenugreek fibers offer an even more powerful action against fat. According to a study published in the scientific journal European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, they reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, which contributes to the reduction of blood glucose and, consequently, a lower production of insulin by the pancreas. And this prevents the formation of new fat stocks in the body. It has no contraindication, except for pregnant women.

Side effects: can cause miscarriage.

controlled hunger

Side effects: are not known.

flat belly

Side effects: consumed above recommended levels can deregulate metabolism.

Consult a nutritionist before

If you are determined to choose a herbal medicine to help you lose weight, ask a doctor or nutritionist for advice. Although natural, these supplements also require care. “They are considered safe, but may be contraindicated in some situations or present interactions with medications”, warns pharmacist Karina Ruiz.

And make no mistake. Natural anti-obesity products are mere weight loss aids. “Its effects are guaranteed when associated with a balanced diet”, emphasizes nutritionist Mariana Duro. Regular physical activity is also essential for successful weight loss. Another important detail: investigate the origin of these supplements. That is, give preference to products manufactured by well-known laboratories and registered with Anvisa. If the information is not on the label,…