Diet pills, stimulants, and appetite suppressants have been in use since as early as the 1800s. The pills were advertised as fat reducers and were targeted towards women who wanted a slimmer, more accentuated frame.
Today appetite suppressants are just as popular as they were back in the 1800s, however, despite their popularity, there is one trend we continue to see with the use of some of these pills and tonics – side effects. Some of these side effects are quite severe and this is usually a result of the herbal stimulant ingredients some manufacturers continue to use in their formulas.
>>>Read Approved Science® Appetite Suppressant reviews: does it deliver on its promises?
While the FDA and other regulatory boards have banned some prescription and over the counter products that contain ingredients like Ma-huang (Ephedra), some manufacturers still continue to add large doses of potentially dangerous stimulant ingredients to their formula including Caffeine, Synephrine (Bitter Orange), Hoodia Gordonii, and Yohimbe. Due to the fact that ingredients like these stimulate the central nervous system, they can cause tachycardia, heightened anxiety, muscle convulsions, stroke, heart attack, and mind-altering effects.
With that being said, not all hope is lost. There are a few ingredients that can help curb your appetite and help you reach your weight loss goals without any of these herbal stimulant ingredients. If you are looking for a well rounded, safe, and effective non-stimulant appetite suppressant that accelerates weight loss and benefits your overall health, here are key ingredients to look for:
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre is a climbing woody vine that is native to Africa, Australia, China, and the tropical forests of India. The leaves of the vine have been used in traditional Ayurveda medicine for thousands of years to help remedy various ailments and afflictions such as snake bites, malaria, and diabetes. As it turns out, modern medicine has found that the Gymnema Sylvestre has a significant impact on insulin and blood sugar levels and works as a potent appetite suppressant that helps to keep sugar cravings at bay, which is why the plant has been nicknamed ‘The Destroyer Of Sugar’.
The plant works by blocking the sugar receptors in the taste buds when it is eaten before a sugary snack or soda. This is due to the active compounds found in the leaves, which is known as gymnemic acid. The gymnemic acid also makes sweet foods and sugar less appealing.
In one study, participants were given a Gymnema Sylvestre extract and a placebo. Those who had taken the Gymnema Sylvestre extract lost their appetite for sweet foods and had limited their food intake during meals compared to the placebo group who saw no changes in appetite.
Not only does this plant act as a non-stimulant appetite suppressant but it is also beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin production.
In some cases, patients who are suffering from type II diabetes are prescribed a Gymnema Sylvestre supplement along with diabetes medication to help lower blood sugar and manage insulin levels.
Much like the effect Gymnema Sylvestre has on the taste buds, it also inhibits certain receptors in the intestines from absorbing sugar, which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable after a meal. Gymnema Sylvestre also increases the stimulation of insulin in the pancreas. When insulin is functioning correctly in the body, it is able to offset the effects of the sugar in your diet by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing the amount of glucose that is stored as fat cells.
African Mango
African mango, or otherwise known as Irvingia gabonensis is a tree that is widely grown and cultivated in West Africa. It is commonly used in various health products for its potent weight loss and fat burning properties, however, there are a lot more health benefits this plant has to offer.
African mango acts as a non-stimulant appetite suppressant because of the effect it has on the digestion and absorption of food. The plant is extremely high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber acts as a ‘bulking agent’ and helps to slow down the rate at which foods are digested and passed through the stomach, which also reduces the rate at which glucose is absorbed. This helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer meaning that you won’t feel the urge to overeat or snack after meals.
The African mango’s fiber content also helps to regulate insulin levels because there is no sudden spike in glucose entering the bloodstream after a carbohydrate-rich meal, which as a result means that blood sugar levels will not rise either. This is especially beneficial for those who are insulin resistant and may help in the management of type II diabetes. Irvingia gabonensis extract has also been found to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels and body weight.
In one study, 40 overweight men were divided into two groups. One group received Irvingia gabonensis extract while the other had received a placebo. After a month, the group receiving the Irvingia gabonensis extract experienced a reduction in body weight of 2.37% compared to those in the placebo group who only experienced a reduction of 0.41%. The results also showed that the Irvingia gabonensis extract group’s LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels had significantly decreased.
In another study, 72 overweight patients who had taken African mango for 10 weeks lost an average of 20.1% in both body weight, waistline circumference, and body fat compared to those in the placebo group.
Cayenne Pepper
Another ingredient to look out for in a high-quality non-stimulant appetite suppressant is Cayenne Pepper. The active compounds in this deliciously spicy herb, capsaicin, is used in various weight loss products due to its powerful thermogenic effects. Thermogenesis, which is brought on by the thermogenic chemical, is a metabolic process that increases the body’s resting metabolic rate by producing heat. In order to produce heat, the body must burn more calories, thus contributing to weight loss.
One study had found that the active ingredient in chili peppers, which is also capsaicin, increased the metabolic rate of women 30 minutes after ingesting it. By increasing the speed at which your metabolism works, the body is able to break down more of the nutrients into energy instead of storing them as fat cells.
Capsaicin also helps to enhance satiety and suppress appetite after meals. A study conducted by the Department of Human Biology, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute of Maastricht University found that individuals who had included capsaicin in almost every meal experienced an increase in satiety and fewer cravings after meals.
Chromium
This may seem like a strange ingredient to find in any health supplement because it is a mineral commonly found in industrial pollution, however, it comes in various forms. The one that is found on the ingredient label is 100% safe for consumption and naturally found in foods. Many researchers believe Chromium is actually an essential mineral, meaning that our bodies require it to perform certain functions.
One of the reasons chromium plays an essential part in our diet is because it ensures that insulin functions properly. As we mentioned previously, insulin is important for offsetting the effects of glucose in the blood. Chromium has shown positive effects on reducing the risk of developing type II diabetes.
In a large scale study that was rolled out with over 60,000 participants, researchers found that those who supplemented with Chromium had a 27% lower risk of developing insulin-related disorders like diabetes.
Chromium also has a significant effect on suppressing the appetite and curbing cravings. While the exact mechanisms of how Chromium affects the appetite is not fully understood yet, research suggests that it has to do with how the mineral affects the brain.
In one study, overweight women were given chromium for a period of 8 weeks. The results showed that the participants experienced fewer cravings, increased satiety, and a reduced intake of food.
In a similar study, 113 individuals who had symptoms of depression were given Chromium or a placebo. The Chromium group experienced fewer cravings compared to those who had taken the placebo and also reported that they experienced a reduction in appetite.
Vitamin C
It’s no secret that Vitamin C has a lot to offer in terms of health, but did you know that it is also effective for weight loss? While it doesn’t necessarily cause the actual weight loss, it does contribute to the overall process.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that individuals who are deficient in Vitamin C have a harder time losing weight and managing it long term than those who are not deficient in the vital vitamin. According to what the literature says, optimum levels of Vitamin C helps to oxidize up to 30% more body fat during moderate physical activity compared to those who do not have enough Vitamin C in their diets.
Additionally, Vitamin C is extremely high in antioxidants, which helps to fight off harmful molecules that damage the cells and cause chronic inflammation inside and outside the body. It helps to speed up wound healing and also provides the body with more energy, which ultimately means that more calories are being burned throughout the day, making it the perfect supporting ingredient in a non-stimulant appetite suppressant supplement.
White Kidney Bean
White Kidney Beans are a common ingredient in most carb blocker supplements. They work by inhibiting your body from digesting and absorbing the carbs from your meals, which ultimately helps to accelerate weight loss and keep blood sugar levels stable.
During the digestion process, the salivary glands excrete a digestive enzyme called alpha-amylase. Alpha-amylase is what signals the rest of the digestive system to start breaking down carbs before they reach the stomach. Once carbs have entered the stomach, enzymes break them down into glucose, which is then circulated via the bloodstream and used by cells as energy or stored as fat for later use.
White Kidney Beans work by inhibiting or blocking the secretion of alpha-amylase, which means that instead of being broken down into glucose, carbs are passed directly out of the system. The calories from the carbs are not absorbed and insulin levels do not spike either because the carbs have not been converted into glucose, which in turn, helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.
White Kidney Bean is also effective for reducing fat mass, especially around the belly area. In one study, participants who consumed White Kidney Beans experienced a reduction in adipose tissue, body mass, fat mass as well as hip, waist and thigh circumference in comparison to those who had taken a placebo.
Another controlled study found that those who supplemented with White Kidney Beans lost an average of 7 pounds in as little as 12 weeks compared to those who took a placebo. The placebo group actually gained an additional 3 pounds over the same period of time.
Caralluma Fimbriata
Caralluma Fimbriata is an edible cactus that has a long-standing history in traditional medicine. For centuries the cactus has been used to help fight off hunger and thirst in a time when food and water were scarce. Today it is still one of the most popular non-stimulant appetite suppressants on the market.
Modern-day research has shown that Caralluma Fimbriata is not only beneficial for curbing cravings and hunger, but also for improving energy and antioxidant levels and lowering glucose levels in the blood.
Much like Cayenne Pepper, Caralluma Fimbriata also contains active plant compounds that promote thermogenesis. Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact mechanisms behind the plant’s weight loss properties, however, it is believed that it is due to the effects it has on energy (ATP) molecules.
Researchers suggest that Caralluma Fimbriata promotes the secretion of these energy-producing molecules. The influx of energy molecules tells the brain that there is enough fuel for the body to perform its functions, which means that the brain will not trigger hunger hormones. Thus curbing the desire to eat or frequently snack.
Caralluma Fimbriata also inhibits the function of enzymes responsible for fat storage, ATP-citrate lyase, as well as hormones responsible for stimulating appetite and hunger, neuropeptide Y and ghrelin.
Researchers have also concluded that Caralluma Fimbriata could be used as a form of treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with compulsive overeating disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome and obesity.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble class of vitamin that is essential for several functions in the body. Our bodies cannot produce enough of the Vitamin B6 we need on its own, which is why it is important to obtain it through diet or supplementation. One of the most important functions of Vitamin B6 is to enable the metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins into energy.
Additionally, Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in relieving symptoms of depression and elevating the mood. The body needs this vitamin in order to produce neurotransmitters that are directly responsible for regulating emotions and feelings like GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid), Serotonin, and Dopamine. These powerful neurotransmitters are also directly responsible for controlling the appetite and regulating the digestion process.
Studies have linked serotonin deficiencies to various symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and an increased craving for carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 helps to combat these symptoms by increasing the production of serotonin in the gut and brain.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 also known as the sunshine vitamin is important for various functions in the body. It is directly responsible for the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which keeps our bones strong, and is also responsible for proper immune function. In addition to that, Vitamin D3 also has appetite-suppressing properties that help to facilitate weight loss.
Various studies have shown that individuals who have a higher BMI (body mass index) and fat mass usually have lower Vitamin D3 blood levels. Researchers believe that the link between this vitamin and weight loss is due to the fact that Vitamin D prevents new fat cells from forming in the body.
Additionally, researchers also believe that Vitamin D increases the level of testosterone in the body, which also helps to accelerate natural weight loss by boosting metabolism. The faster your metabolism works, the more calories are burned after eating meals.
Studies also show that much like Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3 increases the level of Serotonin in the body. As we mentioned before Serotonin helps to control the appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
Non-Stimulant Appetite Suppressants – Choosing A Brand That Works
There are various brands that offer non-stimulant appetite suppressants, however, very few include all of the ingredients we mentioned above.
Approved Science® Appetite Suppressant combines the power of each of these ingredients to deliver a product that controls hunger, reduces blood sugar, elevates the mood, and improves insulin levels. In addition to these clinically proven ingredients, Approved Science® also contains a potent ingredient known as Bioperine®.
Bioperine® is a patented formula made from Piperine – the active compound found in black pepper. Piperine offers a wide range of benefits on its own, however, the main reason it is included in supplements is because of its incredible absorption properties. Our body is not able to fully absorb and utilize some of the nutrients we get from supplements and our diet. This is where Piperine really takes the center stage. Piperine enables nutrients to be passed through the intestinal lining and circulated through the body without being excreted entirely. In fact, studies show that Piperine increases the absorption rate of nutrients by a whopping 2000%. When the body is able to utilize the nutrients you are supplementing with, it is more likely to take effect and provide the results you are looking for.
As you can see, there is a lot of science and research to back up the ingredients in the Approved Science® Appetite Suppressant. So if you are ready to start dropping a few pounds and improving your health, these non-stimulant appetite suppressants are a safe and effective way to reach your goals without risking any of the side effects caused by herbal stimulants like caffeine.