2. Chitosan

Forbes: 7 New Weight Loss Supplements That Really Work

Read about the origins of chitosan and it sounds pretty gross. Chitosan is a fiber that comes from chitin, which is the main component in the shells (or exoskeletons, for you scientific types) of insects and crustaceans. Recommended by wholistic practitioners to lower cholesterol, chitosan has also been promoted as a type of dietary fiber that may help reduce the absorption of fat.

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7 New Weight Los... By Melanie Haiken

With all the new weight loss medications entering the market – and engendering controversy – many people are also looking to supplements to aid weight loss. But visit those shelves at your local Whole Foods or other health food store, and you’ll be overwhelmed. Which really work and which don’t? And are they safe?

For information, I looked at the recommendations of prominent naturopathic doctors and the organization Natural Standard, a reputable database of the latest research on supplements. You’ve likely never heard of many of the supplements listed here, but they all have a Natural Standard Grade A or B for having positive scientific evidence supporting their use for weight loss.

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1. Hydroxycitrat... HCA is actually a salt derived from the rind of dried fruit, in particular the Southeast Asian plants brindal berry and Garcinia cambodia. A traditional Indian folk remedy, HCA has been used to treat joint and stomach problems. It’s sold in drug stores and supplement stores as HCA, brindleberry or brindal berry and gardenia, and is the primary ingredient in diet products with names like Citrilite, Citrin, PhyrtriMax, Bio-Max 3000 and Garcinia Trim-Pulse. Research backs the effectiveness of HCA at reducing fat absorption, increasing fat metabolism, inhibiting appetite and lowering LDL cholesterol.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
2. Chitosan Read about the origins of chitosan and it sounds pretty gross. Chitosan is a fiber that comes from chitin, which is the main component in the shells (or exoskeletons, for you scientific types) of insects and crustaceans. Recommended by wholistic practitioners to lower cholesterol, chitosan has also been promoted as a type of dietary fiber that may help reduce the absorption of fat.

(iStock)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
3. Whey protein Health and sports supplement stores have been touting the benefits of whey protein for years, but mainly for building muscle, which it appears to do. However, whey protein also suppresses appetite, thus helping you eat less. Whey protein, which as you can guess is derived from the whey of milk, is an easily digestible form of protein. It contains high levels of the amino acid cysteine and can also aid weight loss by suppressing appetite. And having more muscle helps with weight loss, too.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
4. Beta Glucan This concentrated soluble fiber derived from yeasts, mushrooms and algae, comes in many forms, but all have the effect of lowering cholesterol with the additional benefits of weight loss and helping control diabetes.

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5. Conjugated Li... Omega 3 fatty acids and healthy fats are beneficial for all sorts of things, from brain health to heart health. But one of them, CLA, seems to aid in weight loss as well (in addition to having anticancer benefits). CLA is found primarily in beef and dairy products, so if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you likely aren’t getting enough. CLA-enriched dairy products are in the works, but right now you have to take a supplement, most of which are derived from safflower oil. CLA is one of the more popular health food supplements for reduction of body fat, though the evidence is mixed. Animal studies have shown it to be effective, while human studies have been mixed, but there is good scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for these purposes.

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6. Glucomannan Derived from an Asian plant called Konjac, glucomannan is a fiber considered extremely effective for diabetes and blood sugar control, with the additional properties of weight loss. Another natural treatment for obesity with a Natural Standard Evidence Grade of B, glucomannan has also been used as a food source—whether fried, baked or as a candy—and as a gel to be applied to the skin. It helps absorb water in the digestive tract, reducing cholesterol and carbohydrate absorption.

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7. Mango Seed Fi... Fiber from the seeds of the African mango tree is a traditional African weight loss remedy that’s finding new popularity either alone or combined with other dietary supplements. It’s most commonly used in Africa as a natural antibiotic and pain reliever. It’s currently being studied for weight loss, diabetes and cholesterol reduction.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
5 Foods That Bur... Click here to find out what foods fight fat.