Ephedra; Can You Still Buy it?
Ephedra, from the plant Ephedra sinica, has been used as an herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for 5,000 years for the treatment of asthma and hay fever, as well as for the common cold. Known in Chinese as ma huang, ephedra is a stimulant which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure and heart rate.
In the US and other countries Ephedra products have been marketed as weight-loss supplements. This is because Ephedra reduces appetite and stimulates fat metabolism, making it one of the most effective weight loss supplement in existence. Perhaps you want to buy ephedra because it increases the metabolic rate so that your body burns fats and sugars more efficiently.
Ephedra is both a stimulant and a thermogenic; its biological effects are due to its ephedrine and pseudoephedrine content. These compounds stimulate the brain, increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels (increasing blood pressure), and expand bronchial tubes (making breathing easier). Their thermogenic properties cause an increase in metabolism, evidenced by an increase in body heat.
In 2004 the FDA banned the sale of ephedra-containing supplements and the ban was upheld on appeal in 2006. The sale of ephedra-containing dietary supplements remains illegal in the United States due to evidence of adverse ephedra-related effects. Following the FDA's ban, the supplement industry has marketed "ephedrine-free" or "legal" ephedra products, in which the ephedra is replaced with other herbal stimulants.
For true weight loss success, don't discount consuming natural foods with a high nutrient to calorie ratio and increasing your daily physical activity. With a balanced diet, exercise and ephedra as a supplement, not many people have reported lack of results. Ephedra is powerful enough to help you lose weight quickly, however, you cannot take ephedra forever. Once your optimal weight is achieved, the habit of a good diet and exercise are critical in maintaining that optimal weight level.
Article written by Greg Cook for http://www.supplementandviatminblog.com