Three Weight-Loss Herbs to Avoid

Three Weight-Loss Herbs to Avoid

With so many weight-loss supplements, pills, potions and mixes being marketed these days it can be difficult to know if any are actually safe, not to mention effective. While exercise and a healthy diet are the safest and most effective ways to lose weight and keep it off, some people will still be tempted to take shortcuts and try weight-loss pills. If this is the case, be sure to avoid products with these ingredients:

Chitosan: A derivative of chitin, a substance found in the shells of insects, crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans. Claimed to bind fat, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients in humans.

Pyruvate: A naturally occurring enzyme that allegedly forces every cell in the body to work harder. Although it sounds promising, there is little evidence that it works.

Ephedra (ma huang): The active chemical in ma huang is ephedrine, which was recently banned by the FDA, and can be dangerous when combined with other stimulants or included in weight-loss products.