Bitter Orange For Weight Loss

Bitter orange is a medicinal plant that grows in different parts of the world including Florida and California. Also referred as citrus aurantium, the extracts of this herbal plant obtained from its flowers and leaves are used to prepare medicines. Bitter orange has long been associated with ancient Chinese medicine and used to resolve health issues like nausea and dizziness.

Bitter Orange to Knock Out Pounds
Bitter orange is an active ingredient in many weight loss supplements. Excess weight gain and obesity being major current health issues, a number of pharmaceutical companies have come up with diet pills that promote weight loss. Generally, people prefer herbal supplements over synthetic drugs as use of herbs is considered a safer alternative.

It is observed that the supplements are being aggressively promoted as a natural herbal weight loss solution. Manufacturers claim it to be a natural appetite suppressant. It controls appetite, thus helping to reduce weight. People who have taken it consume few calories during meals, which may lead to weight loss.

Research on Bitter Orange
Although research has been done on bitter orange, to verify the efficacy of this product, it is very limited and only a small group of people were involved. So, one cannot simply judge the herbal supplement based on these small studies. However, results have been encouraging as the metabolism of these people increased dramatically. Now, in order to decrease weight, speeding up metabolism is necessary, which is what the bitter orange product did. However, extensive studies on bitter orange are yet to be done to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

Bitter Orange - Chemical Composition
The two main chemical compounds found in this herb are synephrine and octopamine. Unfortunately, the chemical structure and properties of these compounds are very similar to the one present in ephedra. As we all know, ephedra is a herbal weight loss supplement that has been banned by the US Food and Drug Administration. In other words, FDA has strictly prohibited its usage for weight loss. This is because people who were using ephedra developed heart related disorders. Studies revealed that these health issues were actually associated with the use of ephedra. However, the decision taken by the FDA to ban ephedra was unaccepted by a federal judge, and he ruled out the ban in 2005. However, considering this controversy associated with ephedra, one may have to think twice before using these supplements.

Is Bitter Orange Extract for Weight Loss Safe?
Any weight loss supplement will be considered safe when it produces minimal (harmless) or no side effects. Diet pills containing bitter orange can produce some serious side effects due to its chemical compounds. As aforementioned, bitter orange contains two compounds: octopamine and synephrine. Studies show that these two compounds can affect the normal functioning of the heart. To be more precise, the number of heart beats per minute may increase drastically. In other words, abnormal heart palpitations and the feeling of racing heart can make a person quite uncomfortable. The person taking bitter orange supplements may also experience symptoms of heart attack. So, it is advised that people suffering from heart problems should stay away from bitter orange products.

Serious side effects such as strokes, chest pain or blurred vision may occur due to bitter orange intake. Intestinal issues such as blood in the stool or severe diarrhea can also affect people taking this herbal product to encourage weight loss. The chemicals in these supplements can also elevate blood pressure. Overdose of bitter orange is certainly not recommended as it can trigger heart complications.

Bitter Orange Extract - Lifestyle Modifications
Even if a person does not experience any side effects, one simple cannot forget the age-old therapy to combat weight loss. In other words, a healthy diet complemented with exercise has to be followed strictly when taking this herbal supplement.

On the whole, consultation with a well qualified doctor is very important to know more about bitter orange for weight loss. As research on bitter orange is still in its nascent stage, one has to consult a medical practitioner before taking these supplements.