Controversial New Diet Pill Hits Market

A new dietary supplement containing an extract from red raspberries is currently the hottest diet product in the U.S. — but not without controversy.

Critics say the compound — called raspberry ketone — causes such a significant amount of weight loss that it runs the risk of being abused by non-dieters. Proponents argue that research shows the nutrient to be both safe and effective and that banning the natural compound would be akin to banning vitamins. 
One thing people on both sides can agree on is the controversial new supplement works.
Several recent studies from Japan show that raspberry ketones — which are chemically similar to capsaicin, the heat compound from chile peppers — significantly increases fat oxidation (burning), especially the fat that builds up in the liver.

In 2010, Korean researchers reported that raspberry ketone increased fat cells' secretion of a hormone called adiponectin that regulates the processing of sugars and fats in the blood. The reported benefits are impressive: Increased total weight loss, including a significant reduction of abdominal fat — with zero side effects.

 

In fact, not only were there not any side effects, but a 2012 study from China found that raspberry ketones had several health benefits — including improved cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and reduced fat in the liver. 
And if all that weren't reason enough to have desperate slimmers stocking up, one of America's leading medical doctors is a fan, recently calling raspberry ketones (mentioning no specific brand) a promising fat-loss supplement on his Emmy-winning daytime TV show. Click here to watch the episode.

Results in Five Days?

Raspberry ketones are the compounds within raspberries that give the fruit its characteristic aroma. More important to dieters, however, is the recent research showing these compounds can also melt away the pounds.

According to Lisa Lynn, a leading weight-loss expert and television health contributor, many of her clients have been supplementing with raspberry ketones and experiencing stunning fat-loss results in as few as five days.

Lynn described the compounds as "very healthy" with "no side effects" and says the pills enable the body to "burn fat easier" by stimulating the production of adiponectin, a hormone found in fatty tissue that improves our ability to metabolize fat.
Studies show that thin people have higher levels of adiponectin than overweight individuals. What's more, researchers agree that the hormone improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate weight.
'Too Much' Weight Loss?
Word-of-mouth marketing has led to raspberry ketones rivaling Alli as the most popular diet product in America today. However, some argue raspberry ketones may, in fact, cause too much of a weight reduction to be offered over-the-counter and therefore should be regulated like Xenical and other prescription diet aids.
According to a study entitled Anti-Obese Actions of Raspberry Ketones published in the journal Life Sciences, researchers from Japan found raspberry ketones seem to have a very strong effect at increasing lypolisis (the burning of fat) within fat cells. Indeed, Lynn notes that some of her clients have seen results in as little as five days — an effect greater than most prescription diet pills.
This has some weight-managment experts fearing the new super slimmer may, in fact, cause too much weight loss and may be abused by people who have no business taking it. Indeed, according to a new study from reserachers at Norway's Department of Public Health, nearly one-quarter (23%) of normal-weight individuals considers themselves overweight — and were therefore four times more likely to misuse diet aids in an unwarranted attempt to lose weight.
Experts like Lynn say the slimming aid should only be used by overweight individuals, not vanity seekers, in conjunction with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Social Media Buzzing with Success Stories

Whether or not raspberry ketone causes "too much" weight loss doesn't concern the tens of thousands of dieters rushing to use it.
Thrilled ketone supplementers all over the country are taking to Facebook to share their success stories. In the comments section of one popular health website, dozens of comments give glowing endorsements.
"I've lost 60 pounds since January," writes Bret K. of Rock River, Iowa. "Before I started taking it in conjunction with a low-calorie but healthy diet and light exercise, I was only losing about 1 pound a week. After I started using it, I was consistently losing almost 3 pounds a week. It may be a fluke, but I believe it helped speed up my metabolism."
"I have been taking raspberry ketone for a month now and have lost 13 lbs and 2 inches off of my waist," writes Lori H. of Beverly,Massachusetts.
You Be the Judge...

Does raspberry ketone deliver weight-loss wonders? Well, judge for yourself. While the supplement is currently advertised all over the Internet, be cautious about where you buy because a high percentage of raspberry ketone supplements advertised online are actually low-quality knock-offs from China. We recommend the raspberry ketone product offered from Applied Nutritional Reserach at KetoneFormula.com (see Gold Box Deal below).

The product is manufactured in the United States and tested daily for quality control and potency.  What's more, the company offers a 100% risk-free trial of the product, with each serving providing the same dosage used in the clinical research.  In addition, each order is a one-time-only transaction. In other words, there are no reoccurring charges or hidden offers.

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10 Smart Food Swaps for a Healthy Heart

February marks the 50th anniversary of American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer in Americans. For the good news, however, following a heart healthy diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in helping to prevent heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends choosing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and to include nuts and seeds, fatty fish and heart-healthy fats. It also recommends limiting foods high in trans fats, saturated fats and sodium.
As a nutritionist counseling clients on heart health, rather than advise clients just on what foods to avoid, I like to empower them by offering healthy food choices and substitutions to make.
Below are 10 smart food swaps which can make a huge difference to the health of your heart. These are simple tweaks to your diet that can boost your nutrition and they also taste great.

 

1. Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal instead of cream of wheat.
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. The type of fiber in oatmeal, beta glucans, may be particularly beneficial for heart health and for weight control. Oatmeal also contains the minerals magnesium and potassium also good for the heart.
2. Top your oatmeal with blueberries instead of sugar.
Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods around, and they contribute to health, including heart health. With only 80 calories per cup and low in fat, these tasty blue gems are packed with fiber, phytochemicals, vitamin C, and an excellent source of the mineral manganese. Blueberries contain a category of phytonutrients called polyphenols which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to heart health and a reduction of other chronic diseases. You can also include them in your diet all year long: they can be purchased fresh and are also available frozen throughout the year.
3. Eat a bean-based veggie burger instead of a hamburger for lunch.
Bean and legumes are a great plant based protein while also contributing to heart health. They are rich in soluble fiber, devoid of saturated fat, and fairly low in calories. Hamburgers on the other hand, are high in unhealthy saturated fats which have been shown to elevate "bad" LDL cholesterol.
4. Top your burger with lettuce and tomato instead of cheese.
Lettuce and tomato are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber and contains few calories and virtually no fat. They contain the antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber.
5 Snack on walnuts instead of chips.
Hungry for a snack? Adding walnuts to your diet is a great way to boost your intake of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids's that can benefit the heart, brain and skin. These tasty nuts also contain the antioxidant vitamin E.
6. Start your dinner with a colorful salad instead of fried mozzarella sticks.
Starting your meal with a colorful salad is a terrific way to boost heart healthy nutrients in your diet. Salads and vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and low in calories. The different colors provide different nutrients so throw in romaine lettuce rich in the B vitamin folate, red cherry tomatoes rich in lycopene and carrots which are full of beta carotene.

7. Top your salad with avocado instead of croutons.
Avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, a good fat which may contribute to heart health. Avocados are also high in the antioxidant vitamin E. Not only is this green fruit (yes, it is a fruit) good for the heart, it tastes great and adds a zest of flavor.
8. Choose olive oil instead of butter.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, also known as a heart-healthy fat. Diets rich in olive oil have been associated with heart health. This oil is is also rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols which protects blood vessels and other components of the heart. Next time you visit your favorite restaurant, dip your bread in olive oil instead of butter.
9. Choose grilled salmon instead of fried flounder.
We hear that fish is good for the heart. In particular, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are chock full of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to benefit the heart as well as the brain.
10. Drink a glass of red wine instead of a soda.
Moderate amounts of alcohol (one drink for women and two for men) have been shown to contribute to heart health and may improve good HDL cholesterol levels. For an added boost, red wine in particular, contains polyphenols, including resveratrol, which have been associated with an increase in good cholesterol and a decrease in inflammation.

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