Green Tea Extract – Does It Work?

Green teaThe catechins of green tea are up there with the healthiest molecules you can ingest.

The most effective of the four catechin molecules is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and is usually the one mentioned in terms of its inclusion weight of the total green tea extract dose.

Regardless of what your health goal is, there is good reason to have this ingredient in your supplement as a stand-alone or as part of an all-in-one stack.

Isolated EGCG is available, though all the benefits of the anti-cancer effects may only be realized with a total green tea extract. Up to 500mg to 600mg per day split into 3 or 4 doses would be recommended.

Benefits of Green Tea Extract

There really is a huge list, but the one you are likely most interested in is fat reduction/weight loss.

Numerous studies have been conducted involving human subjects and there is indeed a fat reducing effect, albeit not quite as potent as other ingredients, or the claims made by some companies.

Other effects of GTE include but are not limited to improvements in these areas:

  • Insulin Sensitivity
  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cholesterol Ratio (HDL:LDL)
  • Skin Quality
  • Antioxidant

Fat Loss with Green Tea Extract

superfruit weight lossThe fat burning effect of green tea is dependent on the subject having a low tolerance for caffeine. People who habitually drink coffee will therefore not get as profound an effect.

Rather than cite many studies, the results of a meta-anlysis of several studies found that weight loss – particularly fat loss – and waist circumference were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of green tea supplementation.

Hursel R(1), Viechtbauer W, Westerterp-Plantenga MS – The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis – Int J Obes (Lond). 2009 Sep;33(9):956-61. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2009.135. Epub 2009 Jul 14

Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin is one of the most important hormones. It is responsible for taking taking sugar out of the blood stream and storing it as energy.

Low insulin sensitivity as a result of eating too many high glycemic foods which spike your blood sugar levels results in the sugar being stored in fat cells rather than muscle cells for energy. Further down the road, this can lead to Type II Diabetes.

Increasing insulin sensitivity therefore helps with weight management and prevents diabetes, not to mention reduce fatigue and improve muscle growth and energy levels.

REF: Hsu CH(1), Liao YL, Lin SC, Tsai TH, Huang CJ, Chou P – Does supplementation with green tea extract improve insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetics? A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial – Altern Med Rev. 2011 Jun;16(2):157-63

REF: Venables MC(1), Hulston CJ, Cox HR, Jeukendrup AE – Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans – Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):778-84

Skin Quality

healthy skinFinally, let’s look at skin quality…just because.

Who doesn’t want better skin?

Blood flow to the skin and photoprotection (molecular damage sunlight) from were both increased; blood flow within half an hour of dosage during one study with women aged between 40 and 65 years old.

REF: Heinrich U(1), Moore CE, De Spirt S, Tronnier H, Stahl W – Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, andmodulate skin properties of women – J Nutr. 2011 Jun;141(6):1202-8. doi: 10.3945/jn.110.136465. Epub 2011 Apr 27

Conclusion and Recommendations

This article doesn’t even scratch the surface of the potential health benefits of green tea.

It is important to remember though, that to get the optimal fat loss effect you must stay away from habitual caffeine intake from coffee.

Instant Knockout for womenAlso, while green tea is a great source of catechins, it would be difficult to consume an effective amount through drinking the tea alone.

Look for a product which combines it with other synergistic ingredients for an all-round supplement stack.

We recommend Instant Knockout as it contains a 500mg dose of green tea extract split into 4 pills for the day.

It may look extreme, but rest assured it is great for both women and men.

Click here to read more 

Forskolin 250 Review – Purest Available

forskolin 250Product: Forskolin 250
Manufacturer: Bauer Nutrition
Benefits: Burn Fat, Retain Muscle Tone, Bone Strength
Positives: Proven ingredient at a proven dosage
Negatives: Singular
Shipping: To Most Countries
Retailers: Available only from the official website

Click here to view special offers direct

Forskolin is the bioactive compound found in the root of the herb Coleus forskohlii.

The product we are reviewing from Bauer Nutrition is just that – Forskolin 250 is a dose of 250mg Coleus forskohlii.

We have written an article detailing the benefits of this ingredient, and examples of the scientific studies which have supported its efficacy.

We’ll also summarize them in this review.

Forskolin 250 Review

forskolin 250Coleus Forskohlii increases the production of cAMP – cyclic adenosine monophosphate – a molecule which is associated with the stimulation of fat burning by increasing the use of triglycerides for fuel in fat cells.

Its effects are synergistic with other cAMP ingredients like caffeine.

The same process in muscle cells increase protein synthesis to help you retain muscle tone while the fat is burned off.

In fact, when cAMP is increased anywhere in the body, it seems to boost metabolism and performance. The brain also uses it, and as such, preliminary evidence suggests it is associated with improved cognitive function. In particular memory formation.

Forskolin also has benefits to bone health and cholesterol balance, leading to promotion of optimal cardio-vascualar health.

Here are the potential benefits summarized:

  • Increased Fat reduction
  • Improved Muscle retention
  • Heightened Energy
  • Improved Memory Function
  • Improved Bone Density and Strength
  • Improved HDL – LDL cholesterol balance

The Ingredient in Focus

This is a single-ingredient product, containing 250mg of Coleus forskohlii for 20% pure Forskolin (50mg) by weight.

How To use Forskolin 250: The manufacturers suggest you take 2 capsules (250mg) twice a day with food or drink.

Customer Feedback

Forskolin in general has excellent feedback from people. The evidence from scientific studies is well documented so it is no surprise.

Comments for Forskolin 250 specifically are also popular, e.g:

“Wonderful supplement when used regularly for metabolism boost.” – Maura

“Forskolin is a proven ingredient. There isn’t much more to say other than it works in the desired way.” – Carly F

“These pills seem to give me an energy boost for sure. I’m going to lose weight I think whichever way because of he energy.” – Sian M

Health Considerations

Best choice of diet pillsFollow the recommended dosage and you should experience no difficulty with the product. It is not associated with side effects for the average person.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Forskolin 250. Neither should people taking prescription medication or those with a pre-existing medical condition.

The Final Verdict

A solid ingredient with scientifically proven abilities to burn fat amongst other benefits…

…Forskolin 250 is definitely recommended.

Where To Buy Forskolin 250

forskolin 250The online store will give you the best prices – even the Buy 3 get 3 FREE offer! – and can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Delivery is available to countries including Australia, Canada, USA, UK, most European countries and many more.

The 6 for 3 offer works out as little as $27.46 USD per bottle (that’s about $37.48 AUD).

Click here to view the special offers

Coleus Forskohlii – How Can It Help?

coleus forskohliiColeus Forskohlii has been used in traditional medicine as a tonic for many ailments, including low libido, respiratory problems, reduced vitality, bone weakness, and so on.

In modern day supplements, it has been included as a fat burner, testosterone booster and ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) booster.

Its active component, Forskolin, usually accounts for 10% of the total Coleus Forskohlii dosage. While 500mg (for 50mg forskolin) a day split into 2 or 3 separate doses appears to be recommended – derived from the scientific studies – the jury is still out as to what to optimal dose is.

It seems for now, some is certainly better than none, but there is no need to exceed 500mg per day.

Fat Loss with Forskolin

scientistWhen you drink coffee or take caffeine, the feeling of stimulation comes from a molecule called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

Elevated levels of cAMP stimulates fat burning (via depletion of triglycerides in fat cells) and heightened protein synthesis rates. These are mutually beneficial as lean mass is increased and fat mass is decreased.

Coleus forskohlii (forskolin) is indeed synergistic with caffeine and other stimulants of cAMP.

One study involved female subjects and the coleus group showed a significant decrease in weight compared to the placebo.

Henderson S(1), Magu B, Rasmussen C, Lancaster S, Kerksick C, Smith P, Melton C, Cowan P, Greenwood M, Earnest C, Almada A, Milnor P, Magrans T, Bowden R, Ounpraseuth S, Thomas A, Kreider RB – Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women – J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2005 Dec 9;2:54-62. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-2-2-54

A study involving overweight men showed significant decreases in fat mass. There was also an improvement of bone density and a testosterone boost (this study is referenced in the next section).

Lean Mass and Bone Mineral Density

Perhaps the best partner to fat loss is lean mass gain. The two together basically mean you are getting toned.

‘Lean mass’ is inclusive of muscle and bone density.

Coleus forskohlii has been shown to improve lean muscle mass as well as bone density.

This same study showed a testosterone boost. This can be attributed to cAMP working in the testicles of men as well as fat cells. The result is an increased production of testosterone.

NOTE: Women can use it without fear of the same level of testosterone increase as the men experience.

Godard MP(1), Johnson BA, Richmond SR – Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men Obes Res. 2005 Aug;13(8):1335-43.

HDL – the ‘Good’ Cholesterol

HDL – or High Density Lipoprotein – is the good guy in the cholesterol transport cycle. It gets fatty lipids and other detritus from our arteries and takes them to our livers to be wasted. In general you want an average total cholesterol count, with higher HDL than LDL.

Coleus notably increases HDL. One study involving people 50 to 80 years old showed an increase in HDL and reduction in blood pressure.

The subjects even lost a few percent off their Body Mass Index (BMI)

Jagtap M(1), Chandola HM, Ravishankar B – Clinical efficacy of Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Makandi) in hypertension of geriatric populationAyu. 2011 Jan;32(1):59-65. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.85729

Conclusion and Recommendation

forskolin 250Coleus Forskohlii is a general good-guy ingredient to have in your life. Not only does it burn fat and improve body composition, but it can help with blood pressure and heart health.

Owing to its natural stimulant properties, it can act as a mild anti-fatigue agent as well.

Here’s a link to our review of Forskolin 250 which contains 250mg of this quality supplement in a daily dose. It is one of the more successful products available

Click here to read more