Bitter Orange - Does This Weight Loss Supplement Really Work?

The dietary supplement business is a currently a huge, fast growing industry. It seems hard to believe, but in 2004, 18.9% of Americans reported that during the previous year they had taken at least one dietary supplement.

For what reason? The most popular one reported was the improvement of overall health and general well being.

How much money is spent? In 2001 alone, Americans spent $4.7 billion on sports/energy/weight loss supplements. Incredible.

Perhaps you have also been buying supplements as a way to help you lose weight.

Have you succumbed to those promises that make it sound so easy?

You know the ones…

* Advanced appetite suppressant, metabolism booster, fat burner and energy enhancer... all in one (who wouldn’t go for that?)

* Lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days. Doctor recommended, 100% guaranteed

* Causes rapid and substantial weight loss…

* Lose 20 pounds in 20 days!

* Worlds Strongest Fat Burner …

Perhaps you have been contemplating taking a weight loss supplement...which to choose among the many available?

One that is found as a stand alone supplement and also as an ingredient in formulated products, Bitter orange has been heralded as the next ephedra of weight loss supplements. There are several chemicals contained in bitter orange that appear to work similarly to ephedrine, an active ingredient in ephedra. One of these, synephrine, is a stimulant that may cause high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms, leading to stroke, heart attack and perhaps even death. These risks are increased when bitter orange is taken with other stimulants such as caffeine and decongestants.

Most preparations of bitter orange are made from the concentrated extract of the orange peel, and contain 1 – 6% synephrine, but this may vary as much as 30% or more depending on what part of the plant and what type of processing method is used.

There is also evidence that the active ingredients in bitter orange may interfere with the body’s metabolism of certain drugs, resulting in toxicity.

Some animal studies have found bitter orange to be useful for weight loss, but so far human studies have not substantiated this. There seems to be some indication that bitter orange affects metabolism.

Bitter orange is a common ingredient in body building supplements, even though it is on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) banned supplements list.

Bottom Line: The risks associated with the use of bitter orange definitely outweigh any possible benefits. There is no evidence that bitter orange is any safer than ephedra. This one is better left alone!

As a certified nutritionist and registered dietitian or over 20 years, Sue is passionate about helping you become your healthiest ever! She provides completely confidential online nutrition counseling, wellness coaching and education services at http://www.YourOnlineNutritionist.com .

Just think... right from the comfort of your own home you can get all the help you need to lose weight, gain weight, deal with compulsive overeating, or simply learn how to have a nutritionally-healthy lifestyle. Sue provides all the compassionate support and education necessary! Sign up for her monthly ezine and receive a free ebook, "Losing Weight with Dietary Supplements: Fact or Fiction?"

The Best Tasting Simple Protein Shakes You Will Ever Try

Ever feel lazy and not want to go through the hassle of preparing a complicated protein shake recipe? Thankfully, you can prepare a tasty protein shake recipe in less than a minute without cleaning out the fridge.

How you might ask?

Well, throughout my years as a personal trainer and fitness fanatic, I’ve developed an arsenal of quick and easy protein shake recipes that I call upon whenever I am in the mood for a quick protein-packed shake.

These recipes are MIND NUMBINGLY SIMPLE, but they actually do taste amazing! After years of trial and error, I give you my guarantee that these recipes actually do taste great, which is a lot more than I can say for some of the other protein shake recipes on the internet today.

To get you started, I’ve listed one of my favorite simple protein shake recipes, “the easy orange.” Here’s why I like this recipe: orange juice mixes great with whey protein powder, and it carries protein of its own, which makes it a unique juice.

Here’s the Effortless Orange protein shake recipe:

Effortless Orange
1 ½ cups orange juice
2 scoops vanilla protein
1 cup ice

Calories: 230 Protein: 26 g Fat: 1 g


Another favorite recipe of mine is called Easy Apple. It sounds too simple to taste good or be effective, but it has proven to work wonders.

Here is the recipe for Easy Apple, a deliciously simple protein shake:

Easy Apple
1 ½ cups apple juice
2 scoops vanilla protein

THAT'S IT!!

Calories: 240 Protein: 24 g Fat: 1 g
Want to pack on LEAN MASS QUICKLY, then visit the Protein Guru's Website

The Protien Guru is a trusted source for delicious and effective protein shake recipes online.

Sweet Orange the Happy Oil!

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Essential Oil has a very sweet and fresh orange aroma that's warm and inviting, a rejeuvenating and uplifting tonic.

A nerve tonic Sweet Orange is a happy oil and eases physical and emotional tension.

Sweet Orange oil is a natural disinfectant. Spray the friendly scent of Orange oil into the air to immediately freshen any room's ambiance!

ROOM DEODORIZER: To 4 ounces of pure water add 80-120 drops of Sweet Orange oil, shake well and spray. Try a blend of Sweet Orange with Lemon oil!

As with other members of the citrus family Sweet Orange oil's natural astringency makes it an effective tonic for the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Use Sweet Orange oil for relieving muscle soreness after exercise as it will stimulate the release of lactic acid that builds up in the muscles.

Its natural antiseptic properties make Sweet Orange oil a soothing mouth wash for treating gingivitis and mouth sores.

HOW TO flavor sugar or other ‘dry’ ingredients? Dispense a couple of drops of Sweet Orange oil on a piece of paper towel, lay the piece of paper towel on top of sugar, or other 'dry' ingredient, inside an 8 ounce container, seal and let stand for a week.

CAUTION: May cause photosensitivity. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight after skin application.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, as well as for individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the founder & director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products.

Click to order http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/orangesweet.htm SWEET ORANGE PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Fruits for Your Skin

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and it is required daily by our body. Lemon, orange etc are the best sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your skin glow and look beautiful and it is not just due to the creams and lotions you apply.

Orange is a great source of Vitamin C and it is recommended for daily intake to keep the skin healthy. Vitamin C also protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. Vitamin C also acts as an anti-aging agent and makes the skin wrinkle free. At least 200 mg of Vitamin C is required daily by our body and consuming one orange would help you meet your daily needs of Vitamin C.

It is good to take an orange than have a glass of orange juice. Vitamin C also helps in healing wounds and making the skin look good and beautiful. Dull looking skin requires Vitamin C for nourishment. It also helps if you have bleeding gums. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps the skin. Vitamin C also helps in to slowing down the degeneration of skin and organs in our body.

Instead of taking Vitamin C pills, it is advised to take fruits and vegetables containing natural vitamins. Fruits have more natural vitamins and fibers than vitamin pills.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne.

To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1649.html

Make Your Own Brown Sugar Body Scrub

To promote radiant, shiny skin tone it is advisable to exfoliate on a regular basis at least every 15 days. It removes dead cells and clears your skin. You'll love the results.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 spoon of orange oil or half a fresh squeeze orange
1 spoon of vitamin E oil


Steps:

Mix brown sugar, orange oil/juice, and vitamin E oil on a bowl.
Get on tub and get wet.
Take a handful of mixed ingredients and scrub in a gentle circular motion.
Rinse off and apply a moisturizing lotion to re-hydrate skin.


About The Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics".

Keniamorales@kpatra.com