Those who fight against the scales know this battle is not easy. After all, obesity is a disease with multifactorial causes.
Although proper nutrition and exercise are essential, the body is still subject to various biological, hormonal, genetic, and cultural stimuli which impair weight loss.
As most people find it difficult to lose weight, any help is welcome, as long as it contributes to health.
In recent years, thermogenic substances have been considered important reinforcements for weight loss. However, can they have such a significant effect on this process?
That’s just one of the questions we answer in this article. So, continue reading to find out more.
After All, What Is Thermogenic?
Thermogenics are foods or dietary supplements that cause an increase in metabolic activity and body temperature, which can result in fat burning.
When there is an increase in metabolic activity, the body spends more energy than normal to perform automatic activities, such as maintaining heart rate, breathing, etc.
Therefore, if the body needs more energy, it will get it from the fat cells, which are its energy stock.
With this active mechanism, the person spends more energy (calories) even at rest.
If fat cells donate this energy to the body, they reduce their size, which leads to weight loss.
In addition, some thermogenic foods can also inhibit fat absorption and increase the feeling of satiety. In this way, the person eats less and controls his calorie intake.
Where Do We Find Thermogenic?
There are two ways to consume thermogenic foods. The first is through foods that naturally accelerate metabolism.
In addition, the market also already offers thermogenic supplements. Learn a little more about each of these options:
Thermogenic Foods
Among these foods, we can highlight peppers, ginger, and cinnamon. Pumpkins, beets, lentils, peas, flaxseeds, spinach, and red fruits are also part of this list.
Although natural, other products that accelerate metabolism can have adverse effects because they are stimulants.
Some examples are coffee, green tea, and Ephedra sinica.
Thermogenic Supplements
There are several products for this purpose. Among the main ones, we can highlight the following:
- Caffeine: is a natural stimulant that increases metabolism and alertness.
- Green tea: contains catechin, which increases metabolism and helps burn fat.
- Synephrine: is a compound found in some types of fruit, such as bitter oranges, with thermogenic and appetite control effects.
- L-Carnitine: is an amino acid that helps transport fat to cells, which can be used as an energy source.
- Coleus Forskohlii: It is a plant that contains forskolin, which can increase testosterone production and help burn fat.
As you can see, among them, there are also stimulants. Therefore, it is very important to be careful with their use, knowing they will charge a high price for the organism.
In addition, these supplements should only be used under the guidance of doctors and nutritionists. Only buy and use them with professional guidance.
Also Read: Lose Weight Faster! Five Tips To Increase Your Calorie Consumption When Exercising
Are There Any Risks To Using Thermogenic?
Thermogenics can cause several adverse health effects. The main ones are:
Side Effects
The use of thermogenic drugs can cause insomnia, headaches, and nervousness. Tachycardia and increased blood pressure are also frequent, especially dangerous for hypertensive patients.
Dependency
Prolonged use of thermogenic drugs can cause dependence on these supplements.
In addition, the body’s tolerance for these components increases, which means that the body needs an ever-increasing dose to obtain the same effects.
Drug Interactions
Several thermogenic inhibitors inhibit or suppress the action of medications such as anticoagulants or blood pressure medications. A good example of this interference is caffeine itself. So, be aware of this issue.
In these cases, the danger of consumption becomes greater, as it is not possible to guarantee that these supplements do not have components that are dangerous to health or even toxic.
Is It Worth Resorting To Thermogenic?
At first glance, the consumption of thermogenic foods is the solution for weight loss. After all, who wouldn’t want to increase their basal metabolism and lose fat without leaving the couch?
However, when it comes to health, no solution is that miraculous. Therefore, the impact of thermogenic on weight loss is a much-discussed subject.
The exact percentage by which thermogenic accelerates metabolism varies depending on the individual and the thermogenic used.
Some studies suggest that thermogenic supplements can increase metabolism by 5-10%. This means that for a person expending 1500 calories/day, the maximum increase in expenditure would be 150 calories.
However, some studies show a smaller increase, making this difference almost insignificant.
Therefore, we realize some important points when we put these factors on the scale. The first is that naturally thermogenic foods are worth consuming.
As mentioned, we have cinnamon, ginger, peas, lentils, beets, and other vegetables in this category. They are good for health, are sources of nutrients, and still cause this acceleration of metabolism.
But when it comes to supplements, the risk is not worth such a small “gain.” This conclusion becomes even more obvious when we think that the effect of these products is temporary and that the body develops tolerance.
Therefore, what matters for weight loss is the amount of calories consumed and expended. This caloric deficit is only possible with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.