With a multitude of weight loss products available over the counter, it is sometimes difficult to know which ingredients work best to burn calories and fat in a safe and natural manner. Yerba mate, guarana, and damiana are three ingredients that have beneficial weight loss properties. All of these preparations are plant-based and have been used as health supplements for a number of years.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate, a South American beverage that acts as a natural stimulant, is derived from the stems and leaves of a rainforest tree found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. For centuries, yerba mate has been a staple of the indigenous South American diet as a drink that offers increased energy, mental clarity, and various health benefits. Yerba mate is a naturally caffeinated substance that contains antioxidants, fifteen amino acids, and a total of twenty-four vitamins and minerals.
Yerba mate is used as an ingredient in weight control formulas due to its effectiveness in raising the metabolism, helping the body to burn excess calories, and suppressing the appetite. This substance also slows the process of gastric emptying so that feelings of fullness last longer.
Guarana
Guarana, a popular ingredient in natural energy drinks and weight loss pills, is produced from a creeping shrub with small red fruits that is found in the rainforests of Brazil and Venezuela. A stimulant with a high concentration of caffeine, guarana is consumed for the purpose of promoting physical endurance and sharpening mental focus. Guarana seeds are a significant source of xanthine alkaloids and tannins.
Guarana is thought to be a beneficial ingredient in weight control supplements, as its caffeine content stimulates fat loss and naturally curbs the appetite.
Damiana
Historically used by Latin Americans as a sexual stimulant, the Damiana shrub is commonly found in Texas, Mexico, and California. In recent years, damiana has shown to be effective in treating a number of health issues, including depression, headaches, colds, and fatigue. Damiana leaf is a stimulant that is rich in aromatic oils and beta-sitosterol.
Damiana has several properties that work to facilitate weight loss. It is effective as a laxative that eases constipation and removes waste from the body. Damiana also naturally raises the body’s metabolism and increases energy levels.
When used in conjunction, yerba mate, guarana, and damiana (YSD) form an herbal solution that has been proven in scientific studies to produce weight loss in obese people. Although there are many supplements that contain these ingredients independently, there are only a few that incorporate all three such as Zotrim.