2. CLA
What it is: CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a “healthy fat” found in the meat and dairy products of sheep and cows that have been fed on pasture.
What it does: Supplementation with CLA has been shown to improve muscle-to-bodyfat ratio, and to decrease the deposition of fat, particularly on the stomach. CLA appears to achieve this by enhancing insulin sensitivity.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
reported that a Scandinavian research team found
CLA to increase the lean body mass while decreasing fat mass, when taken on a daily basis. The study participants also had lower blood fat and cholesterol levels after taking CLA.ii
3. Hoodia
What it is: Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant that grows primarily in the semideserts of South Africa. For thousands of years, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert relied on consuming hoodia to ward off hunger and thirst during their long hunting trips.
What it does:
Hoodia works by suppressing the appetite. As it also suppresses thirst, it is important to stay well hydrated when taking this supplement. Although studies into the effects of hoodia are scarce, anecdotal evidence points to its success as a weight control supplement, when used as directed. Since hoodia may exert its effect by adjusting the brain’s response to blood sugar levels, it should not be used by people with diabetes.