Chromium Picolinate is a combination of chromium and picolinate acid. Combined with exercise, it is commonly used to lose weight through reducing appetite, increasing metabolism rate and melting fats. This, however, has not been proved clinically. It is also believed to increase energy, life span, prevent acne and improve a person’s mood. Being considered a natural alternative to steroids, it is recommended to athletes. Chromium is found in fish, poultry, whole-grains, cheese and meat. It helps in the proper working of cells by improving the efficiency of insulin. Picolinate acid helps in the proper absorption of chromium. A combination of chromium picolinate and other supplements may be risky, hence professional advice should be sought before using it. Pregnant or nursing women should also be careful.

Fucoxanthin is a component found in green sea weed that is avidly utilized in promoting excessive weight loss in individuals.

Garcinia Cambogia is a small fruit that looks just like a small size pumpkin. An extract from its fruit and rind has been used to prepare various products mainly for weight loss. This herb, which is mainly found in India and some parts of Asia, is believed to suppress appetite and enhance fat-burning due to the presence of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in the extract. This is how it works - HCA inhibits an enzyme called citrate lyase that plays an important part in converting excess carbohydrates into fat, but when it is inhibited, the body burns the extra carbs. While animal studies have suggested reduced food intake and decrease in body fat, human trials have not been so conclusive.

Gymnema Sylvestre is also known as Gurmar which means “sugar destroyer”. As the name suggests, it reduces the taste of sweetness. It is known for it hypoglycaemic property. It has the ability to reduce the absorption of sugar into the body. It helps control the blood sugar level which is beneficial to diabetic patients. It works by raising the insulin level and blocks the fats from being absorbed. It also helps curb or suppress craving for sweets which could help in maintaining the weight and losing weight. Gymnemia Sylvestre also helps control blood cholesterol level that protects the heart form cardiovascular problems.

Hoodia Gordonii- Mainly grown in the regions of South Africa, Hoodia Gordoni similar to a cactus plant with no leaves is used for medical purposes. It has been more popularly used for weight loss purposes. In spite of it resembling a cactus plant, Hoodia Gordoni is actually a juicy Plant. It’s most famous for its unique ingredient named as “steroidal glycoside”, which is supposedly to be found only in Hoodia Gordoni. You could easily find one at a health store or may be in some famous diet pill such as “Trimspa”. A common misconception is that Hoodia Gordoni has no side effects, however it has been suggested that people with diabetes should be careful, while taking Hoodia Gordoni. It has the capacity to not only repress your appetite, but also your thirst. This can be dangerous as our body would feel dehydrated.

Resveratrol (trans-resveratrol) is a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants when they are attack by pathogens. It is also produced synthetically and sold as a supplement. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin, its chemical formula is C14H12O3 and Mol. Mass is 228.24 g mol-1. Research shows that Resveratol has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Some studies also reported that it can lower elevated blood sugar levels; however, in majority of these experiments mice were the test subjects and its effects are yet to be replicated in humans. Experiments on nematode worms, fruit flies and short-lived fish have shown that Resveratrol can increase life span, but it did not increase the life span of mice.