Fucoxanthin & Weight Loss
Fucoxanthin is a plant nutrient extracted from brown seaweed. Emerging studies show that fucoxanthin can be a powerful weight loss aid. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly three-fourths of the population is overweight or obese.
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Identification
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Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in brown seaweed, including wakame and hijiki. It can be found in red and green seaweed in smaller amounts. In order to consume the amounts used in many studies you would have to eat an unrealistic amount of seaweed. Fucoxanthin supplements are commercially available at most nutrition and health food stores.
Expert Insight
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In an animal study done at the Hokkaido University, Japan, reported in the Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition, involving fucoxanthin and rats fed a high fat diet, rats that consumed the fucoxanthin were found to have less white abdominal adipose tissue and total body weight. A reduction in blood glucose and plasma insulin was also present.
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Types
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Fucoxanthin can be found in soft gels in most nutrition outlets. Garden Of Life FucoThin is a popular fucoxanthin product containing 200mg per soft gel.
Potential
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Fucoxanthin could potentially be a breakthrough weight loss aid. However, the foundation of good nutrition in the diet and an appropriate amount of exercise must be strong before fucoxanthin or any other supplement is used. Supplements are useless if your nutrition is poor and you do not exercise.
Warning
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Consult your physician before starting any type of supplementation. Supplements should not replace proper food or exercise habits.
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References
- Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition. Seaweed carotenoid, fucoxanthin, as a multi-functional nutrient. Maeda, H., et al. 2008;17 Suppl 1:196-9.
- Fucoxanthin Overview
