With so many weight-loss products on the market, how does you decide which is the best one for you?

Fucoxanthin supplements have very promising study outcomes which suggest that it may target abdominal fat, which is the problem area for most people. We all know that abdominal fat is linked to heart disease and diabetes, so using a product that can help reduce fat in that area is very positive.

Another advantage of Fucoxanthin is that it doesn't appear to be a stimulant, unlike bitter orange, ephedra or caffeine.

So, what is Fucoxanthin?
Fucoxanthin is a type of carotenoid (a source of vitamin A in the diet usually found in fruits and vegetables). However, Fucoxanthin is a natural compound which is also found in edible brown seaweed and has been part of the Asian cuisine for a very long time. An example of such seaweed is wakame, used in miso soup.

In fact, Fucoxanthin has recently been recognized as dietary supplement which is very powerful and unique as it attacks the source of fat.

To answer the question,

How can Fucoxanthin work for you?
There are 4 main ways in which Fucoxanthin will help you lose weight fast:

• Metabolism is boosted
  Fucoxanthin has an ingredient derived from marine algae that has a powerful thermogenic (heat-producing) effect. This means that it increases the metabolism which will help you burn off excess fat. In a recent study involving 140 overweight females, those on Fucoxanthin had a metabolic rate 18.2% higher than those on a diet alone.
  
  
• Abdominal fat is targeted
  It is not fully understood exactly how Fucoxanthin works, but it does appear to target a protein known as UCP1. This protein speeds up the rate at which abdominal fat is burned and thus also helps to increase metabolism. This type of fat tends to surround vital organs and is linked to diabetes and heart disease.
  
  In the study referred to above, those on Fucoxanthin lost an average of 11.8 pounds of fat, compared with this on the diet alone who lost only 2.8 pounds
  
  
• Weight-loss is enhanced
  The study also highlighted the fact that the participants using Fucoxanthin lost an average of 14.5 pounds of weight compared to those not using it - their average loss was only about 3 pounds
  
  
• Bad cholesterol is reduced
  In a day and age where everyone is watching their cholesterol levels, the fact that Fucoxanthin reduces bad cholesterol has got to be good news. It appears to stimulate DHA production. DHA is one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in certain fish eg salmon, thus reducing risks associated with obesity such as heart disease and diabetes.

Are there any side effects?
There are no known side effects reported in humans. On-going research is always being done.

It is important to mention again that Fucoxanthin does not stimulate the nervous system.

As a matter of interest, don't try to consume large amounts of "wakame" or other seaweed types which are a source of Fucoxanthin. The reason? Because seaweed is rich in iodine, excessive intake could result in iodine poisoning which can interfere with thyroid function.

How is Fucoxanthin sold?
It is available in a capsule form and is available in some health food stores and natural weight loss web sites.