My pre-workout protein blend with botanical fat burner contains a variety of unique ingredients. I want to share with you today, the health and fat burning benefits of these components.

Green Tea Leaf

Green tea leaf has the incredible power to shift your fat-fighting metabolism into high gear! Green tea contains a potent antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). This antioxidant increases fat oxidation by 33%. EGCG inhibits the development of fat cells, increases fat excretion, and revs ups your metabolism.

Even more, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the antioxidants in green tea are so powerful that they may help prevent cancer. The first of the many ways that the NCI has discovered green tea to protect and prevent against cancer, is by protecting your DNA.  The catechins (antioxidants) in green tea have shown to protects your cells from DNA damage. Preventing your DNA from getting damaged, is important for keeping your cells and -by extension- your whole body healthy.

Secondly, the tea polyphenols (compounds found abundantly in natural plant food sources that have antioxidant properties) have been shown to hinder tumor cell development and induce cancer cell destruction in laboratory and animal studies.

Bitter Orange

Known scientifically as Citrus aurantium, bitter orange has been used in various systems of medicines for decades, as well as in sport and performing supplements.

A 2006 study by John Hopkins University School of Medicine, states that “there is certain promising evidence that Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) containing several compounds including synephrine alkaloids is a safe alternative to Ephedra, which is a weight-loss supplement banned in the US for its adverse health effects.” On a similar note, Georgetown University Medical Center study reveals that “at present, Citrus aurantium may be the best thermogenic, weight-reduction substitute for Ephedra”.

In Brazilian folklore medicine, bitter orange has been used to improve insomnia and anxiety. In Chinese medicine, it is used by natives of the Amazon rainforest to treat nausea, indigestion, and constipation.

Velvet Bean

Velvet bean is an amazing herbal adaptogen that is also known as Mucuna pruriens. Adaptogens are healing plants that help balance, restore and protect your body against stressors.  According to doctor and naturopath Edward C.Wallace, “an adaptogen doesn’t have a specific action: It helps you respond to any influence or stressor, normalizing your physiological functions.”  

Velvet bean has been utilized in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to deal with diarrhea, snake bites, sexual dysfunctions, coughs, tuberculosis, muscular pain, gout, menstrual disorders, diabetes, and cancer.

Another health benefit of Velvet bean is in the treatment of diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the high content of levodopa in these beans helps people with diabetes to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Sweet Scented Geranium

Geranium is a perennial shrub with small pink flowers and pointy leaves that is native to South Africa. Geranium is full of health benefits including but not limited to, balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress.

Geranium also promotes the growth of new cells. It helps to recycle dead cells and supports the regeneration of new cells. This restoration allows your metabolism to work more efficiently.

According to Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals by Maria Lis-Balchin, geranium can also improve your cognitive function and uplift your spirits. The sweet smell of geranium calms and relaxes your body and mind, helping those who suffer from depression, anxiety and anger issues.

Sacred Lotus Leaf

The sacred lotus leaf- also known as a water lily- has numerous health benefits. Dr. Paul Haider, Master Herbalist, states that the lotus leaf can help with several health ailments, one of them being the ability of the lotus leaf to block the absorption of fats. Through this process, it may help lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Thanks to the B-vitamins in the lotus leaf, mood, vitality, and fertility are all improved, as B-vitamins are essential to happy and healthy hormones.

Lastly, researchers at the Department of Food and Nutrition in Korea, discovered that when obese mice were given extracts of the lotus leaf, their overall fats and carbohydrate absorption was reduced. On top of that, since the lotus leaf contains L-Carotene which boosts metabolism, they were able to burn existing fat at a faster rate.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a traditional and familiar spice that has a long list of health benefits. One of the health benefits of nutmeg is the ability to stimulate your brain. By increasing circulation, nutmeg improves focus and concentration. Using nutmeg to stimulate the brain helps remove mental exhaustion, fatigue and stress.

Diet, pollution, medications and stress, among many other factors, all contribute to the buildup of toxins in your organs. Your liver and kidneys are two of the organs where this toxic buildup usually develops. Proper detoxification is essential to good health. As a tonic, nutmeg can help cleanse your liver and kidneys and aid in the removal of these toxins. Your liver and kidneys can function optimally when they are successfully detoxified.

If you’re one of the many people that suffer from digestion-related issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, excess gas and so on, nutmeg can offer you some relief. Nutmeg relieves stomachaches by removing the excess gas from your intestines.

These are just a few of the many health and fat burning benefits that these components contain. You will find these ingredients and more, in my pre-workout protein blend with fat burners.

*Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider, before taking any dietary supplement or herbs. Your doctor can also help you figure out if a dietary supplement or herb will interact with any medical conditions you may have or medications you are on. If you’re experiencing any digestive discomfort or pain, stop using supplement immediately.*