Can a Chili Pepper Extract Help You Burn Calories?

New research suggests that dihydrocapsiate--a substance found in chili peppers--can't live up to its claims as a natural weight-loss aid. A chemical similar to capsaicin, dihydrocapsiate failed to promote calorie-burning in a recent study [link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20826626] of 78 healthy men.
Once a day for a month, the study participants took 3 mg of dihydrocapsiate, 9 mg of dihydrocapsiate, or a placebo. Study results showed that those taking dihydrocapsiate only burned 50 more calories per day, an amount unlikely to spur significant weight loss.
To date, few dietary supplements have proven safe and effective in promoting weight loss. If you're looking to shed pounds, it's important to follow a balanced diet (including a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean protein), get at least two and a half hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week, and perform strength-training exercises at least twice weekly. Some studies show that alternative therapies like yoga, acupuncture, and tai chi may support your weight-loss efforts; however, none of these approaches can promote weight loss on its own.
View the original article here

Fish Oil May Lessen Stress

Getting your fill of fish oil may help keep your stress in check, a new study suggests.
For the study, 44 adults took 4 grams of either safflower oil or fish oil in supplement form each day for six weeks. The fish oil supplements included 1,600 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 800 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, both of which are classified as omega-3 fatty acids. In tests performed at the end of the six-week period, members of the fish oil group showed a significant decrease in their production of cortisol (a hormone released by the adrenal glands in order to help your body respond to stressful situations). In addition, those assigned to fish oil supplements had a significant reduction in fat mass and increase in lean muscle mass.
Past research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may also boost heart health and protect against conditions like Alzheimer's and diabetes.
View the original article here

Oat Extract May Cut Cholesterol

A substance found in oats may help keep your cholesterol in check, a new study shows. The study found that oat beta-glucan (a type of carbohydrate compound) helped fight LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
The study included 367 participants with high cholesterol, all of whom ate two servings of a cereal containing either wheat fiber or oat beta-glucan every day for four weeks. Looking at data on the 345 people who completed the study, researchers determined that LDL cholesterol was significantly lower among those assigned to the oat beta-glucan cereal.
Beta-glucan is also found in a number of medicinal mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake. Test-tube research shows that beta-glucan may stimulate the immune system and therefore combat cancer. However, little is known about beta-glucan's potential to reduce cancer risk in humans.
A number of other natural substances (including red yeast rice and cinnamon) may also help reduce cholesterol levels, according to past research.
View the original article here