One of the estimations shows that 61% of US citizens suffer from obesity. With the introduction of diet pills, people find it easier to just pop in the pills instead of spending effort on grueling work outs. Ephedra is one such weight loss pill that has proved to be very effective in stimulating faster metabolism rate that is a very significant factor in weight loss. Its use was initiated by the Chinese around 5000 years ago to treat respiratory ailments.
The recent researches show that there are apparent results if Ephedra is used in diet pills. However since Ephedra works on the central nervous system, the side effects coming from its prolonged consumption also are dreadful. It has been proven that if it is taken in balanced quantity, as prescribed by the doctor or health professional, then it can be a great tool for weight loss as it increases metabolic rate of body, reduces body fat, avoids water retention, reduces appetite and controls the absorption of fat in the body.
There have been legal controversies about Ephedra usage and at the same time scientific researches whose result supports the usage of Ephedra. Let us now gain knowledge about the legal status of Ephdra usage and also about the studies conducted on it. This will enable you to make a clear decision about using ephedra diet pills.
Legal status of Ephedra usage
- April 14th 2005 was the time when a court in Utah banned the usage of Ephedra and Ma-huang (the plant it is extracted from).
- August 18, 2006 saw this decision being changed since FDA took the matters to the higher courts and appealed that Ephedra’s usage could be permitted.
- After this, the FDA was allowed to pose certain restrictions on products that contain Ephedra. Every restriction that is or will be stated by FDA has to be first approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- FDA currently has made it strictly clear that a capsule containing Ephedra cannot have more than 10mg of it.
- So, at present Ephedra capsules are legal (in small quantities) in the US. However, this rule is always subject to changes.
Research on usage of Ephedra
- The Cantox Report that came about in the year 2000 showed the results of controlled usage of ephedra through 9 studies. Each study was scheduled for 8 weeks.
- One of the studies indicated that if 90mg of Ephedra was given per day, there would be no cardiac arrhythmia occurrences.
- As a result of all the studies, a conclusion was drawn that if 150mg of Ephedrine was given per day, then the lowest level of side effects can be experienced.
- The report also spoke about the usage of Ma Huang, Kola Nut in weight loss treatments. The conclusive statement was that these herbs are effective and have very low levels of side effects.
So, the verdict is clear. Even though there are side effects ephedra diet pills, we can’t deny its role in faster metabolism. If consumed in controlled quantity, it provides great aid in weight loss.
