Herbalean Review

herbaleanHerbalean is a diet pill which “has made a painstaking effort to create the world’s most effective weight loss and energy supplement. This miraculous product will help to speed your metabolism, suppress your appetite, reduce sweet cravings, block carbohydrate, and inhibit fat, and increase lean mass” (website). This Herbalean review will discuss the ingredients included in Herbalean (including ephedra) and help you see what this product might do for you. Note: Although products containing ephedra have been banned by the FDA, Herbalean is still available online.

Hydroxycitric Acid Update

On May 1, 2009 the FDA issued a warning to consumers to stop taking Hydroxycut-branded products. Over more than 7 years they have received 23 reports of health related issues with those taking Hydroxycut-branded products. The main health concern appears to be serious liver-related problems. Iovate Health Sciences Inc., the makers of Hydroxcut, have voluntarily recalled all of the products under question in the FDA’s report

Common symptoms of liver complications include:

  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
  • brown urine
  • light colored stools
  • unusual tiredness
  • stomach pain
  • itching
  • loss of appetite
  • weakness
  • vomiting

In light of the recent FDA warning concerning the possible dangers of Hydroxycut-branded diet pills, many believe that the associated health risks are likely due to the inclusion of the commonly used ingredient Hydroxycitric Acid, or HCA. And while according to the FDA, “The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.” you can never be too cautious.

So, while further study and research is needed to confirm the link between HCA and the liver problems, until proven otherwise any products that contain HCA are no longer recommended on this website.

Herbalean Ingredients

Chromium 200 mcg–Various studies have shown conflicting results on whether or not chromium contributes to weight loss.
Ma Huang extract 125 mg–contains ephedra, which has been shown to significantly contribute to weight loss. Unfortunately, due to the potentially dangerous side effects of ephedra, it has been banned by the FDA.
The Proprietary Herbalean Blend (408.5 mg) contains the following ingredients:
Paullinia sorbilis extract
Lotus root extract
Hoodia Gordonii, despite popular belief, has NOT been proven to contribute to weight loss.
Garcinia Cambogia contains HCA (Hydroxycitric acid), which has been proven to contribute to weight loss.
White willow bark is an anti-inflammatory. It may enhance the thermogenic effect and increase the body’s ability to utilize fatty acids while preserving lean muscle tissue. Further research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Citrus bigardia extract
Konjac root
Uva Usi
Ginger root
Eleutheroccoccus senticosus
Bee pollen
Green tea is a proven weight loss ingredient. Unfortunately, Herbalean does not say how much green tea it contains.
Pyruvate has been shown to increase metabolic function, leading to weight loss. However, the amount of pyruvate used in studies was 36 grams. Thus,
there is nowhere near enough Pyruvate in Herbalean diet pills to be effective.
Piper Longum
77 trace minerals

Herbalean and Ephedra Side Effects

Side effects of Herbalean include Jitters, heartburn, increased heart rate, and nausea.

Ephedra use has been linked to seizure, stroke, and death. These serious side effects caused the FDA to ban products containing ephedra.

Herbalean Cost

Herbalean diet pills cost $49.95 for 60 capsules (a 2 month supply). You can find cheaper prices per bottle if you purchase Herbalean bottles in bulk. As mentioned earlier, although ephedra has been banned by the FDA, Herbalean diet pills can still be purchased online.

Herbalean Conclusion

This Herbalean review finds that Herbalean does contain several clinically proven diet pill ingredients. However, because of the inclusion of FDA-banned ephedra, we cannot recommend Herbalean diet pills. If  ou are considering taking Herbalean, we encourage you to carefully consider the potentially serious side effects of ephedra to determine if the Herbalean reward is worth the risk. Our recommended products contain safe, effective ingredients in proven amounts; look through this list to find a diet pill which will work for you.

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