The Pros And Cons Of Ephedra

Do you want a quick way to slim down and lose weight? The answer may be found not in drugs formed synthetically in laboratories but in a plant used by one of oldest civilizations in the world. You might have heard of ephedra before, but you may be surprised that China has been using this plant for over 5,000 years already. Locally, they are called ma huang and have for centuries been used to treat children's cough and common cold. The Chinese have also used the herb as part of a tea mixture. However, even with all this history behind ephedra, many people still doubt how effective it is. Let us look at the pros and cons of ephedra to help you decide.

Advantages

Ephedra by all means is not hard to find. It is common is several parts of China and most Asian countries. There have also been North American versions of ephedra, though it has been found that this particular variety does not contain the effects found in Oriental countries. It is safe to say, though, that the supply of ephedra is enough unlike some natural herbal supplements that end up containing less than effective doses of the main active ingredient. To further reduce any supply issues, forms of ephedra have been synthesized in the lab to make it more accessible.

The main function of ephedra is stimulate the body and act as a thermogenic. The chemicals found in ephedra can stimulate the brain, making it easier to breathe and increasing the heart rate at the same time. Ephedra is also widely known for increasing a person's metabolism. This raises the body heat of the person and is attributed to fat-burning qualities of the drug. So if you are concerned about gaining weight or simply would like to sculpt your body faster, your best choice would be to take ephedra.

Disadvantage

The biggest drawback that ephedra as a drug has suffered would be its banning by FDA. During the popularity of products containing ephedra, the bureau received thousands of alarming reports concerning the adverse physical effects of the drug. Though it is expected that drugs would have minor side effects, the conditions associated with ephedra were very serious including stroke, heart attack, or even death. Due to the mounting reports, the Food and Drug Administration banned all products that contained ephedra in the market. At the same time, several sports leagues and commissions have deemed the use of ephedra illegal.

The culprit for these is ephedrine and ephedra alkaloid. This means if you are considering on trying products with ephedra, make sure that it does not contain the deadly derivative. You are most likely to get ephedrine if the main ingredient used is ephedra sinica. Other ephedra plants do not contain much of the alkaloid, making safer for use. You are also not advised to take ephedra if you have a known heart condition or if you are pregnant. It is best to consult a physician first if you are planning to take an enhancement supplement in order to check whether your body can take it.

1. Prev:What Should A Consumer Look For In Weight Loss Pills?
2. Next:Can You Really Lose Weight With Colon Cleansing?