Ephedra: It’s Not Just for Weight Loss Anymore

Americans are buzzing about the FDA’s recent decision to reverse
the ban on ephedra and ephedrine supplements in the United
States. Known as the “world’s oldest medicine,” ephedra has been
used for thousands of years for its variety of healing
properties. While ephedra is not a cure-all, it is successfully
used in treating hundreds of afflictions, including some that
may surprise you.

When the average person hears the word “ephedra” they generally
think of two things: “weight loss” and “banned.” The millions of
people who have safely used ephedra to burn fat and lose weight
were devastated when the U.S. ephedra ban was imposed in early
2004. The FDA was claiming a high death rate attributed to use
(or misuse) of ephedra and ephedrine (the main “active”
ingredient in the ephedra plant). However, further research
showed that only five of these deaths could be attributed to
ephedra use, so the ban was lifted. To put the number of adverse
events into perspective, consider that over 12 million people
reportedly used ephedra during 1999.

Ephedra has thermogenic qualities, which means it can be used to
speed up the body’s metabolism. This natural increase in
metabolism is what results in virtually effortless weight loss
and has earned ephedra the nickname “miracle fat burner.” Unlike
other weight loss products on the market, ephedra helps the body
retain lean muscle mass. The thermogenic qualities of ephedra
also improve the body’s ability to eliminate toxins (through
urine and sweat), which can reduce unnecessary water retention.

What you may not know is that the ephedra plant has been used to
treat a number of respiratory and circulatory conditions,
including asthma, allergies (such as hay fever) and the common
cold. Ephedrine, or the synthetic equivalent called
pseudoephedrine, can be found in many over-the-counter cold and
allergy medications, including Sudafed. Ephedra is a
vasodilator, which means it relaxes (or dilates) blood vessels,
which allows blood to flow more easily, and allows nasal
passages to open wider. In Chinese medicine, ephedra has been
used for thousands of years to increase blood flow and improve
circulation.

Athletes have used ephedra for centuries, since it helps build
muscle and burn fat. Many people report increased energy and
stamina while using ephedra, which increases overall athletic
performance.

Ephedra is generally considered safe when adhering to the
recommended doses. Since ephedra is a very powerful and
effective supplement, you should check with your physician
before using ephedra if you have any of the following
conditions: anxiety, high blood pressure, glaucoma or heart
disease. Do not take ephedra if you are pregnant or lactating.
It’s recommended to check with your physician before beginning
any weight loss program.

Since the ban was lifted so recently, only one company currently
offers ephedra supplements online. You can purchase ephedra
while supplies last at: http://www.BetaFuelDirect.com or

http://www.EphedraBurnsFat.com

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