Think TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Slimming Products Are Safer? Well think again …

A lot of people have the notion that because Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) products are mostly herbal and plant based, they are safer alternative than ‘western’ medicine and essentially, the same assumption is made of TCM slimming products as well. This may be true in most cases but there are some ‘natural’ ingredients used in these products which are harmful to our health.

Here are 3 such ingredients that you should watch out for :

1. Ephedra

Many diet drugs contain Ephedra. Although it is a plant, it is harmful to health. Clinical research reveals that ephedra has a simulating effect on the heart. This causes the heart to pump more blood, raise blood pressure, increases blood flow in the brain and muscles, reduces renal and visceral blood flow, and may bring on seizures. Because of these side effects, the United States has banned the use of diet drugs containing Ephedra.

2. Guarana

The Guarana plant is native to the Amazon Basin. Guarana is used as appetite suppressant in many slimming products. Guarana seeds contain 2% to 4.5% caffeine, twice the caffeine content in coffee beans. It stimulates the central nervous system, increases body temperature, and diuretic. Side effects of Guarana include nausea, dizziness and anxiety. Most products containing Guarana do not state caffeine content (and we wonder why…)

3. TCM Slimming Tea

Most TCM slimming tea consist of tea leaves and laxatives. They can only stimulate the large intestine to promote excretion without burning calories, which can cause diarrhea and kidney failure. In addition, tea leaves contain around 3% caffeine by weight.

So make sure you check the labels if you intend to buy any TCM slimming products, though we prefer that you go all-natural, all-sweat-and-pain way to lose weight!