Lean Stack Reviewed

Acetyl- L-Tyrosine

Bioperine, a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent of piperine. Bioperine is used in conjunction with other herbs or vitamins to increase their absorption and digestion to make them more effective.

Caffeine may be the most popular legal addictive stimulant that is available to mankind. Besides coffee, tea, guarana and kola nut have excess amount of this xanthine alkaloid, which is actually acting as a psychoactive drug. In several plants, caffeine is an effective insect repellant, but this trimethylxanthine is deemed by the Food and Drug Administration as generally safe food substance. It is an antagonist of adenosine receptors. The effect of caffeine is individual and may more or less increase the ability to perform physical and mental labor. It reduces the effects of fatigue and may in long term help predominantly men reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It has also been observed that caffeine has nootropic effects, furthermore, regular consumption of caffeine may significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Cayenne- Most of us are aware of the wonders of the hot cayenne, which belongs to the family of capsicum. This herb is mainly used for culinary and health purpose. As compared to black pepper and chilies, it contains less irritating properties. Cayenne when taken naturally works as a natural stimulant and is beneficial for pancreas, kidney and spleen. Cayenne can be taken in herbal tea form, as a natural energy booster or as a capsule to cure yellow fever. Since cayenne contains antiseptic properties it is an effective remedy for sore throats and is used as a gargle. It aids digestion and stimulates saliva and stomach secretion. It also prevents heart attack, reduces cholesterol, allows proper absorption of vitamins, improves blood circulation and effectively clears the sinuses. In the past it was used as a cure for typhoid fever, diphtheria, pleurisy and pneumonia.

Chromium Polynicotinate, which is a form of chromium, an essential trace mineral that is needed for the body's production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that stabilizes the body's blood sugar level.

CLA has anti cancerous and antioxidant properties and studies have shown that tumor growth has been hindered with the use of CLA.

Cocoa Seed Extract, which is standardized for caffeine, tyramine, phenylethylamine and theobromine. Cocoa seed extract is thought to possibly help speed up the metabolism and provide feelings of fullness.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid.

Dandelion is a valuable herb possessing culinary as well as medicinal uses. Dandelion is a variable perennial growing to nearly 12 inches. They are spatula like leaves and are toothy, shiny and hairless. The stems of dandelion have bright yellow flowers. These flowers are light sensitive and opens only in the morning. Dandelion is opulent with vitamins A, B, C and D. it also has minerals like potassium, iron and zinc. The leaves of dandelion enhance the flavor to sandwiches, salads and teas. The flowers of dandelion are used in making wines and the roots are found as coffee substitutes. Dandelion leaves and roots as per traditional medicines were used in curing liver problems. The dandelion decoctions were used by the Native Americans to treat skin problems, kidney disease, heartburn, stomach upset and swelling. The Chinese practitioners used dandelion to cure appendicitis, digestive disorders and breast problems. Dandelion roots are used as digestive aid, appetite stimulant and for gallbladder and liver function.

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) is a supplement which acts as anti-oxidising agents. They are mostly consumed in order to increase the functioning of brain and also to keep up the health of skin. DMAE greatly works in some advantageous process such as enhancing the ability of learning, mood and mainly to increase the memory power. They keep the skin healthier by stabilising the membranes of lysosomes that you find in human skin and also repairs those skin cells which are damaged. It resists the impact of the ages which damages the healthier skin by blocking the activity of lipofucsin. There are of course some side effects caused by these supplements as well and hence it must be consumed with the advice of some physicians.

Folic Acid- We know Folic acid by various names - Folate, Folacin, Pteroylglutamic acid, or just Vitamin B9. No matter what we call it, Folic acid is basically a B vitamin that helps the body to create healthy new cells. Folic acid is thus necessary for each one of us though pregnant women require it all the more. A woman who has a sufficient intake of folic acid both before and during pregnancy can protect the baby from major birth defects of the brain or spine. The best part about this vitamin is that it is readily available in fruits, dried beans, nuts, peas, cereals, grain products, and leafy green vegetables. It is however important to consume this vitamin regularly through proper diet. This is because folic acid being water soluble, it easily dissolves in water and the leftover vitamin is passed out through the urine.

Garcinia Cambogia- Gambooge, a subtropical version of the Garcinia genus and native to Indonesia, is the local name for garcinia cambogia. It bears a pumpkin like yellow coloured fruit, which extract, together with the rind, is in India a curry condiment. Extracts are also being used in several herbal appetite suppressants, but also in some energy providing products and supplements. In the body building community, besides the weight loss properties of garcinia cambogia, the main component, hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, seems to increase the levels of lipolysis in athletes. HCA may even prove to be more effective in combined use with carnitine and pyruvate. In India, garcinia cambogia was traditionally used to treat edema, constipation, irregular menstruation and against intestinal parasites. Further uses include combating rheumatism and bowel related troubles.

Ginger Root refers to the rhizome of a plant called zingiber officinale that grows in moist and fertile tropical soil. Ginger is an underground stem extending to 12 inches above the ground. The ginger root has pungent phenol compounds and volatile oils. This is widely used as a medicine in Indian, Asian and Arabic herbal traditions. Ginger, in China is used to cure stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea since ancient times. Ginger is of great use to cure arthritis, diarrhea, Colic and heart conditions. Besides the medicinal value, Ginger is one of the indispensable ingredients as cooking spice and is also recommended to cure headaches, common cold, symptoms like flu and also painful menstrual periods. Ginger is widely used as medicine as it treats nausea, vomiting related to travel sickness, cancer chemotherapy and pregnancy. Though, there are effective medicines today, ginger root retain its position for its medicinal properties. It is also beneficial for heart disease as it reduces cholesterol and averts blood clotting. The ginger products are manufactured using dried or fresh ginger root and these are obtainable in extracts, capsules, tinctures and oils. Ginger is used in tea and in various drinks and foods.

Grape Skin Extract

Grapefruit Extract, also known as citrus seed extract is a liquid that is derived from the seeds, pulp as well as the white membranes of grapefruit. Some scientists claim that grapefruit extract possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties while others recommend it for the treatment of earache, throat infections etc. There are two ways in which grapefruit extract is prepared. One is the natural, self-made grapefruit extract which is made by grinding the seed and pulp and then mixing them with glycerine. The second method is the commercial way in which the seed, pulp, glycerine and synthetic preservatives are all blended together. Grapefruit extract is believed to have a lot of scope in the health food industry. However one has to be careful as grapefruit can have several interactions with certain drugs like warfarin.

Green Tea Extract is currently being promoted by the health conscious community as a weight loss product, which does not do this incredible concoction of helpful ingredients justice. Many green tea extracts nowadays exclude caffeine, to avoid the associated side effects and lower the ingestion of this legal addictive stimulant. The main characteristic of the green tea extract should be the antioxidative effect, which surpasses Vitamin C twentyfold. But the other traits are not to be forgotten, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogen and anti-radiation. The unique combination of green tea catechins, derivatives of apicatechin, and flavonoids, which belong to the same family, are proven scavengers of free radicals and an unavoidable addition to any dietary supplement combination, body building or weight loss as the target objective.

Guarana is a South American climbing plant belonging to the genus of trees and shrubs called Maple. This plant is common around the Amazon and very present in Brazil. The fruit of the guarana plant is being used in that country to produce a diversity of soft drinks and beverages, having the double caffeine content of the coffee bean. Other nutrients that are contained in the seed besides caffeine are protein, fat and starch, but also adenine, choline, guanine, resin, tannin and xanthine, just to name a few. The cognitive effects of guarana are well documented, but the appetite suppressant qualities of guarana are relatively new. A study has proven that a combination of yerba mate, guarana and damiana leads to a tenfold weight loss quantity when compared with a placebo.

Kola Nut has a euphoric and stimulating effect on the heart and central nervous system and produces a heightened state of euphoria and well-being.

L-Carnitine is chemically similar to an amino acid, L-Carnitine is responsible for the metabolism of fat in the body. It transports fatty acids into the cell’s metabolic furnace known as mitochondria. Synthesized in the liver and kidney, L-Carnitine helps the body use fat for energy. It acts as an aid in releasing tryglycerides and stored body fat into the bloodstream. With an adequate intake of L-Carnitine, you can improve the contraction of muscles, function of the heart and balance of protein in the body. As compared to the synthetic fat burning supplements that cause insomnia and addiction, L-Carnitine is a natural component which brings fat to metabolizing stations so that it can burn and produce energy. In case you have carnitine deficiency, you can have 1000mg of tartrate per day which is considered to be an effective form of carnitine.

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid taken to enhance the functions of the thyroid gland. It provides essential supplements to the body for fighting serious ailments. L-Tyrosine is a natural cure mainly for hypothyroidism and many other illnesses including protection of skin from the UV rays and depression. People suffering from hypothyroidism lack tyrosine and therefore do not respond to iodine supplements. Iodine supplements are of no use without tyrosine. Using L-tyrosine replaces vital amino acids which people having hypothyroidism lack. It produces thyroid hormones namely, norepinephrine, dopamine and epinephrine. L-tyrosine must be used by those who have a family history of under active thyroids and by those who have not got benefits from dieting efforts. L-tyrosine is taken in doses of 500mg 2 to 3 times everyday. People having high blood pressure must be cautious while taking this supplement.

Magnesium Stearate is coommonly used as a filling agent in the manufacture of capsules and tablets, such as vitamins, the source of this ingredient is typically bovine. However, there is an increasing number of vegetarian options in which the product specifically indicates it contains magnesium stearate from vegetable sources.

Opumtia Ficus-indica is a species of cactus which has been domesnticated for a long time. It is a very important agricultural plant in economies throughout the arid and semiarid parts of the world. Opuntia ficus-indica is also known by other names. They are Indian fig opuntia or barbary fig. The main reason behind growing the opuntia ficus-indica is its fruits. The vegetable nopales are also used for various purposes. In the culinary world, it is often referred to as the prickly pear. The large, sweet fruits called tuna are the most commercially valuable use of the species of opuntia ficus-indica. Sicily, Spain, Mexico, Ethiopia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Israel, Chile, Algeria, Morocco, Italy are some of the countries that cultivate the opuntia ficus-indica in significant quantity.

Pantothenic Acid also known as B5 is a natural, inexpensive and safe form of curing acne. It is free from all negative side effects. It is best suited for people with oily skin as it stops the overproduction of oil within our body. It converts the carbohydrates and fats into energy effectively when synthesized with other Vitamin B. Additionally it also helps your body produce red blood cells and metabolizes fats. It plays a significant role in reducing physical and mental stress because it works along with the stress hormone producing adrenal gland. Pantothenic acid is present in all kinds of food and therefore our body gets sufficient amount of it. As it is impossible for our body to become deficient in pantothenic acid, there is no recommended daily amount of it. Eggs, whole grains and milk contain panthothenic acid in large numbers.

Silica is silicon dioxide, a trace mineral found in bones, teeth, skin, eyes, glands and organs. It also helps keep skin elastic. Silica works with calcium to maintain bone strength.

Stearic Acid is a saturated fatty acid that occurs in many animal and vegetable fats and oils. Stearic acid is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, plastics, oil pastels and cosmetics, and for softening rubber. Stearic acid is used to harden soaps, particularly those made with vegetable oil. Even though stearic acid is a saturated fat, studies have suggested that it has little effect on blood cholesterol levels, because such a high proportion is converted to oleic acid.

Vanadyl Sulfate mimics the overall effects that insulin has on our bodies. It has also been declared to become an alternative treatment to battling diabetes.

Vitamin A is used for improving poor night vision, dry skin, and it can help acne. It is also a fat soluble vitamin. Too much vitamin A can cause side effects. An excess of vitamin A can actually make acne worse.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, which is naturally found in foods such as fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry. Vitamin B12 is important for good health, necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of foods and for normal metabolism of carbohydrates, and fat. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Unlike other water-soluble nutrients, vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidney, and other body tissues. It can take several years before signs of the deficiency appear due to poor dietary intake. Vitamin B12 functions as a "methyl donor." A methyl donor is a compound that carries and donates methyl groups to other molecules, including cell membrane components and neurotransmitters. As a methyl donor vitamin B12 is involved in homocysteine metabolism and plays a critical role in proper energy metabolism, immune function, and nerve function. Therefore, vitamin B12 is clearly an added benefit for anyone wanting to lose weight, as without it, metabolism is not at its peak potential.

Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin to aid in the formation of healthy red blood cells and supports more vital bodily functions than any other vitamin. A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B6 is needed to release energy from the food we eat. Vitamin B6 cannot be stored in the body, so it must be obtained daily from either food or supplements. Vitamin B6’s role as a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is what makes it important for dieters. Vitamin B6 is also responsible for the manufacture of hormones, red blood cells, neurotransmitters, enzymes, and prostaglandins. Vitamin B6 is required for the production of seratonin, a brain neurotransmitter that controls mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and sensitivity to pain. For weight loss, dieters should include vitamin B6 to increase their metabolism while rounding out a healthy diet.

Vitamin C- Perhaps the most popular vitamin, L-ascorbic acid is viewed as an essential nutrient and is required to synthesize collagen in humans. The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C for short, is the famous ingredient of oranges and other citrus fruits. It has been said that a glass of pure squeezed orange juice provides the daily requirement of Vitamin C. While the antioxidant function is deemed important, other biosynthetic functions are of vital significance. It provides an electron for eight different enzymes, besides the aforementioned synthesis of collagen; it aids the synthesis of carnitine and neurotransmitters, synthesis and catabolism of tyrosine and the metabolism of microsome. The additional function as a reducing agent, keeping iron and copper at bay is an additional trait.

Vitamin E is the name for a group of tocopherols and tocotrienols that are soluble in fat and display antioxidant properties. The most important vitamin out of this group is alpha tocopherol, which professes the highest bioavailability, and therefore, was the most studied Vitamin E. Found in such foods as nuts, seeds, milk, wheat germ and most vegetable oils, this Vitamin is said to be perhaps the most important antioxidant in human nourishment, although this trait is not deemed the imperative reason why Vitamin E is required to be in every diet. Most clinical studies which were supposed to crown Vitamin E as the prevention from prostate cancer or cardiovascular wonder supplement have been either inconclusive or were discontinued due to poor results. Vitamin E deficiency results in neurological and neuromuscular problems, but also in failure to absorb fat.

White Kidney Bean Extract- Phaseolus vulgaris, or the common bean, exists in many varieties. One of such varieties is a popular Italian version, Cannellini beans, in the United States labeled often as white kidney beans. While several healthy ingredients warrant a healthy application of these beans, in particular the body building community is using a white kidney bean extract as a nutritional supplement for weight loss purposes. While there is no magic behind the formula, the idea behind the lipogenic effect of the white kidney bean extract seems sound. Although many people seem to dispute this particular aspect, other nutrients, like thiamine, Vitamin B6, folic acid, selenium, potassium, iron, molybdenum, as well as the high levels of protein, starch and dietary fiber, make this product a body building priority.

White Willow Bark, which is often used as a natural alternative to aspirin, and is best not to be used by individuals allergic to aspirin. White willow bark extract offers little benefit to weight loss by itself but when used with other dietary supplements, it is thought to work as a thermogenic and help to elevate energy expenditure and promote the metabolsim of fat.

Yerba Matte- The plant of the yerba maté, as yerba matte is actually called, is a small tree or a shrub which can grow up to a size of fifteen meters. The leaves and twigs have traditionally been used to brew a tea like concoction, which is still a very popular social beverage in South America. Yerba maté contains alcaloids that are very similar to caffeine, commonly referred to as xanthines, but also elements like manganese, magnesium and potassium. The main difference between yerba maté and coffee, for instance, is the effect it has on muscle tissue, where it appears to relax smooth muscle tissue, but stimulate heart tissue and that is why it is used in Lean Stack. In other studies, yerba maté was found to work as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, thereby professing antidepressant qualities.