Shape-Up Reviewed

Caffeine is the most widely used legal stimulant of the central nervous system and is also used in Shape-Up, with characteristics that have been described as restoration of alertness and removing from drowsiness. Coffee, Tea, many soft drinks and energy drinks as well as nutrition supplements have this ingredient, which is a psychoactive substance, a xanthine alkaloid that can act as a adenosine receptor antagonist, as well as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Although regular use of caffeine seems to have nootropic effects, enhancing cognitive abilities, it also is known to provide long term effects on the nervous and cardiovascular system, like in one study it was proven that people with normal to low blood pressure have the possibility of developing a heart disease significantly reduced, as well as the chance of getting the Parkinson’s disease.

Chromium Picolinate is derived from picolinic acid and chromium and is sold as a chemical compound as a nutritional supplement deemed to combat chromium deficiencies. Chromium Picolinate has shown some positive effects in treatments of atypical depression, particularly instances where carbohydrate cravings were significantly reduced made the weight loss community become interested. Currently chromium picolinate is being marketed as a supplement supposed to help body builders and athletes to develop muscles, burning excess fat, a claim which could not be verified but is persistent. While chromium is essential in the insulin metabolism, assisting in stabilizing the body’s sugar levels in the blood, the actual effect of chromium picolinate supplement in muscle building humans requires further research. In body building circles, chromium picolinate is deemed an essential part of a proper diet.

Green Tea Extract is utilized to increase fat metabolism as well as aide in weight loss and weight loss management.

Guggulsterone is a plant sterol found in the resin of the guggul plant, Commiphora mukul. It acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor, which was earlier believed to result in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Kola Nut- The trees found in Africa have seed pods that are inherent with Kola nuts. In regions of western Africa and central Africa, Kola nut trees are commonly found and they tend to grow up to 18 meters in height which is a good 60 feet. Kola nut consists of caffeine and has acts as a powerful anti depressant and stimulant. Kola nuts importance has been realized mainly in western Africa. It is also useful in reducing indigestion, hunger and fatigue. In simple words, it functions as an aphrodisiac. According to tradition, Kola nuts are offered when someone enters their new house and it symbolizes hospitality and friendship. Kola nut can be easily found as there are several street vendors selling them at places such as the bus or train station.

L-Phenylalanine gained notoriety with the aspartame controversy where extensive internet bombardment against the artificial sweetener prompted a thorough cleaning by The Coca Cola Company and other interest groups. Now it seems that aspartame has more benefits to health than aspirin. L-Phenylalanine is an essential alpha amino acid that is deemed analgesic and antidepressant. It is hydrophobic and nonpolar, one of only twenty common amino acids that are used to produce protein as coded by the DNA. L-Phenylalanine can also convert into L-Tyrosine, which can then become L-DOPA, going forth to become norepinephrine, dopamine or epinephrine. Phenylalanine is very often found in foods, protein rich foods like meat, milk and milk products, poultry and fish, but also as already mentioned in the artificial sweetener aspartame.

Theobromine, which is a mild diuretic and mild stimulant. Theobromine can be found in cocoa and chocolate products. Theobromine is most commonly used for its diuretic effect.

Vitamin B12, or rather the Vitamin B complex, is a group of vitamins that are all soluble in water and very often coexist in food sources. While every single Vitamin from the B complex group has a name, they are very often referred to by the number added to the Vitamin B group name, like Vitamin B1, which is thiamine, or Vitamin B2, which is riboflavin. Some other compounds have been added to the Vitamin B group at some time, but were later dropped, like adenine, orotic acid or adenosine monophosphate, where later research found that they are either synthesized by the human body or simply no Vitamins. Vitamin B complex supports the metabolism rate, maintains muscle tone and skin, raises functions of the nervous system and the immune system, promotes red blood cells and cell growth and division and much more.

Vitamin B16

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.