Shape-Up Reviewed

Caffeine is a stimulant that is used to stay awake and it gives mental alertness from fatigue. This is used as an adjunct for pain relief and also as energy accelerates. Caffeine is a non-prescription drug easily available as over the counter medication and comes in combination to acquire relief from headache and pain. Caffeine increases the mental alertness by offering the required energy for exercise training and weight loss. Caffeine cannot be considered as a mere stimulant as it reaches deep into muscles and provides power that is long lasting. Caffeine taken before any work out is also great as it fights the fatigue and keeps the person ready for the workout. Dieters also find caffeine as the solution as they feel sluggish. This is a no-calorie stimulant and does its job effectively and quickly. Caffeine anhydrous is found even in one or two coffee cups. However, this limitation is recommended as excess caffeine may result in irritability, rapid heart beat, nervousness and sleeplessness.

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 is native to Africa, mainly found in the tropical rain forests. There are about hundred and twenty tree species which belong to this family, their fruit, the kola nut, being the interesting feature. It has been traditionally used for chewing, with an effect where hunger cravings subsided. The popularity of the kola nut was established by The Coca-Cola Company, which used the kola nut as an ingredient in this popular drink. Many other similar drinks and also energy drinks feature this ingredient. The kola nut, although featuring caffeine, provides a xanthine mixture with catechins which not only stimulate the central nervous system but also has analeptic and lipolytic properties, as well as chronotropic effects. Further effects include enhanced alertness, physical energy, mood and tactile sensitivity, as well as appetite suppression.

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- Also called Riboflavin, B2 is a water absorbed vitamin of which the body must replenish its supplies each day as it cannot be stored. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and, like the other B vitamins, it works at supporting it supports energy production by helping in the metabolism of various foods.B2 is required for healthy skin as well as hair growth, the nails and has a role in regulating the activity of the thyroid gland. It is also necessary in order that the body can process amino acids found in proteins and fats and to activate vitamin B6 and folic acid.

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.