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Ephedra is a powerful herb which grows mainly in Mongolia and the bordering regions of China. It has been used in Chinese medicine for at least 5,000 years and is the herb from which scientists have extracted ephedrine, one of the most effective treatments known for the symptoms of asthma, allergies and sinus problems. Herbalists in the West have also discovered these benefits and ephedra has become a popular ingredient in herbal combinations for the respiratory system. An added bonus for those who use the herb for weight management is its appetite-suppressing effect. Because it has a stimulating effect, many believe that it contains caffeine.
The truth is, the herb ephedra by itself contains no caffeine. Many herbalists and health practitioners believe that ephedra, when taken according to a specific protocol, can safely and effectively help you lose weight - despite its reputation as a troublesome herb. When taken irresponsibly, though, ephedra can cause health problems. Research at Harvard University Medical School [International Journal of Obesity, Feb., 1993] shows that the combination of Ma Huang and caffeine can increase effectiveness and reduce the negative side-effects for most people. The only kind of thermogenesis directly related to fat management occurs in brown adipose tissue (BAT), tissue that specializes in converting calories to heat energy. Scientists are beginning to believe that many obesity problems are caused by improper thermogenic metabolism in BAT.
It also allows BAT cells to burn white fat (fat stored in the body as a result of excess calorie intake). Heat generated in BAT metabolism of fat-derived calories simply radiates away from BAT into neighboring tissues and thus some people experience sensations of heat when consuming BAT-stimulating thermogenic products. Recent research shows that several genes are implicated in the amount and effectiveness of BAT. This brings us to the simple realization that a primary difference between many overweight and thin people might be healthy, functioning BAT.
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