Bitter Orange Review
What You Should Know
Bitter orange is a naturally occurring weight loss ingredient that came into popularity when ephedra was banned by the FDA. The diet and weight loss companies hit the ground running looking for the next big ingredient and Bitter Orange was that choice. According to information found online, the natural oil is used as an appetite suppressant when taken as a standalone ingredient or as part of a weight loss supplement.
List of Ingredients
Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium).
Product Features
The Bitter Orange extract used in weight loss products is taken from the orange peel of the Bitter Orange. The active ingredient in the Bitter Orange peel is synephrine. There has been concern that using synephrine, which was the replacement ingredient for weight loss supplements after the ban of ephedra, can cause health issues. Ephedra, or ephedrine, works in the same way on the body as synephrine. The body reactions include blood vessel constriction, an increase in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate.
Bitter Orange has been tested for safety, but the test results were very similar to those of ephedra with the same health issues popping up with Bitter Orange use. Currently, the use of Bitter Orange for any herbal use is thought to increase the chance of stroke, heart related illness including angina and colitis.
Bitter Orange tablets can be found online for as little as $7.99 a bottle for 60 tablets. There is a warning associated with the use of the tablets. If the dieter has any heart related illness or is taking an MAOI, this product is not for them. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid Bitter Orange. Any person thinking about taking Bitter Orange should consult a physician before starting the supplement.
Advantages
- Bitter Orange has been safety tested.
- It is a natural ingredient.
- Bitter Orange is inexpensive to buy.
Disadvantages
- Bitter Orange is known to have the same side effects as ephedra.
- There is reason to believe that health problems are related to using Bitter Orange as a supplement.
Conclusion
Just because an ingredient has passed through safety testing does not mean that ingredient is healthy for daily use. The Bitter Orange extract used in weight loss products is not a safe ingredient and more and more cases are being presented that show the true effects of this ephedra alternative.
The dieter may find better use out of a clinically proven fat burner or appetite suppressants instead of using an ingredient with questionable side effects. The appetite suppressing talents of Bitter Orange are not in question when reviewing this product. What is in question is the safety of the ingredient and, at this time, the risks outweigh the benefits.