We’ve all been there—that moment when our skinnies no longer fit right and feel too gosh darn tight (uh, love handles anyone?). This discovery is often followed by a sudden urge to get healthy with a “kick-butt” itinerary that typically includes hitting the gym, forking over dough on primo juicers and top-notch blenders (Vitamix doesn’t come cheap!) and of course raiding health food stores for the latest protein powders, herbal tinctures and soft gels to get us back on track. Well, dear readers (and me 5 years ago…), if you ever find yourself wandering aimlessly through health food store isles struggling to choose between raspberry ketones and timbucktwo, take a step back, scoot on over, and listen up!
Not all supplements are created equal. In fact, some may do more harm than good. So it’s important to do your research prior to any poppin’, slurpin’ or rubbin’. And remember, a supplement of any kind should be just that—a supplement for nutrients you aren’t already getting through organic, whole foods. So with that said, which supplements should you steer clear of on your path to awesomeness (and a tight bod)? Well, there’s a few. But there is one in particular that deserves your attention: bitter orange.
Citrus aurantium aka “bitter orange” and what it’s used for
Citrus aurantium aka “bitter orange” is an edible fruit that grows on trees in tropical Asia (and other enviously hot places). It strikes an uncanny resemblance to the conventional orange but its properties make this plant a stand out—in ways both good and bad. Bitter orange found its way into human hands in the 1st century and its popularity grew in a New York minute. By the 15th century, the oil in the peel was commonly used in the treatment of digestive disorders and skin problems. Today, the oil is an effective remedy for all sorts of tummy troubles like:
- ulcers
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- foul-smelling gas
When applied topically, it acts as an anti-fungal ninja. In addition to the fruit’s therapeutic properties, it even finds uses in other departments. The oil is commonly used in:
- perfumes
- liquors like triple sec (who knew, right?)
- aromatherapy
- soaps
- cosmetics
- food flavouring
- and even some culinary delicatessens like bitter orange marmalade (which is apparently tres delicious)
Bitter Orange: Dr.Oz’s Top 3 Supplements to Avoid!?
But let’s get down to the knitty gritty, shall we? Bitter orange has recently unveiled its dark side. In 2009, a man suffered a heart attack while taking a weight loss supplement with bitter orange as one of the main ingredients. Adding fuel to the fire, Dr. Oz recently dubbed the plant as one of his top three supplements to avoid. So what’s the deal? How can a plant with so many health benefits also be a hazard? It is simply this. The bitter orange that is found in supplements, weight loss formulas and performance-enhancing drugs is a highly concentrated extract. While some research suggests that bitter orange extract is effective for weight loss, the risks outweigh the benefits.
Let’s rewind for a second to the days of ephedra, an herbal supplement and common additive in most weight loss supplements. It wasn’t long before The Food and Drug Administration realized its harmful effects on the body (heart failure, palpitations and death to name a few) and yanked it off the shelves. But before you could say “scary much?”, a replacement was found. Yep, you guessed it…
Bitter orange.
Bitter orange and ephedra are similar
The chemicals found in bitter orange are similar to those of ephedra—namely synephrine and octopamine which mimic the effects of epinephrine. In a highly concentrated dose, these chemicals may speed up heart rate, raise blood pressure and even cause stroke. What makes matters even worse is when it’s paired together with caffeine—another stimulant commonly found in weight loss supplements. Bitter orange plus caffeine may equal a one way ticket to heart-attack-ville.
So, before swan-diving head first into a pool of unknown pills, do your homework. Bitter orange is just one of the few supplements that show adverse side-effects that are good for no one. And before going gung-ho in any exercise or diet regime, I highly recommend speaking to a holistic practitioner to get a better sense of your nutritional needs and a more accurate picture of your overall health. In the meantime, stick to clean, nutrient-rich, whole foods and you’ll be struttin’ in those skinnies in no time.
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