How To Learn More About Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is a key ingredient in several different weight loss products. Bitter orange contains a substance called synephrine, which is chemically similar to ephedrine. There are some safety concerns about bitter orange, since it seems to function much like Ephedra in the body (and as you may know Ephedra is a banned substance).

Even though bitter orange is such a popular ingredient in weight loss products, not only its safety, but also its overall effectiveness is still the subject of much debate and research.

Things You Will Need

You will need a desire to learn about bitter orange.

Step 1 Manufacturers of weight loss products that include bitter orange (and therefore synephrine) claim that their products can help boost your metabolism, increase your energy level, burn fat, and in the process help you lose weight.
Step 2 However, despite these claims made by the manufacturers of numerous weight loss products, there is simply no rock solid clinical proof (as of yet) that these claims are actually true.
Step 3 There are potential dangers associated with bitter orange that are similar to the dangers associated with now banned ephedra. For instance, many researchers maintain that the synephrine in bitter orange might cause or worsen high blood pressure in some individuals. There is also the fear that it may disturb the heart rhythms, which can lead to very serious problems, including cardiac arrest, a stroke, or perhaps even death (as is true of ephedra).

Always consult your doctor before trying any weight loss products, including those containing bitter orange because of the potential health risks described in this eHow article.

Tips & Warnings

These chemicals may cause high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), which can lead to heart attack, stroke and even death — as may occur with ephedra. If you are interested in reading more articles about weight loss, here are two: How to Assess The Pros and Cons of Alli Pills and How to Choose A Weighted Walking Jacket or Vest.