Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
Green tea, or more accurately, the polyphenols in green tea, appears to activate our bodies' "natural viral-killer" immune cells, which scavenge and fight off bacteria and flush out toxins. These all-important polyphenols in green tea also appear to use calories in our bodies as energy and thus may assist our "fat-fighting" efforts. By combining green tea with Citrus aurantium it may help to increase the overall thermogenic or calorie-burning effects.

What does the science say?
A recent study in Geneva showed that green tea is naturally packed with caffeine and compounds called "catechin polyphenols." This is of significant interest to those of us trying to reduce our weight because both of these substances have been documented to speed up resting metabolic rate-or more simply stated, rev up our bodies' calorie-burning potential. You see, the caffeine found in green tea allows our bodies to use bodyfat for energy (that is, it's "lipolytic"). When stored calories are used for short-term energy, our bodies burn more fat.

In fact, this study, performed on healthy men, showed green tea alone produced a four percent increase in energy burned, over a placebo, for an extended period of time. The researchers concluded that green tea may be useful for speeding up fat burning and promoting our bodies' ability to burn more calories over an extended period of time.

Green tea originally gained recognition as a potential cancer fighter, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and colon. It is also believed to be beneficial for fighting lung and breast cancers. What's more, green tea demonstrates heart-healthy properties-and may even protect against cardiovascular disease. This is because it may improve the ratio of LDL "good" cholesterol to HDL "bad" cholesterol, helping lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels as a result.

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Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
Active people looking for added endurance and energy, alertness, improved sleep, and enhanced immunity, all in a safe package, are beginning to discover this "secret" natural stimulant to boost physical and mental performance, without some of the unwanted side effects found with most of the more popular stimulants.

The herbal stimulant Yerba mate gives your brain a boost without making you nervous. You feel alert and sharp. Interestingly, unlike most other stimulants, it actually works as a tonic for the central nervous system, calming the body and mind. It has been shown to improve mood and concentration, reduce anxiety, and prevent mental fatigue.

While other stimulants, like ephedra, are feared to potentially have harmful effects on the heart, mate has been shown to actually be good for the heart. It may increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart during stress or exercise and may lower blood pressure and improve circulation in some people by relaxing blood vessels.

What does the science say?
There are 196 chemicals in Yerba mate that are active in the body - including B vitamins; Vitamins A, C, and E; and the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and selenium. And mate has 11 polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants, but one of the most important compounds in mate is "mateine."

Mateine is a xanthine alkaloid. You might have heard of other xanthines, such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. Mateine appears to possess the best combination of xanthine properties. Like other xanthines, it mildly stimulates the central nervous system, but unlike others, it doesn't appear to be addicting.

The result of the chemical combination in mate may, obviously, be a BIG increase in energy and fat burning. One of the most remarkable abilities of mate appears to be that it gives users energy without the muscle tension associated with caffeine. This is due to the xanthines in mate, which cause smooth muscle relaxation.

Dr. Torben Andersen at Charlottenlund Medical Centre in Denmark very recently studied 44 healthy overweight patients using an herbal combination of guarana and another two herbs, Yerba mate and damiana. Dr. Andersen's results were quite positive: those taking the herbal combination for 45 days lost an average of 5 kg (or about 11 lbs) compared to the placebo group who lost an average of only 0.45 kg (or about 1 lb) - a significant difference. What was also noteworthy was that the herbal combination also delayed gastric emptying by 20 minutes, which would lead to a feeling of fullness longer after eating a meal.

Incredibly, unlike most stimulants, mate does not interfere with sleep. In fact, it improves sleep and increases rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as well as the time spent in deep sleep (delta sleep). Many people report that they require less sleep when using mate because they sleep more soundly.

References:

Alikaridis, F., "Natural Constituents of Ilex Species," J Ethnopharmacol 20.2 (1987) : 121-44.

Andersen, T., and Fogh, J., "Weight Loss and Delayed Gastric Emptying Following a South American Herbal Preparation in Overweight Patients," J Hum Nutr Diet 14.3 (2001) : 243-50.

Gosmann, G., et al., "Triterpenoid Saponins from Ilex paraguariensis," J Nat Prod 58.3 (1995) : 438-41.

Martinet, A., et al., "Thermogenic Effects of Commercially Available Plant Preparations Aimed at Treating Human Obesity," Phytomedicine 6.4 (1999) : 231-8.

Schenkel, E.P., et al, "Triterpene Saponins from Mate, Ilex paraguariensis," Adv Exp Med Biol 405 (1996) : 47-56.

Tenorio Sanz, M.D., Torija Isasa, M.E., "Mineral Elements in Mate Herb (Ilex paraguariensis St. H.)," Arch Latinoam Nutr 41.3 (1991) : 441-54.

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The surprising truth about guarana is that while it may be a valuable aid for temporarily increasing energy levels (which is usually needed before an intense workout or first thing in the morning as a "pick-me-up"), its ability to "free" fatty acids (i.e., fat cells) into the bloodstream and break down and mobilize these fat cells to be used for energy makes it a "natural" choice for effective fat loss.

Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
Guarana is gaining worldwide recognition for its "stimulating" effects, to produce temporary energy bursts, but it's becoming even more popular for its "fat-burning" properties. Since guarana acts interchangeably with caffeine, it produces similar metabolic effects as this powerful stimulant, including respiratory clearing, enhanced adrenal activity, and mental alertness. Guarana has been shown to be a safe, effective central nervous stimulant, thermogenic agent, and weight-loss aid. Studies have shown that guarana helps increase the release of fatty acids within our blood to be mobilized for energy. Simply stated, this means our body uses more fat for fuel.

Like caffeine, guarana works by stimulating the adrenal glands to release the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine (i.e., adrenaline), and dopamine, which in turn enhance fat loss, energy, and endurance as well as mental clarity.

What does the science say?
Dr. Torben Andersen at Charlottenlund Medical Centre in Denmark very recently studied 44 healthy overweight patients using an herbal combination of guarana and another two herbs, Yerba mate and damiana. Dr. Andersen's results were quite positive: those taking the herbal combination for 45 days lost an average of 5 kg (or about 11 lbs) compared to the placebo group who lost an average of only 0.45 kg (or about 1 lb) - a significantly different result. What was also noteworthy was that the herbal combination also delayed gastric emptying by 20 minutes, which would lead to a feeling of fullness longer after eating a meal.

References:

Andersen, T., and Fogh, J., "Weight Loss and Delayed Gastric Emptying Following a South American Herbal Preparation in Overweight Patients," J Hum Nutr Diet 14.3 (2001) : 243-50.

Bempong, D.K., and Houghton, P.J., "Dissolution and Absorption of Caffeine from Guarana," J Pharm Pharmacol 44.9 (1992) : 769-71.

Galdur'oz, J.C., and Carlini, E.A., "The Effects of Long-Term Administration of Guarana on the Cognition of Normal, Elderly Volunteers," Rev Paul Med 114.1 (1996) : 1073-8.

Morton, J.F., "Widespread Tannin Intake Via Stimulants and Masticatories, Especially Guarana, Kola Nut, Betel Vine, and Accessories," Basic Life Sci 59 (1992) : 739-65.

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Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
Chromium (usually found in the form of chromium picolinate) has earned somewhat of an anecdotal reputation to help alter bodyfat, which has left many skeptics and aroused some controversy. Yet, two original studies have in fact confirmed chomium's potential to have significant effects on body composition. Using a newly patented form of niancin-bound chromium, called ChromeMate, it was found to Increase fat loss, reduce weight and spare lean body mass in obese women.

What does the science say?
Studies have shown that Chromium helps insulin metabolize fat, turn protein into muscle and convert sugar into energy. Chromium-activated insulin increases the amount of blood sugar available for energy production nearly twenty-fold. ChromeMate is a unique, patented form of biologically active niacin-bound chromium called chromium nicotinate or polynicotinate that dramatically increases the effectiveness of chromium. Researchers have shown that ChromeMate with its unique, patented oxygen-coordinated niacin-bound chromium complex is the safest and most potent form of chromium available as a dietary supplement

Studies have shown that ChromeMate is 18 times more potent than other forms of niacin-bound chromium and is absorbed and retained more than 600% greater than chromium chloride and 300% greater than chromium picolinate. Additional studies show that ChromeMate significantly lowers serum cholesterol and improves HDL (good) cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure, promotes lean body mass, helps reduce body weight and promotes proper insulin function in the body.*

In one placebo-controlled study, researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center showed that overweight women consuming 600 mcg chromium (ChromeMate) for 8 weeks had a significant loss of body fat and sparing of muscle (lean body mass) compared with a prior placebo period of the same duration.

In another study conducted, researchers found that young obese women consuming 400 mcg of chromium as chromium nicotinate (ChromeMate) per day in combination with exercise experienced significant weight loss over an eight week study period. In contrast, subjects who consumed chromium picolinate and did not exercise experienced significant weight gain during the study period.

References:

ChromeMate, a patented, biologically active oxygen-cordinated niacin-bound chromium complex, is a trademark of InterHealth Nutritionals, Inc., U.S. Patents No. 4,923,855; 4,954,492; 5,194,615

Abderson RA. Nutritional factors influencing the Glucose/Insulin System:Chromium.J Ame College Nutr 16:404-410,1997

Crawford V et al. Effects of Niacin Bound Chromium Supplementation on Body Composition in Overweight African American women. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 1:1-7, 1999

Grant KE et al. Chromium and Exercise training.Effect on Obese Women. Med Sci Sports Exercise,29:992-998,1997Lefavi RG, et al, Lipid Lowering effect of a Dietary Chromium (111)-Nicotinic Acid complex in Mal athletes, Nutr Res 13:239-249, 1993

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Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
Citrus aurantium appears to work by way of its active compound called synephrine, which is a bit like ephedra (a caffeine-like chemical found in a lot of weight loss and performance products). Like ephedra, this chemical also appears to reduce appetite and boost metabolism - the rate our bodies burn calories, thus stimulating fat loss. Unlike ephedra, though, you're likely to experience very little, if any, side effects with Citrus aurantium. This is because synephrine doesn't seem to cross the blood/brain barrier as easily as ephedra, which means reduced central nervous stimulation and cardiovascular effects. Ultimately, this could mean no nervous energy, shakes, or insomnia.

What does the science say?
The reason Citrus aurantium gives you a smooth flow of energy without the jitters is because it stimulates certain receptors (called beta-3 adrenergic receptors) that help elicit the breakdown of fat, known as lipolysis. Simultaneously, this stimulation causes an increase in the metabolic rate. Therefore, you burn fat without bothering other receptors (namely beta-1, beta-2, or alpha-1) that over-stimulate your heart rate and blood pressure. In contrast, ephedra stimulates all beta-adrenergic receptors, thus causing unwanted side effects. A study by Colker showed a significant fat loss of 2.9 percent in individuals using a Citrus aurantium extract formula and documented it to be both safe and effective for promoting weight and fat loss in healthy overweight adults.

References:

Colker, C.M., et al., "Effects of Citrus aurantium Extract, Caffeine, and St. John's Wort on Body Fat Loss, Lipid Levels, and Mood States in Overweight Healthy Adults," Curr Ther Res 60 (1999) : 145-53.

Fontana, E., et al., "Effects of Octopamine on Lipolysis, Glucose Transport and Amine Oxidation in Mammalian Fat Cells," Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol 125.1 (2000) : 33-44.

Galitzky, J., et al., "Specific Stimulation of Adipose Tissue Adrenergic Beta 3 Receptors by Octopamine," C R Acad Sci III 316.5 (1993) : 519-23.

Kalman, D.S., et al., "Effects of a Weight-Loss Aid in Healthy Overweight Adults: Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial," Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 61.4 (2000) : 199-205.

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Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
Dandelion leaves produce a mild diuretic effect, while the roots act as a digestive aid. It's used to cleanse the liver and has been shown to stimulate bile production by the liver. This increase in bile flow may help improve fat (including cholesterol) metabolism in the body. . While most diuretics often cause the loss of potassium from the body, dandelion is actually a rich source and makes a well-balanced diuretic that may be used safely, even in cases where there is water retention due to heart problems. Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves have a very high content of Vitamin A as well as moderate amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.

What does the science say?
Although there are no significant peer reviewed studies available, dandelion has been used historically over hundreds of years for its benefits as a safe, effective diuretic and recently has been compared to diuretic medicines such as furosemide. It is apparent that use of herbal diuretics may aid in safe reduction of water retention in some individuals. Dandelion leaves also prompt the release of enzymes that break down carbohydrates, so our bodies are less likely to store them as fat. It is also thought that dandelion might possess blood sugar modulating activity. This finding is probably, in part, a result of the high inulin content of the plant. Inulin is a polysaccharide fiber, composed of long chains of repeating fructose molecules, thought to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

References:

Murray, M.T., The Healing Power of Herbs, 2nd ed. (Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995) 86-91.

Susnik, F., "The Present State of Knowledge about the Medicinal Plant Taraxacum officinale Weber" [in Slovak; English abstract], Med Razgl 21 (1982) : 323-8.

European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Taraxaci radix (dandelion). Exeter, UK: ESCOP; 1996-1997:2. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs, Fascicule 2.

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Bioperine is a standardized extract from the fruits of Piper nigrum L. (black pepper, a common household spice) or Piper longum L. (long pepper). It contains a minimum piperine content of 95 percent compared to the 3 to 9 percent and 3 to 5 percent found in raw forms of Piper nigrum and Piper longum, respectively. Bioperine may be co-administered with various nutrients to assist in the uptake and utilization of those nutrients.

Why is it in the Lean System 7 Formula?
The metabolic process that generates energy at the cellular level in our bodies is called thermogenesis. While thermogenesis has typically been categorized as a key factor in weight loss, to confine the scope of its function to this aspect alone would be incomplete. Thermogenesis plays an integral role in our bodies' ability to properly use the foods and nutrients we take in daily. It sets in motion the mechanisms that lead to digestion and subsequent gastrointestinal absorption. Piperine, in the patented form of Bioperine, enhances the body's natural thermogenic activity.

This enhancement may be explained as a means of increasing thermal energy sufficient to "power up" mechanisms related to thermogenesis. This, in turn, results in increased metabolic processes that create a demand for a broad range of nutrients that contribute to metabolism; i.e., vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, etc. It is as if Bioperine activates a metabolic paddle wheel, of sorts, that selectively provides a more efficient mode of nutrient transportation into the blood. Based on available research, piperine is unique in its activity.

What does the science say?
Bioperine is the only source of piperine to obtain patented status for its ability to increase the bioavailability of nutritional compounds. Bioperine is also the only source of piperine to undergo clinical studies in the U.S. to substantiate its safety and efficacy for nutritional use. When Bioperine was administered orally to healthy humans in a dose of 5 mg per person per day, the serum levels of different tested nutrients significantly increased by up to 60 percent.

References:

Bioperine (TM) is a patented product from Sabinsa Corporation, U.S. Patents No. 5,536,506; 5,744,161; 5,972,382; 6,054,585.

Badmaev, V., et al., "Piperine Derived from Black Pepper Increases the Plasma Levels of Coenzyme Q10 Following Oral Supplementation," J Nutr Biochem 11 (2000) : 109-13.

Bano, et al., "Effect of Piperine on Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Propranolol and Theophylinne in Healthy Volunteers," Eur J Clin Pharmacol 41 (1991) : 615-7.

Badmaev, V., et al., "Piperine, An Alkaloid Derived from Black Pepper, Increases Serum Response of Beta-Carotene During 14 Days of Oral Beta-Carotene Supplementation," Nutr Res 19.3 (1999) : 381-8.