5 Juices that Deserve Your Attention

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Saturday, July 23, 2011

Sure, Grandma used to rant and rave about the benefits of prune juice but was there any truth to what she was saying? Here's the dish on five different juices and how they can benefit you.

For the record, these five well known juices are not be the trendiest health drinks on the market. However these tried-and-true options offer a host of benefits, from supporting your immune system and making your skin more resilient to curbing your appetite before a meal. High in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, these healthy juices are as refreshing and rejuvenating as ever. Modern marketing has many consumers looking to exotic fruits and berries for their fill of naturally beneficial juices but there's no need to forget about the classic juices that your grandma used to spoon down your throat. As you experiment with new and exotic blends, don’t forget the nutritious classics.

Prune Juice
Prune juice may not be the first drink that comes to mind when you think of energizing, beautifying beverages, but this healthy juice deserves a second glance. Prune juice is a source of vitamin B6, which contributes to red blood cell production and nerve function. Prune juice is also a source of iron, an essential mineral that allows your red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout your body and facilitates your body’s production of energy. Although prune juice is packed with nutrients, this old-school juice may be best known for its efficiency as a natural laxative. If you’re feeling sluggish and heavy, starting the day with a glass of prune juice may help restore healthy bowel patterns and leave you feeling light and trim.

Carrot Juice
The vibrant orange hue of carrot juice comes from beta-carotene, an antioxidant pigment found in orange, yellow, red and dark green fruits and vegetables. During digestion, your body converts the beta-carotene in carrot juice into vitamin A, which supports healthy skin, hair and eyes. Vitamin A boosts your natural immunity by protecting the integrity of the membranes that line your respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tracts. If crunching a raw carrot first thing in the morning doesn’t appeal to you, try a glass of fresh carrot juice. Mix with pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry juice for a colorful and refreshing breakfast beverage.

Tomato Juice
Tomato juice offers vitamin C, potassium and lycopene, an antioxidant pigment that may help prevent certain forms of cancer, including cancers of the prostate, stomach or lungs. Tomato juice is a concentrated source of this pigment, which is found in red and pink fruits and vegetables. Lycopene may protect the health of your heart and eyes and lower your levels of low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol. Although more clinical research is required to verify the preventive benefits of lycopene, the vitamins and minerals in tomato juice make this beverage a valuable addition to your diet. Add a stalk of celery to your glass and a twist of lime juice for extra fiber and a dash of flavor.

Grapefruit Juice
Sipping a glass of tart, chilled grapefruit juice before a meal may take the edge off your appetite while giving you a healthy dose of potassium and vitamin C. Potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte, regulates blood pressure and promotes healthy heart function. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant vitamin that defends your body against the cellular damage caused by environmental toxins and other harmful substances. Ruby grapefruit juice is a nutritious variation for those who prefer more sweetness and less acidity.

Apricot Nectar
If the taste of carrot juice can’t tempt you to increase your intake of vitamin A, apricot nectar is a sweet, refreshing beverage that’s gentle on the stomach and rich in beta-carotene. This healthy juice contributes to your daily requirements for potassium, iron and vitamin C. Apricot nectar with added ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a soothing alternative to citrus juices if your stomach can’t tolerate acidic foods or beverages.

Acai berries, pomegranites and mangosteen all make for great sources of vitamins and nutrients, and even some tasty juices, but don't forget about the classic juices from bygone eras. Healthy juices provide a nutrient-dense source of vitamins A, C, B vitamins, potassium, iron and many other nutrients. A single cup serving of juice can provide a shot of vitamins and minerals without breaking your caloric budget. Alternate juice with fresh, whole produce to reap the health benefits of the fiber in raw fruits and vegetables.

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Why You Should Be Eating More Peanuts

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Friday, June 12, 2015

New research suggests that peanuts may be able to boost your protection against early death and provide a variety of other health benefits. Read on.

Nuts have always been regarded as an excellent health food staple, but recent research suggests that there may be even more health benefits to snacking on those little crunchy guys than originally thought. While they're technically not nuts but legumes, there are now more reasons than ever for you to start adding peanuts to your everyday healthy snack selection, provided you don't have a nut allergy or other dietary restriction. Let's take a look at some of the great things that consuming peanuts may be able to do for you.

1. They could reduce your risk of dying from certain illnesses.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that eating 15 grams of peanuts or other nuts per day could significantly lower your risk of dying from certain diseases, like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and neurodegenerative disease. Fifteen grams of peanuts equals about half a handful—it doesn't seem like that much, but even starting small can have a big impact.

2. They could cut your risk of developing cancer.
The benefits of eating peanuts may even extend to lowering your risk of developing certain cancers. A 2006 study in the journal World of Gastroenterology suggests that of the participants studied, the women who ate meals with peanut products in them at least a couple times a week were less likely to get colorectal cancer than those who didn't eat peanuts at least twice a week. However, more results are needed to determine whether there is a direct causal relationship between the two.

3. They can lower cholesterol.
Peanuts are loaded with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids along with omega-3s, which can provide positive effects for your cholesterol levels and the health of your blood vessels. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats both can lower cholesterol, which leads to a reduction in heart disease risk and even a lower chance of developing diabetes. Omega-3s may be able to provide you with a better defense against coronary artery disease as well.

4. They can support your brain.
Packed with folate, peanuts may be able to help support brain health. While folate is essential for pregnant women and the development of their babies, it's important for children and non-pregnant adults to have adequate levels of folate in their bodies as well. Most people get enough folate from their diet, so if you eat peanuts you'll likely be receiving some brain support from this nutrient that can help prevent cognitive decline in the forms of fuzzy thinking, mental fatigue and forgetfulness. 

If you're able to consume peanuts and other nuts safely, you may want to try including them as a regular part of your snack food rotation for many of these great health benefits. Check out our selection of nutrient-packed snacks and other great wellness essentials at eVitamins today, and come back next time for more health news. 

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Combat Chronic Pain, Depression With DL-Phenylalanine

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Thursday, June 11, 2015

If you suffer from chronic pain that interferes with your daily activities, you may be interested to learn about this supplement that can relieve discomfort and boost mental wellness.

Anyone who suffers from chronic pain or depression can probably tell you how much their condition has held them back. Chronic pain and depression can prevent deep, restful sleep, physical activity, work and even interaction with friends and family. The search for a remedy can be a long one, with many options bringing with them the risk of dependency and other side effects.

Researchers have highlighted DL-phenylalanine as a possible remedy for chronic pain and depression, as a more natural way to relieve these conditions. 

What Is DL-Phenylalanine?

 
DL-phenylalanine is different from other products used to treat pain and depression because it's an essential amino acid, not a drug. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein crucial for the body. DL-Phenylalanine supplements combine both L-phenylalanine, which is the naturally occurring form of this amino acid found in foods, with D-phenylalanine, which is produced by scientists in a laboratory.

DL-Phenylalanine for Pain Management and Depression

 
So, how can DL-phenylalanine help with chronic pain and mental health? The body needs to get DL-phenylalanine from food to maintain health, which is why those suffering from a deficiency of this amino acid may lead to symptoms like depression, confusion and a lack of energy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). Once ingested, this amino acid is converted into tyrosine, another amino acid whose actions within the body include the production of norepinephrine and serotonin. This action may be the key to reduced pain and improved mood and mental wellness.

The connection between this production of "happy hormones" the reduction of pain and depression with DL-phenylalanine was most recently looked at in a 2000 study of patients being treated with opiates for chronic pain, published in the journal Medical Hypotheses. A previous study, conducted in 2007 and published in the Journal of Neural Transmission found daily treatment with DL-phenylalanine reduced depressive symptoms in study participants after a treatment period of 20 days. It was a small study, but served as a starting point for future research.

More Ways to Combat Chronic Pain

 
It's important to note the evidence to support DL-phenylalanine for pain management is still very limited and more widespread and random trials involving humans will need to be conducted in order to make a definite recommendation on dosage and length of treatment. The facts surrounded taking this supplement for depression are more well founded due to this amino acids known impact on mental wellness.

If you suffer from chronic pain, here are some more suggestions of how to manage your condition for a more active, comfortable life:

1. Use therapeutic massage with a topical arnica product.
2. Exercise daily, strengthening and stretching the body.
3. Take a bath with essential oils and epsom salts.
4. Consult a naturopathic physician about alternative treatments like acupuncture and magnet therapy.
5. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet like turmeric and ginger.

If you're interested in taking a DL-phenylalanine supplement to manage your chronic pain, be sure to speak with your doctor first, especially if you're currently being treated for a medical condition or take daily painkillers. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't take DL-Phenylalanine. This supplement may interact with certain medications, such as MAOIs. 

For more information on the latest supplement news, be sure to check back here tomorrow.

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5 Tips for Healthy Summer Hair

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Taking care of your hair is a task that is necessary to perform year-round. Read on to find out some great ways to keep your hair healthy and happy this summer.

While the winter might be the season during which you believe your hair needs the most attention, due to the dry, frigid air, your hair needs to be cared for year-round. During the summer, hair can become especially susceptible to specific types of damage, from the sun and other elements, so it's important to make sure you know how to protect your locks so they look healthy and lustrous all year long. 

1. Protect against pool and ocean water.
Chlorine and algae-killing chemicals in pools can really do a number on your hair, whether it's color-treated or natural. Drying saltwater from the ocean can also have a negative impact. To keep your hair color protected against that yucky green hue or to defend against fading, applying some thick conditioner to your strands can help. Even if your hair is dry before you head out for the pool, slathering on some conditioner can provide dual-protective measures by blocking the absorption of chlorine and excess moisture and also defending your strands from sun damage. Similarly, rinsing your hair or wetting it before you take a dip can prevent it from absorbing so much pool or ocean water. 

2. Fight sun damage.
In addition to your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun. If your hair is long, wearing it up and totally covered under a large hat is probably the most obvious and effective way of keeping it safe from the sun. While sunscreen is most often used associated strictly with the skin, there are products with SPF that have been specifically formulated for hair protection. Don't forget to keep your scalp safe from the sun either. As one of the most-often overlooked areas of sunscreen application, your scalp can get burned easily and needs special attention. So slather on some sunblock on your part to keep it from becoming red, painful and flaky--something which can extend to your hair and make it look not so great.

3. Avoid over-drying.
While the environment is often humid in the summer, this doesn't mean that you can go crazy with drying your hair, using flat irons or other heat tools. Since the sun is naturally drying, it's best to avoid overdoing the heat during the summer. To take advantage of the heat naturally, try letting your hair air dry out in the sun after applying a deep conditioning mask to get extra hair nourishment without frying it. In addition, you may want to steer away from or limit the use of hair sprays or other alcohol-containing hair products that may worsen hair dryness.

4. Try natural oils.
The oil extract from the neem tree can provide plenty of benefits for different aspects of your health. Neem oil can be applied to your hair to smooth and hydrate, and its powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects can help keep your scalp healthy as well. If you're into swimming, applying a drop or two of neem oil to your hair can help shield it from saltwater, chlorine and certain other hair-damaging substances. Additionally, the high antioxidant count and fatty acids in neem oil may help promote healthy hair growth and also keep it protected from free radicals, which may do more damage when you are exposed to outdoor environmental pollutants in the summer. If you've been sweating all day in the heat and you need a quick way to sop up some of that excess grease or oil around your part or hairline, try witch hazel. Dabbing a bit onto your scalp can help get rid of that oily, sticky summer hair feeling. 

5. Nourish hair from the inside out.Taking a healthy hair supplement throughout the year can provide you with a stronger foundation of hair to last through the harsh summer heat. This revitalizing hair supplement from Aviva contains plenty of vitamins, minerals and herbal ingredients to help keep hair nourished and healthy. With ashwagandha, biotin, folic acid and pumpkin seed oil, among other great ingredients, this supplement works at the root of the problem to provide hair with essential support for great growth and hair loss prevention. If you're prone to breakage or weak hair, this product and other similar ones can help restore strength and even luster for a great appearance. 

While you're out enjoying the heat and sun this summer, don't let your hair get damaged. Keep it in great shape all the time with our wide selection of natural hair care products and other wellness essentials at eVitamins. 

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Protect Your Baby with Prenatal Vitamins

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Friday, July 22, 2011

Parents start saving money for children years before they're born so why shouldn't mothers be thinking about prenatal vitamins? Find out what to be looking for when determining which prenatal vitamin is perfect for you and your future child.

Are you trying to conceive or already pregnant? You'll have to make many decisions in your child’s life, even before he is born and the very first one is which prenatal vitamin you will take before, during and after your pregnancy.

The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are crucial in the healthy development of your unborn baby. It supplements your diet and ensures that you're providing all of the vitamins you and your fetus needs. Not taking prenatal vitamins could have detrimental effects such as spina bifida, which is the non-closure of the spine - leading to the exposure of nerves and possible paralysis, incontinence and mental retardation^[1].

Since spina bifida develops in the first 28 days after conception, taking prenatal vitamin with folic acid before you become pregnant can help prevent this birth defect, however, if you just found out you're pregnant and haven’t taken any prenatal, you still have time to protect your baby. Begin taking it as soon as possible and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

What to Look for When Choosing a Prenatal
Since this is the first major decision you'll make for your child’s benefit, it’s good to know all of the information necessary to choose the best prenatal vitamin. As mentioned, you'll need a vitamin that has folic acid, but you need to have enough of it.  Make sure you're getting 800 micrograms before pregnancy and 1000 micrograms every day during pregnancy, according to the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement.

For other dosages, WebMD advises that prenatal vitamins should contain at least 400 IU of vitamin D, 200 to 300 mg of calcium, 70 mg of vitamin C, 3 mg of thiamine, 2 mg of riboflavin, 20 mg of niacin, 6 mcg of vitamin B12, 10 mg of vitamin E, 15 mg of zinc and 17 mg of iron.

Important Facts on Supplements for You and Baby
1.  More Isn’t Better
While you want to make sure that you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need for yourself and your future baby, don’t overdo it. You can also harm the fetus if you take too much. For example, overdosing on vitamin A could cause birth defects^[2], so never take more than 10,000 IUs a day. When taking prenatal vitamins, you should avoid taking any other supplements, according to the American Pregnancy Association^[3].

2.  Prescription Isn’t Better Than Over the Counter
Also, don’t believe that prescription vitamins are better than over the counter. Many times, obstetricians prescribe prenatal so that the insurance company picks up the cost. What matters is that you take a prenatal that with essential vitamins and nutrients.

3.  Your Body Still Needs Healthy Food
Now, don’t rely on your prenatal for everything your body needs. You must still eat a healthy diet, with an adequate amount of calcium. No prenatal has enough calcium, so you need to compensate by consuming dairy products.

4.  What About DHA?
DHA is a hot topic among expectant mothers, should you or shouldn’t you take it? DHA is an important fatty acid that aids in brain development and the neurological development of the baby. Studies conflict on whether it makes children smarter.

In one study discussed on WebMD^[4], mothers who had high levels of DHA in their blood at delivery had children with longer attention spans at age two and babies in the first six months were two months ahead in development compared to those who were born to mothers with lower levels of DHA.

However, the New York Times^[5] reported that in a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, DHA had no significant cognitive benefits. Therefore, the choice is yours on whether or not to take this supplement. If you do choose to, know that you can find prenatal vitamins with DHA included, which means you take one pill and you're done.

Talk to Your Doctor
Always talk to your doctor about your choice in prenatal vitamins. You want to make sure you choose the best one for you and your baby’s health during this critical time.
 

Sources

1. ^[1] - Pregnancy and prenatal vitamins, Health and Pregnancy, WebMD
2. ^[2] - Prenatal Vitamins, Pregnancy & Childbirth, About.com
3. ^[3] - Prenatal Vitamins, American Pregnancy Association, AmericanPregnancy.org
4. ^[4] - Advanced Attention Span in Babies Whose Mothers Eat More Essential Fats, Health and Pregnancy,WebMD
5. ^[5] - Fish Oil Use in Pregnancy Didn’t Make Babies Smart, The New York Times

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The Best Supplements for Hair, Skin and Nails

By Katie Webb, Staff Writer on Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Sure there are a lot of hair, skin and nail vitamins on the market now but knowing which ingredients to look for can save you time, money and frustration.

Environmental stressors can really take a toll on vital looking hair, skin and nails.  Smoke, sunlight, radiation and poor diet are among the most nefarious contributors to hair, skin and nail degradation, and over the course of several years these variable alone can turn a youthful smile into a frumpy frown.  Worse still is the fact that hair and nails slowly start to brittle and break as they weaken, which can be just as painful as it is concerning.  While there are many lotions, shampoos and conditioners that treat hair, skin and nails from the outside, there are several hair, skin and nails supplements that claim to strengthen from the inside.  Several vitamins and nutrients have been studied just for these effects, and there are six that stand out above the rest as proven hair, skin and nails benefiting nutrients.

Silicon
Elasticity is among the most important factors for healthy hair, skin and nails and silicon adds spring to the body's inner workings.  It's used by the body to help keep cartilage, bones, tendons and artery walls healthy and it's great for putting some pounce in your pigtails.  Silicon levels naturally decrease with age, which makes silicon supplementation even more important for people at or nearing middle age.  Be sure to check the ingredient label of any hair, skin and nail supplement for silicon - not silica.  Although the body handles these two chemical compounds similarly, silica is much less active in the body than silicon, and therefore not as effective.

L-Lysine
Many people don't realize it but hair, skin and nails are made from a type of protein.  This protein, like the protein in muscles, can become compromised and damaged without proper upkeep.  Providing the body with the proper building blocks to produce this protein is tantamount to maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails.  L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps build healthy proteins, and thus, helps maintain healthy, youthful hair, skin and nails.  Also, L-lysine plays an integral role in the formation of collagen, which makes it even more important for taut, smooth skin.  Most importantly, L-lysine cannot be manufactured by the human body and therefore must be obtained from food or supplements.  Any hair, skin and nail supplement should have an amino acid of some sort, if not L-lysine itself.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that's used to counteract free radicals and stabilize cell membranes.  It scours the body for free radicals that have the potential to damage skin cells, neutralizes these threats and helps provide damaged cells with the electrons required to complete any unstable cells.  The fact is, skin cells need to be protected by these antioxidants and vitamin E is the perfectly suited for the task; this is why a large percentage both topical and internal skin care products contain vitamin E.

Biotin
Biotin is the more common name for vitamin B7 and is also known as vitamin H.  It's crucial for the body's metabolism and protein production.  A deficiency of biotin is often marked by dry, brittle nails and hair among the many other symptoms.  Augmenting the daily diet with biotin supplements will result in optimized hair, skin and nail growth and heath.  Most hair, skin and nail supplements will contain a biotin element, if not a biotin and vitamin B6 or B12 combination.

Collagen
One third of the body’s protein is made up of collagen and skin tissue is the biggest benefactor from this fibrous protein.  Collagen is necessary for joint and cartelige health but recent studies have shown that collagen is also good for skin health.  The important thing to remember, however, is that there are more than ten different types of collagen and that choosing the right one may be a matter of trial and error.  Current research indicates that Type II chicken collagen offers the best support for skin health but other sources of collagen are available.

MSM
Also known as methylsulfonylmethane, MSM is a natural source of organic sulfur and is required for collagen formation.  Much like collagen itself, MSM has been proven to be essential for maintaining joint, connective tissue and skin health.  What sets MSM apart from collagen is its ability to detoxify while keeping skin cells soft though.  MSM is naturally found in fruits and vegetables but modern food processing and production methods strips these foods of this important nutrient.  Quality hair, skin and nail supplements will include MSM or collagen itself, and the best ones will use a combination of the two.

Always be sure to check the label of any hair, skin and nail supplement to see if these six vitamins and nutrients are present and in strong enough doses to have an impact.  The best supplements will have most if not all of these ingredients, and even if they're not all there - or if the doses aren't at the required strength levels - separate supplementation is always an option.  All of these six ingredients, except for silicon, are easy to find and not expensive to buy. As with any supplement routine, a little experimentation and brand shopping may be necessary to reach optimal results, and always check with a doctor before introducing any new variable to your vitamin stack.

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Top 5 Herbs to Help You Lose Weight

By Carolyn Occhipinti, Staff Writer on Monday, July 18, 2011

Still trying to shed those extra pounds? Crash diets are not the answer. Check out the top five herbs that will help you lose weight the healthy way.

Are you exercising and eating right, but not seeing weight loss results? You may need a natural boost with herbs!

Feeling hungry all the time and having an insatiable appetite are two of the biggest challenges to losing weight. If this sounds like you, you're in luck. Herbs for weight loss are appetite suppressants because they trick the body into thinking its full^[1].  Other herbs help the body process food efficiently, resulting in more energy to burn more calories. With these two herbal effects, you are setting yourself up for the best way to burn excess fat.

Classification of Herbs -- How They Help Burn Excess Fat
Herbs, that enhance weight loss, restore the body to its most natural state. These herbs act by flushing toxins out your body that slow down fat burn. They also help you consume less, so the body doesn’t have to work as hard to process vitamins and nutrients out of what food you do eat.  The following are the four classifications of herbs for weight loss^[2]:

Diuretics -- These types of herbs help you excrete excess water that your body does not need. During this excretion, you rid your body of toxins that slow down bodily functions.

Cathartics -- Restores gastrointestinal balance. Regular bowel movements help you consume fewer calories because your body is better able to digest the food you eat.

Stimulants -- Fatigue can slow you down physically inside and outside of your body. A lack of energy keeps you from exercising and slows down bodily functions, which both result in less calorie burn.  Stimulant herbs boost up the energy to speed up bodily functions, giving you more motivation to work out and burn more calories.

Appetite Suppressants -- These herbs help emotional eaters, cravers and insatiable appetites by:

• Boosting mood
• Increasing satisfaction
• Expanding in the stomach to leave less room for food

Reach Your Weight Loss Goal with These Herbs
Green Tea
Green tea raises metabolic rates and boosts fat oxidation, according to Dr. Abdul Dulloo, of the University of Geneva in Switzerland^[3]. One of his studies found that green tea extract with caffeine produced more energy than just caffeine.  What does this mean for you? Green tea can help your body use fat efficiently by increasing your metabolic rate to give you enough energy to make it through the day or exercise (to burn even more fat).

Guar Gum
Guar Gum will help you feel full faster and reduce hunger. It’s also a laxative, so what you do eat will be used by your body and then excreted as soon as your body is done with it.

Flax Seed
If you’re looking for an herb with vitamins, phytonutrients, protein and fiber, you have found it! This is great herbal remedy for cravings and appetite control.  When ingested, this herb will expand as much as five times. That means, if you take it 30 minutes before you eat, you’ll already be on your way to feeling full.

Gymnema Sylvestre
Calling all sugar addicts! This will be your key to weight loss by stopping your sweets cravings.  This herb is great for pancreas health and functioning. It will help your body maintain blood sugar levels so that you don’t have drastic level changes, which can cause cravings.

Fennel
If you’re looking for a diuretic that expels water weight, and also improves energy and decreases appetite, fennel is your herb. You can take it in pill form or as a tea, just be careful to take it as directed, as it can be toxic.

Check with Your Medical Doctor
While herbal remedies are relatively safe, it’s important to consult your physician to discuss starting an herbal regimen. Herbs can have serious side effects and can have drug interactions with other herbs and prescription drugs.

Sources

1. ^[1] - Over-the-Counter and Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss, WebMD
2. ^[2] - Herbs for Losing Weight, eMedicinal
3. ^[3] - Dr. Abdul Dulloo, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

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