Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is an ingredient used in lowering
stress.
The active ingredient included in CortiDiet™,
phosphatidylserine, has been shown in laboratory studies to
help reduce general stress response
to intense lifestyle situations.
Phosphatidyserine has demonstrated evidence to possibly:
- Help eliminate excessive stress
- Prevent muscle breakdown
- Stimulate immune function
It is interesting to note that Phosphatidylserine could also
be considered a "general stress" nutrient - providing benefits
for athletes subjected to the physical stress of exercise
as well as for those individuals who are under chronic emotional
stress from hectic lifestyles, job deadlines and many of the
other stresses of modern life.
Phosphatidylserine is derived from non-GMO (genetically modified
organism) soybeans.
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid - a molecule made up
of two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol
backbone.
A European study showed that high-doses of phosphatidylserine
administered over a short period of time could elicit neuroendocrine
responses to physical stress in men that suggest a positive
effect on mood. The experimentation consisted of nine young
healthy men taking phosphatidylserine for 10 days. Results
revealed that phosphatidylserine significantly blunted the
responses to stress. Extending upon
such previous reports that supplements of phosphatidylserine improved mood and reduced stress, a recent study of young adults
found that daily supplementation of phosophatidylserine for
a month was associated with feeling less stressed and having
a better mood.
CortiDiet™
contains a daily amount of phosophatidylserine that may help reduce
stress and prevent muscle breakdown.
Bell JM, Lundberg PK. Effects of a commercial soy lecithin preparation on development of sensorimotor behavior and brain biochemistry in the rat. Dev Psychobiol. 1985 Jan;18(1):59-66.
Benton D. et al. The influence of phosphatidylserine
supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an
acute stressor. Nutr Neurosci. 2001-Vol 4(3), p.169-78.
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Green Tea Leaf
Extract
In a recent study published in the highly revered American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the potential ability of green
tea (independent of caffeine) to influence body weight and
body composition was emphasized. The authors compared the
effect of green tea vs. placebo on 24-hour energy expenditure
(a higher EE means the body is burning more calories) and
respiratory quotient (a lower RQ means the body is metabolizing
more fat). On three separate occasions, subjects (10 men)
randomly received one of three treatments at breakfast, lunch,
and dinner: green tea extract, caffeine, or placebo. Subjects
who ingested the green tea extract demonstrated a significant
increase in EE and a significant decrease in RQ compared to
subjects who ingested caffeine or placebo.
Another study suggested a role of catechins in promoting weight loss. In one study, the anti-obesity effect of green tea was evaluated by feeding different levels of green tea (1-4% in their diets) to females for 4 months. The study found that the women receiving the green tea in their diets had a significant suppression of food intake, body weight gain and fat tissue accumulation. In addition, levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were lower in women receiving the green tea diet. Perhaps the most interesting finding from this study was that Leptin levels in serum showed a decrease with green tea treatments – indicating that green tea may have a direct effect on the regulation of body weight (downward).
In some studies, green tea is associated with a mild increase in thermogenesis (increased caloric expenditure) – which is generally attributed to its caffeine content. At least one study has shown that green tea extract stimulates thermogenesis to an extent that is much greater than can be attributed to its caffeine content per se – meaning that the thermogenic properties of green tea may be due to an interaction between its high content of catechin-polyphenols along with caffeine.
In addition, clinical research has shown that tea, a powerful
antioxidant, stimulates the immune system to fight disease.
CortiDiet™
has included only the purest, most potent form of Green Tea
that may help to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
Dulloo, AG et al. Efficacy of a green tea
extract rich in catechins, polyphenols, and caffeine in increasing
24-hour energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Dec 1999-Vol 70, p.1040-45.
Graham HN. Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med. 1992 May;21(3):334-50.
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Guggulsterones
Grown in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Guggul is a tree
which exudes a resinous sap out of incisions that are made
in its bark. This resin has been used for centuries as part
of India's traditional medicine called Ayurveda. In our modern
world of advanced chemistry, this resinous sap is processed
and purified, and then standardized for a given amount of
its active constituents -Z and E Guggulsterones. These two
compounds are plant sterols with a high degree of human bioactivity
and have been shown in studies to affect many biological processes
including thyroid metabolism, cholesterol management, and
dermal (skin) function. In each of these areas, Guggulsterones
were shown in studies to be highly effective modulators with
near drug-like potency.
Guggulsterones stimulate the thyroid gland, which in turn
produces more thyroid hormones such as thyroxin. These thyroid
hormones have a profound effect on the rate of metabolism
including a direct catabolic effect on adipose tissue. Guggulsterones increase
the peripheral conversion of T4 into T3. Increasing the peripheral
conversion of T3 is highly important because the thyroid only
produces 20% of the body's T3. Most of the remaining 80% is
derived from T4 through a conversion process that occurs in
various target tissues, like skeletal muscle, for example.
Quite a few studies have been done on both humans and animals
accessing Guggulsterones' ability to stimulate fat loss and
decrease serum cholesterol. Based on a review of six randomized
trials of guggul published in The Journal of Family Practice,
the results suggest reductions in total serum cholesterol
from 10% to 27% compared with baseline levels. In addition,
through clinical research, guggul has been identified as a
weight loss agent. A study that controlled for BMI, concurrent
drug use, diet, and exercise found that people who took guggul
lost 1.92 kg after 15 days compared with .32 kg in the control
group.
CortiDiet™
contains guggulsterones that may help to stimulate weight/fat loss and decrease
choloesterol
Bhatt AD et al. Conceptual and methodologic
challenges of assessing the short-term efficacy of Goggulu
in obesity: data emergent from a naturalistic clinical trial.
J Postgrad Med. Jan-Mar 1995-Vol 41(1), p.5-7.
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Zhi Shi
When you consume calories, your body can only do three things:
- use them for production of energy to do work,
- burn them to produce heat,
- or store them as fat.
Therefore, of course, weight management must focus on using
and burning calories-primarily through exercise, diet, and
thermogenesis. Thermogenesis refers to the production of body
heat in muscle and fat. It is directly tied in to the metabolism,
or metabolic rate, which is responsible br burning calories.
Many researchers have hypothesized that enhancing thermogenesis
would be an effective means of increasing weight loss. Their
studies indicate that individuals who carry excess body weight
often have sluggish thermogenic responses. This may be why
overweight or obese individuals continue to accumulate more
and more body fat over a period of years.
Zhi Shi showed in clinical studies, to have positive
effects on metabolism and breakdown of fat. They increase
the metabolic rate, and they also increased the rate of breakdown
of stored fat in the body. Another recent clinical study demonstrated
excellent effects on weight loss and a substantial stimulation
of fat loss with a total absence of side effects (such as
increased heart rate, blood pressure, or central nervous system
stimulation.)
CortiDiet™
contains the compound Zhi Shi that may help to increase
metabolism, aid in the breakdown of fat, and stimulate weight
and fat loss.
Candelore MR, Deng L, Tota L, Guan XM, Amend A, Liu Y, Newbold R, Cascieri MA, Weber AE. Potent and selective human beta(3)-adrenergic receptor antagonists. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1999 Aug;290(2):649-55.
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5 HTP
5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan (a hydroxyl group added to the 5-position). In the body, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, which then can be converted into serotonin (a potent neurotransmitter in the brain). Although 5-HTP is not found at any significant level in a normal diet, tryptophan is found in a wide variety of protein foods. The 5-HTP used in dietary supplements is derived from the seeds of and African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia).
- Relieves mild to moderate depression
- Relieves insomnia and promotes restful sleep
- Promotes weight loss by suppressing appetite
- Reduces overall sensation of pain (migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, general muscle pain)
5-HTP is typically used to treat mild depression based on the theory that as a precursor to serotonin, supplements of 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels and influence mood, sleep patterns and pain control. The amino acid, tryptophan, can also be broken down in the body to yield ribose and/or NAD – both of which have been associated with increased energy levels.
Doses of 5-HTP in the range of 300-900mg/day have resulted in benefits in reducing pain (migraines and fibromyalgia), reducing appetite and promoting sleep (possibly by increasing blood levels of melatonin). In some studies, it appears that there are “responders” – those individuals who experience an elevation in 5-HTP levels in the blood, as well as “non-responders” – who see no such increase
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Calcium (chelate)
It has long been accepted throughout the scientific community
that calcium acts to prevent osteoporosis and decrease the
bone loss that occurs with age. Recently, calcium's role in
preventing and managing obesity has come to the forefront
of scientific research. In response to America's obesity epidemic,
a number of studies have focused on this health dilemma and
the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are involved in
its mechanisms. Recent clinical studies have shown that as
dietary calcium intake increases, it acts at the cellular
level to alter energy metabolism so that more food energy
is burned and less is stored as fat. Studies show that calcium
may have favorable effects on body weight in both children
and adults, with implications for obesity and insulin resistance.
In addition, the mineral may decrease the risk for hypertension,
coronary artery disease, and stroke.
It is stated in the introduction to the report on The CARDIA
Study, a study of 5115 subjects documented in the Journal
of the American Medical Association, that epidemiologic and
experimental studies suggest that dairy products may have
favorable effects on body weight in children and adults. In
addition, dairy and/or calcium may decrease the risk for hypertension,
coronary artery disease, and stroke. In the recent CARDIA
Study, which studied dairy consumption, obesity and the insulin
resistance syndrome in young adults, inverse associations
were found between frequency of dairy (and therefore, calcium)
intake and the development of obesity, abnormal glucose homeostasis,
elevated blood pressure, and dislipidemia in young overweight
black and white men and women.
Additionally, in support of calcium's role in bone mineralization,
a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine
found calcium supplementation to have a beneficial effect
on bone loss in postmenopausal women. The researchers studied
122 normal women at least three years after they had reached
menopause who had a mean dietary calcium intake of 750 mg
per day. The women were randomly assigned to treatment with
either calcium or placebo for two years. While the placebo
group lost bone at a rate of approximately 1% per year, this
rate of loss was reduced by one-third to one-half per year
in the calcium group (a significant amount).
CortiDiet™ is
a leading edge supplement that includes the
science behind calcium's role in weight management in its
formula to produce optimal weight loss results!
Hang Shi,Douglas DiRienzo, and Michael B.
Zemel. Effects of dietary calcium on adipocyte lipid metabolism
and body weight regulation in energy-restricted aP2-agouti
transgenic mice. Jun 2000.
Celotti F, Bignamini A. Dietary calcium and mineral/vitamin supplementation: a controversial problem. J Int Med Res. 1999 Jan-Feb;27(1):1-14.
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MAGNESIUM
Because magnesium is needed as a co-factor for several enzymes to help convert carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy, magnesium supplements may play a role in energy metabolism. Due to the role of magnesium in conducting nerve impulses, supplements have been promoted for support of heart function. Magnesium’s role in bone health stems from its primary location in bone tissue and its ability to help increase calcium absorption.
An article in Lancet described a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 20 patients with CFS. The CFS patients were found to have lower red cell magnesium concentrations. In a clinical trial, 32 CFS patients received either placebo or intramuscular magnesium sulfate every week for 6 weeks. Patients treated with magnesium reported having improved energy levels, better emotional state, and less pain, as judged by changes in the Nottingham Health Profile. Red cell magnesium returned to normal in all patients on supplemental magnesium, but in only one patient on placebo. The authors concluded that these results demonstrate that magnesium may have a role in CFS (Cox et al. 1991).
Magnesium plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is needed for activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, and forming ATP, the energy molecule. Fatigue, muscle cramps, and constipation are signs of magnesium deficiency.
Altura BM, Altura BT. New perspectives on the role of magnesium in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. Clinical aspects. Magnesium. 1985;4(5-6):226-44.
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Chromium (from
Polynicotinate)
Chromium polynicotinate is a patented version of the trace mineral
chromium. Studies show that this dietary supplement's benefits
include weight loss, lowered serum cholesterol and glucose,
burned fat, and built muscle. Chromium aids in glucose metabolism, regulation of insulin levels, and maintenance of healthy blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. Chromium forms part of a compound in the body known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is involved in regulating the actions of insulin in maintaining blood sugar levels and, in helping to control appetite.
In diabetic and overweight individuals, chromium supplements have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels by almost 20%, improve glucose tolerance and normalize insulin levels. Supplements of 400 mcg have helped overweight women lose about 50% more fat in 3 months compared to a placebo group.
Because more than 90% of American diets fail to provide the recommended amount of chromium, and chromium supplements have been shown to be effective in maintaining insulin function and in helping dieters lose body fat, chromium supplements may be an effective supplement for those individuals seeking better control of blood sugar and appetite cravings.
Lowers blood sugar
Increases insulin sensitivity
Reduces body fat
Controls hunger / suppresses appetite
Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Increases lean body mass / muscle mass
Anderson RA. Effects of chromium on body composition and weight loss. Nutr Rev. 1998 Sep;56(9):266-70.
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Mucuna Pruriens
- A time-honored, herbal mental energizer
- Has a high concentration of compounds which play a key role in brain and nervous system function
- Mucuna pruriens standardized to 15% active concentration
Awaken your mind naturally with this time-honored Ayurvedic herbal energizer. Mucuna pruriens
has been used in India for centuries to promote mental alertness and emotional well-being. The
key to the herb's power lies in its high concentration of natural compounds with important roles in
healthy brain and nervous system function. Our mucuna pruriens is standardized to a 15 percent
concentration of active components for guaranteed potency.
Mucana contains the precursor to producing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the human brain. Dopamine, as well as being a mood elevator, is classified as a “catecholamine” (an excitory neurotransmitter.) Catecholamines, including adrenaline, produce the primary signals to encourage the body to burn fat. It also plays a role in controlling appetite.
Manyam, B.V., et al. (1995) J. of alternative and Comp. Med., 1(3) 249-255.
Amin, K.M.Y. (1996) Fitoterapia, 67: 53-58.
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COLEUS FORSKOHLII
In 2001, ForsLean® which is Sabinsa Corporation’s new proprietary composition extract of Coleus forskohlii root, standardized for 10 percent forskolin, was voted BEST New Product of the Year.
ForsLean® was tested in an open-field study with a population of six overweight women (BMI>25). The tested formula was in the form of two-piece, hard shell capsules; each capsule contained 250 mg of ForsLean® (which equals 50 mg of Coleus Forskohlii - the exact amount is one capsule of CortiDiet) The overweight, but otherwise healthy women, received one capsule twice daily for eight weeks. Participants were instructed to take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, half an hour before a meal. Each participant was asked to maintain her previous daily physical exercise and eating habits. In addition, physical activity was monitored based on a questionnaire before and during the trial.
During the eight week trial, the mean values for body weight and fat content significantly decreased, whereas lean body mass was significantly increased as compared to the baseline. Neither the systolic/diastolic blood pressure, nor the pulse rate was adversely affect during the trial. Indeed, a trend was observed of lower systolic/diastolic pressure during the course of treatment. A line graph is attached that shows actual results from this study.
Forskolin is a known blood pressure lowering agent and is used in the management of hypertension, including ocular hypertension that leads to glaucoma.
Clinical studies revealed that forskolin, in the patented ForsLean® composition, in daily doses of 50 mg for 12 weeks, did not cause adverse effects on the systolic/diastolic blood pressure and the pulse rate1.
Coleus Forskohlii is so effective that it has been proven to release fatty acids from body adipose tissues just as effectively as ephedra, but through a more advanced and SAFER mechanism of thermogenic action, all without the jittery effects of a thermogenic ingredient.
For more information on this and Coleus Forskohlii as a superior, fat metabolizing nutrient Click Here
Coleus forskohlii is part of the mint family of plants and has long been used in India, Thailand and parts of SE Asia as a spice as well as an ingredient in various Ayurvedic medicine concoctions for the treatment of heart ailments and stomach cramps. The roots of the plant are a natural source of forskolin, a compound that can increase cellular levels of cyclic Adenosine Mono-Phosphate (cAMP) – an effect that is theorized to influence many aspect of metabolism.
Promotes weight loss / fat loss
Increases lean body mass (muscle)
Improves emotional outlook
The theory behind Coleus forskohlii as a dietary supplement is that its content of forskolin can be used to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity, which will increase cAMP levels in the fat cell, which will in turn activate another enzyme (hormone sensitive lipase) to start breaking down fat stores.
Greenway FL, Bray GA. Regional fat loss from the thigh in obese women after adrenergic modulation. Clin Ther. 1987;9(6):663-9.
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Vanadium
Vanadium is an essential mineral particularly important for
those with blood sugar and insulin imbalances. In clinical
studies, vanadium has proven to be one of the most effective
agents for glycemic control. As for its mechanism, it appears
to play an important role in metabolism. Vanadium has been
found to have a similar effect to insulin in the body, possibly
leading to the application of vanadium in the treatment of
diabetes as an alternative for pharmaceutical medications.
Most of the current clinical research on the essential mineral
vanadium has focused on its ability to regulate glucose levels
and the potential application it could have in the treatment
of diabetes as well as diabetes precursors. In a recent clinical
study, researchers treated eleven type II diabetic patients
with 150 mg oral vanadium for six weeks. Results indicated
that vanadium treatment significantly improved glycemic control.
In addition, based on a systematic review of studies of herbs
and dietary supplements for glycemic contol in diabetes such
as the one aforementioned, it was concluded that vanadium
is one of the most promising supplements for potential treatment.
CortiDiet™
contains vanadium in amounts proven to regulate blood sugar!
Clarkson PM, Rawson ES. Nutritional supplements to increase muscle mass. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1999 Jul;39(4):317-28.
Halberstam M, Cohen N, Shlimovich P, Rossetti L, Shamoon H. Oral vanadyl sulfate improves insulin sensitivity in NIDDM but not in obese nondiabetic subjects. Diabetes. 1996 May;45(5):659-6
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"All I wanted to do was take off those extra few pounds before my trip to Cancun - I believe I was very satisfied!"
"I spoke with one of your dieticians and she said to be patient - CortiDiet will work. Now I am glad that I can keep the weight off."
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"You really do need to follow a complete system - The CortiDiet System - Diet, Exercise, Supplements"
