Controversial New Diet Pill Hits Market

A new dietary supplement containing an extract from red raspberries is currently the hottest diet product all over the world — but not without controversy. Critics say the compound — called raspberry ketone — causes such a significant amount of weight loss that it runs the risk of being abused by non-dieters.

Proponents argue that research shows the nutrient to be both safe and effective and that banning the natural compound would be akin to banning vitamins. One thing people on both sides can agree on is the controversial new supplement works.

Several recent studies from Japan show that raspberry ketones — which are chemically similar to capsaicin, the heat compound from chile peppers — significantly increases fat burning, especially the fat that builds up in the liver.

In 2010, Korean researchers reported that raspberry increased fat cells' secretion of a hormone called adiponectin that regulates the processing of sugars and fats in the blood. Increased total weight loss, including a significant reduction of abdominal fat — with zero side effects.

In fact, not only were there not any side effects are by all means impressive, but a 2012 study from China found that raspberry ketones had several health benefits — including improved cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and reduced fat in the liver.

Results in Five Days? Raspberry ketones are the compounds within raspberries that give the fruit its characteristic aroma. More important to dieters, however, is the recent research showing these compounds can also melt away the pounds.

This has some weight-managment experts fearing the new super slimmer may, in fact, cause too much weight loss and may be abused by people who have no business taking it. 

Culled from naij.com