The Pros and Cons of Weight Loss with Raspberry Ketone  

Raspberry ketone is a chemical from red raspberries (Rubus idaeus). It is also used in foods, cosmetics, and other manufacturing as a fragrance or flavoring agent. It became popular for weight loss after it was mentioned on the Dr. Oz television show during a segment entitled “Raspberry Ketone: Miracle Fat-Burner in a Bottle” February 2012 (click show image link below to see  excerpt below). There have been mixed reviews about raspberry ketone. While exploring the data about raspberry ketone, look what I found!
(see sources below).
Some studies in animals or in test tubes shows that raspberry ketone might increase some measures of metabolism. It might also affect a hormone in the body called adiponectin, a protein that humans produce to regulate fat and glucose. However, there has been no reliable scientific evidence that proves that it produces weight loss in humans.  Raspberry Ketone was first brought to my attention by an acquaintance at my gym.  She’d apparently lost weight, reported that she’d been using them for two months and was pleased with her weight loss. I must admit, she appeared thinner , but I can’t say with certainty that it was because of raspberry ketone. Yet,It was certainly enough to spark my interest and motivate me to explore it more extensively. I wanted to determine, first hand ,what the research presented. Being a laymen, I always prefer to make decisions based on my own thorough exploration, in an effort to make more informed decisions as it pertains to my health and livelihood.  I am pleased to share my discoveries with you.  You might find it quite interesting as well. The verdict is still out on whether I”ll try it or not, so I can’t personally endorse it. What’s certain is that I love raspberries, and I’m most intrigued by the fact that raspberry ketone is au natural.
Have you tried raspberry ketones? We’d love to know what you think about them. If you haven’t tried them, would you? Please share your comments.

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Click picture to link directly to Dr. Oz site and view this informative video about raspberry ketones

PROS

-All-natural-Raspberry ketones are extracted from raspberries which are known to contain high levels of antioxidants, which protect the body against diseases and cell damage.

-Adinopectin, a hormone protein that is released in the body by raspberry ketone, reportedly protects against type 2 diabetes. It also helps prevents the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that is a risk factor for liver cancer.

-Research shows that raspberry ketone may aid in your weight-loss efforts, especially when paired with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet of healthy and whole foods.

-FDA has placed this ingredient in the “generally recognized as safe” category. 

-This can help decrease the sign of aging in our cells and our skin.

-They contain salicylic acid naturally. This means they can help fight atherosclerosis and heart disease. They can even help fight inflammation and pain.

-There is evidence that it can help make you feel fuller quicker. This is because of its fiber content.

– It has been reported to stimulate hair growth if applied to the scalp.

CONS

To date, there have been no human studies showing that raspberry ketones burn fat -The small print on the raspberry ketone bottle states: This information has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nor has it gone through the rigorous double-blind studies required before a particular product can be deemed truly beneficial or potentially dangerous and prescribed in the treatment of any condition or disease.

– There has been concern that use of raspberry ketone supplements could be harmful to people with certain chronic conditions (including high blood pressureasthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Norepinephrine is a type of nervous system chemical that is known to increase blood pressure.

-Safety for use in children and lactating women has not been proven.

According to experts, 100 mg is the recommended dosage of raspberry ketones. However, since this is a herbal product it is recommended that individuals talk to their doctor before taking. It is also essential to read the full list of ingredients and any warnings that comes with the product before taking the supplement.

Sources
“Raspberry Ketones for Weight Loss” by Cathy Wong 
“Key Health Benefits of  Raspberry Ketones” by Katie Web
Wang L, Meng X, Zhang F. Raspberry ketone protects 
rats fed high-fat diets against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. 
J Med Food. 2012;15:495-503.

Morimoto C, Satoh Y, Hara M, et al. Anti-obese action of 
raspberry ketone. Life Sci. 2005;77:194-204.

Kim Anthony

Kim Anthony

Hi, my name is Kim. I'm the Resident Life & Wellness Coach and Editorial Director of FitnessGalore.net. Additionally, as an adjunct professor of Psychology, I am an avid believer in the mind and body relationship and its connection to fitness and overall wellbeing.