Weight loss on "Dr. Oz"

**This article originally published in Prime Magazine Nov 2012**

Recently, I have been bombarded by questions on weight loss products that have been talked about on the "Dr. Oz" TV program. 

As much as I like the good doctor, I have a feeling his staff is struggling to find guests to fill his time. 

Here is a quick primer on some of the weight loss products that have been promoted on his program recently.

African Mango: This is a soluble fiber that slows digestion, absorption of dietary sugars, helps to lower LDL cholesterol numbers and triglycerides.

Konjac root or glucomannan: This water-soluble fiber helps create a full feeling in the stomach. It appends to bile acids and eliminates them through bowel movements. It is very similar to the African Mango.

Hoodia gordonii: This is a cactus from Southern Africa used by indigenous people for stamina. It essentially increases the satisfied message from the liver to the brain.

Green coffee bean: This works to reduce the absorption of fat and glucose in the gut, and also reduces insulin levels, which would improve metabolic function. Raspberry ketones: This is the most questionable product yet. In 30 years in this business, we had never heard of Raspberry ketones as a weight loss product. This was a red flag. Websites claim this is a natural product, but all my research has shown it is a synthetic, and nearly all of it is sourced from China. 

My research shows raspberry ketones is a flavoring agent, not a weight loss product of any value.

One website that alleges to be independent says look for a natural product, from the United States, and do not believe anyone saying you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days. So I went to a site that certifies natural ketones. The first thing on the website proclaims you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days! 

Other evidence indicates many of these raspberry ketones products are adulterated with ephedrine and other chemicals. Results from using the stuff is spotty at best. There are plenty of weight loss products available, with proven results and at reasonable prices.

We at Herbarium will not sell raspberry ketones. We will not trade our integrity for a few quick dollars. That is our promise.