Rasberry Ketones: an Untapped Weight Loss Aid?

Since recently debuting on the Dr Oz show, I have had numerous patients and friends ask me about the weight loss effects of raspberry ketones. Unsure of how to answer, I decided to investigate what all the fuss was about and was surprised at what I learned.

Raspberry ketones are a compound found in raspberries that have been shown to help prevent and treat obesity. So far the research has only been conducted in rats but the growing evidence is exciting. One study documented that rats fed a high fat diet with raspberry ketones gained less weight and had less fat in their livers than rats fed a high fat diet without raspberry ketones. A second study demonstrated that in rats, raspberry ketones increased levels of the hormone, adiponectin, which helps promote fat breakdown (lipolysis).

One of the most exciting findings, is that this naturally occurring compound has been found to target metabolically active fat that is situated in the abdomen and liver. This fat is the most harmful type of fat and is associated with heart disease,  insulin sensitivity, diabetes, and obesity.

While no substance should replace the importance of a nutritious diet and physical activity, raspberry ketones may be a beneficial addition to help you reach your weight loss goals. More research needs to be done to determine the effect and safety of raspberry ketones in humans, however the present data is encouraging. I think we will be hearing a lot more about raspberry ketones in the near future.

Interested in reading the research?

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/miracle-fat-burner-bottle

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15862604

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20425690