Bergamot For Weight Loss? Facts, Myths, and Research
In a world where everyone would love to shed some excess lbs, it's easy to see why so many turn to weight loss products. Ingredients from nature can help you lose weight and reach your dream dress size.
While weight loss supplements aren't miracle solutions, those containing ingredients sourced from nature can aid your weight loss journey. Bergamot is one such supplement that offers plenty of promise.
What is Bergamot, and How Does It Help With Weight Loss?
Bergamot is an Italian citrus fruit with plentiful flavonoids and antioxidants. It is known to reduce inflammation and cholesterol. The big question is, can bergamot help you lose weight?
In this guide we'll cover:
- Key facts and scientific research supporting bergamot as a weight loss supplement.
- Whether bergamot or berberine offers more benefits.
- Common myths about bergamot and why they exist.
- How bergamot supplements might support your weight loss journey.
How Can Bergamot Help With Weight Loss? Science-Backed Data
While bergamot is a citrus fruit, it's lesser known than oranges and lemons. It predominantly grows in Italy and is a key ingredient in folk medicine and Earl Grey tea.
Research on bergamot's weight loss properties is still in its early stages, but the current evidence shows a lot of promise:
- In 2019, a study positively linked bergamot with appetite suppression. The research - published by PubMed - confirms that high levels of phytochemicals can enhance satiety and reduce your calorie intake.
- Research on animals highlights bergamot's potential to rev up BAT (brown adipose tissue), helping the body burn more calories - even at rest (NIH).
- Tea is well-known for its ability to promote calm in stressful situations, and drinking Earl Grey can reduce anxiety (Science Direct). If you're an emotional eater, teas containing bergamot can stop you from consuming excess calories in times of anxiety.
- Bergamot contains vital substances that can reduce lipid production and decrease cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease and facilitating a healthier lifestyle (Emerson Ecologics).
Which is Better For Weight Loss? Berberine, or Bergamot?
If you've heard of bergamot, you're probably aware of berberine. A natural compound found in plants including barberry and goldenseal, berberine offers a spectrum of healing benefits, including weight loss properties.
Both bergamot and berberine can help your weight loss efforts, but each has distinct pros and cons. Understanding them can help you make a choice based on your needs.
Pros of berberine:
- Helps Weight Loss: Berberine has many positive qualities, including promoting gut health, stabilizing blood sugar levels and enhancing fat metabolism. All of these properties together help to promote weight loss naturally.
- Anti-Inflammatory: While more research is needed, some studies show that berberine has anti-inflammatory properties (NCBI).
- Gut Health: The gut is central to digestion, and minor issues can dramatically halt weight loss efforts. By improving the gut microbiome, berberine can promote weight loss.
- PCOS: Individuals with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome often struggle to maintain a healthy weight, but berberine might improve the symptoms and speed up metabolic processes (HealthMatch).
Cons of berberine:
- Digestive Discomfort: Some people might find berberine causes negative side effects, including cramping, bloating, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.
- Interactions: If you're taking blood thinners or other medications, you might need to consult your doctor, as berberine can cause side effects.
- Compatibility: Pregnant and breastfeeding should consult a professional before using berberine.
Pros of bergamot:
- Weight Loss: Taking bergamot supplements can help you lose weight and boost your metabolism.
- Lowers Cholesterol: Bergamot can also lower cholesterol, promote cardiovascular health, and ensure you can exercise effectively.
- Stress Relief: Whether you use essential oils, drink Earl Grey tea or use oral supplements, bergamot can reduce stress, ensuring you don't overeat.
- Pleasant Taste: While berberine can have quite a strong taste, bergamot is a citrus fruit with a subtle flavour.
Cons of bergamot:
- Limited Research: There's a lot of research into bergamot's properties, but most are short-term studies. Long-term research could shed light on how the citrus fruit works for weight loss.
- Possible Interactions: Some people might experience reactions when using bergamot—especially if you're on medications for cholesterol.
- Bergamot Oil Effects: If you use bergamot oil topically, it can increase sun sensitivity. The oil is also unsuitable for ingestion.
Myths About Weight Loss With Supplements
You've probably heard conflicting opinions about weight loss supplements. Some people swear by them, while others say they don't work. Weight loss specialists often criticize supplements, but the myths surrounding them aren't always accurate.
Let's lift the cover on popular myths about weight loss supplements and the truths behind them.
Myth 1: Weight loss supplements are miracle products
You've probably seen ads claiming that a specific supplement will encourage weight loss without calorie restriction and exercise. It would be great if this were true, but supplements are aids to enhance your efforts.
Using bergamot without healthy eating or exercise means it's unlikely to offer positive results, so make sure the supplements complement your efforts.
Myth 2: Supplements are dangerous
Most supplements combine natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. They're generally safe, but it depends on whether you're taking any medications or have a pre-existing health condition.
Using supplements that aren't compatible with your needs is never a good idea, but if they cause side effects, that doesn't mean your chosen weight loss supplement is dangerous.
Myth 3: There's no real evidence to support weight loss supplements
There is evidence to support the advertised benefits of weight loss supplements, but some providers overstate them. Positive reviews and anecdotal evidence aren't the same as scientific studies, so research before choosing a supplement.
Typically, weight loss supplements are intended to promote weight loss in tandem with a healthy lifestyle, optimal diet, and accompanying exercise. These supplements will not do the work for you - but can help to promote weight loss through balancing blood sugar, improving gut biome function, and reducing bloating.
How Does Bergamot Affect Weight Loss?
Now that you know all about bergamot, it's time to explore the most important question: What can it do for your weight loss efforts? From boosting your metabolism to curbing your appetite, bergamot offers a range of benefits.
Flavonoids positively impact fat and sugar metabolism
Bergamot is abundant in flavonoids and can positively impact sugar and fat metabolism.
Supplements containing bergamot can stabilize blood sugar levels and support diabetics, while catechins ensure the body can break down fat.
AMP kinase enzyme metabolizes glucose and fatty acid
AMPK (activated protein kinase) is a vital enzyme that is central in metabolizing fatty acids and glucose. Bergamot is rich in essential compounds that fuel AMP activation, resulting in the metabolism and breakdown of fatty acids and glucose (Frontiers).
Anti-inflammatory properties are found in bergamot
With its superior anti-inflammatory properties, bergamot is ideal for the immune system and pain relief. Many people struggle to maintain a consistent exercise regime, but taking a bergamot supplement boosts energy and promotes faster muscle recovery.
Bergamot extract protects against the development of obesity
Research into the effects of bergamot is ongoing, but initial results show it can protect people against obesity. With powerful antioxidants and an ability to boost metabolic function, taking bergamot extract regularly can reduce the risks of obesity.
Improves the function of ghrelin and leptin, hormones that cause hunger
Losing weight is an ongoing challenge, especially when you're experiencing hunger pains. Bergamot can block leptin and ghrelin, the hunger-inducing hormones that often result in food consumption, ensuring you can stay on track with reduced calories.
Try Bergamot Extract For Weight Loss
Bergamot isn't a miracle weight loss product, but it can help you reduce your calorie intake and meet your goals. With a range of supplements available, Lifestyle Markets is the go-to place for all your health and wellness needs.
Whether you're looking for bergamot capsules, essential oils or anything else, we have an extensive collection of high-quality supplements available.
