Guggulsterone is a substance derived from the resin of the guggul plant, found in India. This plant steroid is extracted from the bark of this tree and has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy. Guggelsterone is commonly used as an ingredient in many fat loss products and is mainly believed to increase the body's metabolism to burn more fat.
Two types of guggulsterone can be extracted from the guggul plant: a high potency version and a low potency version. These two types can be distinguished mainly by their color. Lower potency supplement is yellow, while the higher potency version is brown. Most fat loss products will contain the higher potency variation while the lower potency variation is used for other treatments.
This substance is believed to help stimulate the thyroid gland, thereby increasing the body's metabolism. A higher metabolism burns more calories, reducing the risk of unwanted fat. Guggulsterone is also thought to be helpful for individuals who follow a ketogenic diet. Since these diets consist mostly of protein, the thyroid gland may become less effective over time, and the conversion of the hormone T3 into T4 may decrease. Guggelsterone may help to prevent this from happening by stimulating the thyroid gland.
Some users also believe that guggulsterone may help to reduce cholesterol in the body. This nutritional supplement may be used to reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Although some studies have suggested this benefit, others have found guggulsterone does not affect cholesterol levels, however.
Guggulsterone may also act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. This can help to reduce the symptoms of diseases such as arthritis. Some researchers also believe that this supplement may be anti-bacterial and help to reduce infections, although more studies are currently being conducted to support these claims.
Some of the possible side effects of guggulsterone may include headache, nausea, stomach cramps, and skin rash. This supplement should not be taken by pregnant women and it should also not be combined with blood thinning medication. It is also not recommended for young children. The recommended dosage for guggulsterone is 90 to 180 milligrams per day, which can be split into three dosages and taken with meals.