Apple Patch Ingredients, Get the Facts!

Each patch contains a powerful proprietary blend of (3) highly-effective herbs listed below.

Our diet patch is different to many weight loss patches you may have seen on the market, we use the latest technology to ensure that the highest amounts of each ingredients are contained within each patch. Our patches are also different because we only use the finest natural ingredients available.

Garcinia Cambogia Extract - 125mg

Description
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), is the active ingredient extracted from the rind of a little pumpkin-like fruit, Garcinia cambogia, from India and Southeast Asia. Dietary supplements and a wide variety of weight loss formulas, contain Garcinia extract to inhibit fat production and suppress appetite.

Claims
Promotes weight loss
Suppresses appetite
Reduces blood lipids
Increases fat oxidation/mobilization
Promotes glycogen synthesis
Increases energy levels

Theory
HCA can inhibit an enzyme in cells, citrate lyase, which is needed for the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. In the cell, carbohydrates are broken down into citrate compounds, which are then converted (by citrate lyase) into another compound; acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) – the metabolic building block for fat synthesis. By blocking the conversion of citrate into acetyl-CoA, HCA can suppress fat synthesis. Acetyl CoA is further converted into malonyl CoA, a compound which may block the actions of carnitine acyltransferase in shuttling fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned. It is important to note, however, that the citrate lyase enzyme, is only significantly active under conditions of carbohydrate overconsumption. In others words, unless you’re eating a lot of carbohydrate-type foods (bagels, pasta, potatoes), and overloading your carbohydrate storage capacity (muscle and liver glycogen stores) there is no significant conversion of carbohydrates into fatty acids anyway (and HCA may not work for you). If, however, you’re chowing down on low-fat high-carb foods at every meal, then your glycogen stores will be over-flowing and your citrate lyase enzymes are going to be working over time converting those excess carbs to fat. OK, so now that you’ve blocked the fat production, you have to do something with those excess carbs. They can’t be stored as glycogen because those stores in liver and muscle are already full, so it is thought that the body disposes of them by increasing carbohydrate oxidation (burning them). As a result of these fully loaded glycogen stores, some researchers have suggested that a "side effect" of HCA supplementation may be a suppression of appetite – which would reduce food intake and promote weight loss.

Scientific Support
Studies have shown that hydroxycitrate decreases weight gain – primarily by suppressing appetite and reducing food intake. At least one rat study has also shown a loss of body weight and reduced fat mass due to an 11% increase in daily energy expenditure. HCA appears to be effective in both lean and obese rats, where it can reduce food intake, body weight, body fat accumulation, fat cell size, and serum triglycerides. Studies of HCA supplementation in humans have been equivocal. In some studies, 1000-2400mg of HCA per day led to a doubling or tripling of weight loss compared to placebo groups. Just last year, however, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study showing no effect of Garcinia cambogia on weight loss in overweight men and women. In the study, a commercially available product and weight loss plan was used (Thermogenic Ultra Lean – Herbal weight loss plan with Garcinia cambogia – from Great American Nutrition, Salt Lake City, Utah). A total dose of 1500mg of HCA per day for 12 weeks did not augment weight loss compared to the placebo group. The JAMA study has been criticized by pro-HCA camps on a number of criteria including the restrictive nature of the diet (low energy – 1210 kcal per day), the high fiber content (which decreases absorption of HCA) and the failure to assess HCA absorption (to see if it actually got into the cells where it becomes active). In defense of the study, however, is the authors’ assertion that they wanted to test the compound under conditions in which people might normally try to lose weight (like a low calorie diet) – not exactly a bad idea. They also noted that the possibility for HCA to be effective in blocking fat synthesis may be more evident when people "fall-off" their diets or relapse and start consuming lots of high carbohydrate foods. The authors of the JAMA study concluded that their results do not support a role for Garcinia cambogia in facilitating weight loss beyond the effects observed with a low calorie high fiber diet. Evidence from animal studies and human trials of high carbohydrate diets, however, suggest otherwise – and support the use of HCA for inhibiting fat synthesis and reducing body weight. Additionally, in those individuals consuming a normal diet, HCA may provide some measure of appetite suppression – an effect which may be expected to curtail food cravings and help to support weight maintenance. For example, one small study indicated that subjects taking HCA were better able to adhere to a weight loss diet than subjects taking a placebo. An unpublished study from the makers of the “Regulator” brand of HCA showed an effect on suppressing appetite and reducing body weight (4-12 lbs. greater than placebo). The study looked at 50 subjects who consumed 1.5-6 grams of the HCA supplement daily for one month. Another study used a double blind, placebo controlled, randomized, crossover study design to investigate whether 3 days of HCA supplementation (3 grams/day) had any influence on metabolic parameters with or without moderately intense exercise (40-60% VO2max). The study examined 10 sedentary men across 4 lab visits (consuming a 30-35% fat diet) and found no significant differences for measures of fat/carbohydrate oxidation (respiratory quotient) or other aspects of metabolism.

Safety
There are no serious adverse side effects associated with intake of Garcinia cambogia or hydroxycitric acid supplements aside form some minor gastrointestinal distress induced by high doses.

Value
For weight loss, regular intake of Garcinia cambogia and HCA is supported by animal studies (and high carbohydrate diets), where it reduces food intake and body fat accumulation. Some data from human trials support the effectiveness of HCA for weight control in humans, but here the data is not particularly strong. And much more research is needed to confirm the degree of weight loss that can be expected from regular HCA supplementation. Given the apparent safety profile of Garcinia/HCA supplements and the clear difficulty associated with maintaining a reduced body weight following weight loss, HCA may be most effective as an aid to preventing weight re-gain – rather than as an approach to stimulating significant fat loss (which is best achieved by lifestyle modifications in diet, behavior and exercise patterns). Those individuals who have succeeded in losing body weight and fat mass (not an easy task) may be better able to adhere to their new diet and maintain their new lower body weight more effectively with the help of HCA dietary supplements.
Dosage Typical doses associated with suppression of appetite and reductions in body weight are 750-1500 mg of Garcinia cambogia, (standardized for at least 50% HCA) taken in 2-3 divided doses about 30-60 minutes before eating. Because of the variation in hydroxycitric acid content between various brands of Garcinia cambogia extract, it is recommended to choose a brand which is standardized to a high level of HCA.

References
1. Badmaev V, Majeed M, Conte AA. Garcinia cambogia for weight loss. JAMA. 1999 Jul 21;282(3):233-4; discussion 235. 2. Firenzuoli F, Gori L. Garcinia cambogia for weight loss. JAMA. 1999 Jul 21;282(3):234; discussion 235. 3. Heymsfield SB, Allison DB, Vasselli JR, Pietrobelli A, Greenfield D, Nunez C. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1998 Nov 11;280(18):1596-600. 4. Kriketos AD, Thompson HR, Greene H, Hill JO. (-)-Hydroxycitric acid does not affect energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in adult males in a post-absorptive state. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1999 Aug;23(8):867-73. 5. McCarty MF. Inhibition of citrate lyase may aid aerobic endurance. Med Hypotheses. 1995 Sep;45(3):247-54. 6. McCarty MF. Utility of metformin as an adjunct to hydroxycitrate/carnitine for reducing body fat in diabetics. Med Hypotheses. 1998 Nov;51(5):399-403. 7. Schaller JL. Garcinia cambogia for weight loss. JAMA. 1999 Jul 21;282(3):234; discussion 235.

Guarana Extract - 125mg

Description
Guarana comes from the seeds of a South American shrub – most of which originates in Brazil. Traditional uses of guarana by natives of the Amazonian rain forest include crushed seeds added to foods and beverages to increase alertness and reduce fatigue. As a dietary supplement, it’s no wonder that guarana is an effective energy booster – as it contains about twice the caffeine found in coffee beans (about 3-4% caffeine in guarana seeds compared to 1-2% for coffee beans). Concentrated guarana extracts, however, can contain caffeine at levels of as much as 40-50%, with popular supplements delivering 50-200mg of caffeine per day (about the same amount found in 1-2 cups of strong coffee). As with any caffeine-containing substance, too much can lead to nervousness, tension and headaches.

Claims
Increases energy levels / Reduces fatigue
Enhances physical and mental performance
Promotes weight loss
Suppresses appetite

Theory
The theory behind how guarana works is relatively straightforward. The major active constituent is caffeine (sometimes called “guaranine” to make you think it’s different in some way) and similar alkaloids such as theobromine and theophylline (which are also found in coffee and tea). Each of these compounds has well-known effects as nervous system stimulants. As such, they may also have some effect on increasing metabolic rate, suppressing appetite and enhancing both physical and mental performance.

Scientific Support
The seeds of guarana are known to be rich in xanthines (caffeine) and have been widely used as a “tonic” in many South American countries – particularly Brazil. In studies which have determined the total xanthine content of guarana powder, caffeine content typically averages 30-50% caffeine (depending on the extract). Related compounds such as theobromine and theophylline are found at levels of 1-3% and, like caffeine, can be detected in the urine for up to 9 days following guarana intake. Most of the scientific evidence on caffeine as a general stimulant and an aid to exercise performance shows convincingly that caffeine is effective. Consuming 3 to 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight (about 350mg for an average sized man or 250mg for a woman) approximately 1 hour before exercise improves endurance performance without raising urinary caffeine levels above the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) doping threshold. To reach that level, you’d need to take in about 800 mg of caffeine, which is about the amount found in 8 cups of coffee or 18 cans of Coke. As a weight loss aid, however, although caffeine may suppress appetite somewhat at high levels, on its own it does not seem to be a very effective supplement for increasing calorie expenditure (thermogenesis).

Safety
The toxicity of guarana has been assessed in cellular and animal studies. In most cases, there is no significant danger, aside from the side effects of high caffeine intake, associated with guarana consumption. As with any caffeine-containing food, guarana extracts can lead to insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, headaches, high blood pressure and heart palpitations. Guarana is not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating.

Value
Caffeine is certainly an effective stimulant that can help increase the general state of arousal and enhance mental and physical performance. It is also widely available in common foods (coffee, tea, cola) and is relatively inexpensive. For an athlete or exerciser who needs a little “boost” before athletic competition or exercise, a moderate amount of caffeine may be helpful. For individuals attempting to lose weight, however, guarana and caffeine do not appear to be especially effective as stand-alone weight loss aids, but in combination with other thermogenic and nervous system stimulants, the caffeine may extend the activity and potency of certain supplement ingredients.

Dosage
Caffeine intake of 180-450 milligrams a day (about the amount in 2-4 cups of brewed coffee or 500-1000mg of guarana extract) has been associated with mild stimulant properties and enhanced physical and mental performance. Higher levels of intake are not associated with additional increases in performance, but may result in adverse side effects such as tension, irritability and nausea.

Related Supplements
Caffeine

References
1. Bempong DK, Houghton PJ. Dissolution and absorption of caffeine from guarana. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1992 Sep;44(9):769-71. 2. Benoni H, Dallakian P, Taraz K. Studies on the essential oil from guarana. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1996 Jul;203(1):95-8. 3. Bydlowski SP, D'Amico EA, Chamone DA. An aqueous extract of guarana (Paullinia cupana) decreases platelet thromboxane synthesis. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1991;24(4):421-4. 4. Bydlowski SP, Yunker RL, Subbiah MT. A novel property of an aqueous guarana extract (Paullinia cupana): inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1988;21(3):535-8. 5. Carlson M, Thompson RD. Liquid chromatographic determination of methylxanthines and catechins in herbal preparations containing guarana. J AOAC Int. 1998 Jul-Aug;81(4):691-701. 6. da Fonseca CA, Leal J, Costa SS, Leitao AC. Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in prokaryotic organisms. Mutat Res. 1994 May;321(3):165-73. 7. Donadio V, Bonsi P, Zele I, Monari L, Liguori R, Vetrugno R, Albani F, Montagna P. Myoglobinuria after ingestion of extracts of guarana, Ginkgo biloba and kava. Neurolog Sci. 2000 Apr;21(2):124. 8. Espinola EB, Dias RF, Mattei R, Carlini EA. Pharmacological activity of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) in laboratory animals. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Feb;55(3):223-9. 9. Galduroz JC, Carlini E de A. Acute effects of the Paulinia cupana, "Guarana" on the cognition of normal volunteers. Rev Paul Med. 1994 Jul-Sep;112(3):607-11. 10. Galduroz JC, Carlini EA. The effects of long-term administration of guarana on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers. Rev Paul Med. 1996 Jan-Feb;114(1):1073-8. 11. Katzung W. Guarana--a natural product with high caffeine content. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 1993 Nov;16(11):330-3. 12. Mattei R, Dias RF, Espinola EB, Carlini EA, Barros SB. Guarana (Paullinia cupana): toxic behavioral effects in laboratory animals and antioxidants activity in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 Mar;60(2):111-6. 13. Miura T, Tatara M, Nakamura K, Suzuki I. Effect of guarana on exercise in normal and epinephrine-induced glycogenolytic mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 1998 Jun;21(6):646-8. 14. Rommelspacher H. Guarana. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1995 Mar 17;120(11):384. 15. Salvadori MC, Rieser EM, Ribeiro Neto LM, Nascimento ES. Determination of xanthines by high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography in horse urine after ingestion of Guarana powder. Analyst. 1994 Dec;119(12):2701-3. 16. Santa Maria A, Lopez A, Diaz MM, Munoz-Mingarro D, Pozuelo JM. Evaluation of the toxicity of guarana with in vitro bioassays. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 1998 Mar;39(3):164-7. 17. Schafer AT. Microscopic examination of Guarana powder--Paullinia cupana Kunth. Arch Kriminol. 1999 Jul-Aug;204(1-2):23-7.

Fucus Vesiculosus - 200mg

Description
Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed or algae. As a dietary supplement, bladderwrack is often used to stimulate metabolic rate and promote fat and weight loss. Like many seaweeds, bladderwrack has a relatively high concentration of iodine.

Claims
Increases levels of thyroid hormones
Promotes weight loss
Increases energy levels

Theory
The primary theory behind how a brown seaweed can help increase energy levels and stimulate weight loss is that bladderwrack contains a relatively high concentration of iodine. One of the key functions of iodine is that the thyroid gland requires it to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormones are associated with reduced energy levels and weight gain – so maintaining optimal levels is a key factor in promoting stamina and healthy body weight.

Scientific Support
Although the underlying theory for using bladderwrack as a dietary supplement for increased energy and weight loss appear to be logical, it has not been evaluated by well-controlled clinical studies. A few things that we DO know about the biological effects of bladderwrack extracts include reduction of platelet aggregation (anticoagulant), reduction of blood glucose.

Safety
No long-term safety studies have been conducted on bladderwrack – but it is not recommended in high doses or for prolonged periods of time because of the high iodine content and the risk of iodine overdose.

Value
For its most frequently made claims as a dietary supplement (increased energy and weight loss), bladderwrack has not been shown to be effective. As such, its primary value is probably as a crude source of iodine (but an expensive one at that).

Dosage
There are no accepted dosage recommendations for bladderwrack. Rarely available as a stand-alone supplement, bladderwrack is typically included as part of various herbal blends targeted to weight loss, cellulite reduction, increased energy or thyroid support.

References
1. Beress A, Wassermann O, Tahhan S, Bruhn T, Beress L, Kraiselburd EN, Gonzalez LV, de Motta GE, Chavez PI. A new procedure for the isolation of anti-HIV compounds (polysaccharides and polyphenols) from the marine alga Fucus vesiculosus. J Nat Prod. 1993 Apr;56(4):478-88. 2. Durig J, Bruhn T, Zurborn KH, Gutensohn K, Bruhn HD, Beress L. Anticoagulant fucoidan fractions from Fucus vesiculosus induce platelet activation in vitro. Thromb Res. 1997 Mar 15;85(6):479-91. 3. Fujimura T, Shibuya Y, Moriwaki S, Tsukahara K, Kitahara T, Sano T, Nishizawa Y, Takema Y. Fucoidan is the active component of fucus vesiculosus that promotes contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels. Biol Pharm Bull. 2000 Oct;23(10):1180-4. 4. Lamela M, Anca J, Villar R, Otero J, Calleja JM. Hypoglycemic activity of several seaweed extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 1989 Nov;27(1-2):35-43.

* This information is based on reputable resources and scientific research but there is no guarantee that what we know today, will change with time. Readers should not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, but should always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any major dietary changes. This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice.

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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