Do Tangerines Promote Weight Loss?

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Do Tangerines Promote Weight Loss?

Written by L2BL Staff Writer

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I recently read a tantalizing report about a legitimate university study which concluded that a plant chemical found in tangerines protected the participants of the study from obesity. There were two groups of participants in the study conducted at the University of Western Ontario. Both groups ate a Western-style diet, high in fats and simple sugars. Something akin to the burgers, pizza, fries and soda diet that too many of us Americans are still consuming as we struggle to lose weight. But one group also consumed a plant chemical found in tangerines. The difference between the two groups was staggering.

The group that ate only high fat and simple sugar diet ended up with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, high levels of blood insulin and blood sugar, and a fatty liver. The second group which also consumed the high fat and high sugar diet, plus the Nobiletin, a flavonoid found in tangerines, did not experience the high cholesterol and triglycerides. Despite this mainly unhealthy diet, this group also did not see elevated insulin and blood glucose levels. Lastly, the lucky participants of the second group also seemed to be protected from the build up of plaque in their arteries. Does this mean that this plant chemical, Nobiletin is a miracle cure for weight loss and obesity? Will heart attacks and stokes be a thing of the pas? Are we just a few years away from being able to throw out our healthy diet plans and eat whatever we want without worrying about our health?

Unfortunately not. The participants in this study were laboratory mice. That means we are a long way off from knowing if Nobiletin will have any positive effects on humans that make hideously bad food choices. Moreover, the second group of mice did gain weight, even though they did not suffer some of the usual health problems associated with obesity. The bottom line is that much many more years of research will need to be done and the results of animal studies may not prove applicable to humans at all.

Research is a good thing but for those of us who are struggling to lose weight, these kinds of findings merely offer us excuses to cheat on our healthy diet plan with the hope that a miracle weight loss solution will be just around the corner. In reality, that corner is far, far away. And if we want to lose weight and enjoy a healthier and happier life we need to take control now of the things we eat and the lifestyle choices we make. I hate to say it again but there simply is no easy way to lose weight. We still need to embrace a healthy weight loss program that should include regular exercise and healthy food choices. That being said, I see no reason not to include some tangerines, along with other fruits and vegetables as a part of your healthy diet plan.

Are you waiting for a weight loss miracle? Or, are you grabbing the bull by the horns and taking back control of your life?