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Ecklonia cava is a marine brown algae that grows in the ocean off of Japan and Korea. Within these cultures it is has been used as an herbal remedy to treat a number of different aliments over the years due to its high levels of antioxidants. Ecklonia is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. With the high levels of antioxidants in the algae, it has been suggested that it useful in treating fibromyalgia, chemical sensitivity and a number of other conditions including weight loss and obesity. Though there is still more research to be done the testing that has been done has shown a positive result in reducing body fat and increasing energy.
As it relates to weight loss and obesity, Ecklonia Cava extract works by inhibiting the absorption and storage of fat. This is the key to weight loss. When your body is deprived of bad fats, the fat cells are forced to shrink which is the purpose of inhibiting fat absorption. With the shrinkage of fat cells there is also a boost in energy and metabolism. With a boost in energy and metabolism increases the ability to build lean muscle which is better for the body and continued weight loss and maintained weight loss once goal weight is reached.
There was a study done with obese lab rats and it was found that fat absorption was inhibited by more than 50%. Ecklonia cava extract reduced the lab rat’s body fat and increased their physical activity. During this study it was also found that even on a high fat diet ecklonia cava extract also contributed to fat resistance and body leanness.
Very little study on humans has been done since this is a newly discovered attribute of ecklonia cava but in one, two-week long study 141 young adults were given a beverage that contained 200 milligrams of the extract once a day. It was found that there was an average drop in body weight of 4 pounds. Also there was a 2.5 pound increase in muscle mass. While it was found that there was a drop in weight there was no accounting whether or not physical activity was increased during this time. Increased activity could also be attributed to the weight loss noted in the study. There is also a connection with the increase in energy which would give those who participated in the study possibly more energy which made them more active. Whether it is the fat blocking or the increased energy ecklonia cava extract could provide a boost for weight loss.
As with any weight loss supplement, even one that is all natural, before starting it is best to seek the advice of a physician. Some herbal supplements can possibly interact with other medications. This may make the medication ineffective in treating the condition it is used for. There is also a high iodine in ecklonia cava which may prove dangerous if there is a thyroid condition is present.
