What is Thermogenesis and Metabolic Rate? “Thermo” means heat and “genesis” means production. Increasing thermogenesis in weight loss works by raising the metabolic (calorie burning) rate of the body. The term “metabolic rate” refers to the specific rate at which energy (metabolized food sources) is expended by the body. Metabolism, simply put, is the process whereby the body converts food sources into energy to utilize for basic functioning, tissue repair, or for storage in adipose tissue (fat) for future use as energy. If a person has a fast metabolism it means they burn calories (thermogenesis) more quickly and efficiently and store less as fat. A slower metabolism burns less calories, is less efficient and therefore stores more calories as fat. The metabolic rate can vary depending on several factors. The factors that are controllable include amount of regular exercise (amount of calories burned) and food intake (amount of calories ingested). INGREDIENTS Citrus Aurantium (Bitter Orange). Current uses now include its role in promoting weight loss by enabling the body to accelerate the removal of fat stores through enhanced thermogenesis. The main constituent is synephrine, which is a milder stimulant without the negative effects ephedrine products can have. White Willow. White Willow Bark contains Salicin, which the body converts into Salicylic Acid. In weight loss, Salicin is thought to lengthen the fat-burning effects of Guarana and so is used in combination for herbal synergism. Coleus Forskohlii. Coleus Forskholii has the ability to raise levels of an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. This enzyme raises the conversion rate of ATP to cAMP in the body. cAMP is a key regulator of metabolism and fat burning. This ingredient aids in better utilization of fatty acids for energy, which means more fat stores being utilized and burned. Guarana. Guarana is often used for weight loss and to enhance athletic performance. It is also used to reduce fatigue, in general. As a nervous system stimulant, it increases metabolic rate, suppresses appetite and enhances physical and mental performance. Green Tea. Green Tea has been shown to increase resting energy expenditure (basal metabolic rate) by 4%, which means more calories (including fat) getting burned. Green Tea also works with other chemicals to upgrade levels of fat oxidation and thermogenisis, activating fat burning to create body heat and energy. Taurine. Taurine helps to emulsify dietary lipids in the intestine, promoting digestion. Taurine also regulates heartbeat and maintains cell membrane stability. Taurine has protective effects upon the human brain and is often used to boost brain function and cognitive abilities. Mucuna Puriens. Mucuna yields a significant amount of therapeutic L-dopa, known as a cognitive agent and as an anti-depressant. Depression is a leading cause of overeating and craving foods high in sugar like chocolate and deserts. L-dopa increases levels of dopamine in the brain and causes the secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Growth hormone is notorious for its effects as an anti-catabolic (muscle sparing) agent and for its fat burning qualities. Phenylalanine. An amino acid precursor to tyrosine, phenylalanine and tyrosine are sometimes prescribed as antidepressants, usually in combination with other nutrients and herbs that have mood elevating properties. It is thought that phenylalanine may trigger the release of an appetite-suppressing hormone in the gut called cholecystokinin. Most individuals who take either of these amino acids notice improved alertness, arousal, mood enhancement and loss in appetite. Korean Ginseng. Some of its most popular uses are to enhance endurance, improve fatigue, encourage speedy recovery from illness, increase mental concentration, improve athletic stamina and enhance cognitive function. In recent years, researchers have also discovered that ginseng may enhance the body's ability to burn fat during physical activity and sparing muscle glycogen (the energy someti