Ephedra Alternative

Since ephedra was banned in the United States, many companies and consumers have searched for an alternative herbal ingredient that could do the same things as ephedra without the so-called associated risks. There is one herb that has been able to fill that gap.

Bitter orange is an herb that has been used as an alternative to ephedra. The peel contains octopamine, synephrine, N-methyltyramine, and carotenoids. These chemical compounds raise metabolism and promote weight loss.

Those who talk against bitter orange do not have any evidence to prove their case. In fact, there are studies that show bitter orange to be a safe herb that does not elevate blood pressure. One such study proclaims that bitter orange and p-synephrine are "exceedingly safe". You can read the details of this study here.

In 89 clinical studies, bitter orange had no major adverse reactions. Even when combined with caffeine, bitter orange did not raise blood pressure. There is a study that many people claim is proof that bitter orange raises blood pressure. The blood pressure of the subjects in the study did not raise after consuming bitter orange, but it happened after they consumed a meal which is very normal. Blood pressure remained normal until that point.

Consumers have been falsely warned to avoid bitter orange because it's "possibly unsafe", but there is just no proof to back this up. Various juices and products contain bitter orange and are used daily by millions.