What is Fucoxanthin?
Fucoxanthin (pronounced FEW-co-ZAN-thin) is a type of carotenoid pigment found in brown sea weeds such as wakame and hijiki and to a lesser extent in red and green sea weeds. Although brown seaweed is the richest source of fucoxanthin, it is not easily absorbed and utilized directly from that source. Do not consume large amounts of seaweed which is rich in iodine; excessive iodine consumption may interfere with normal thyroid functioning. Garden of Lifes fucoTHIN is a safe way to get fucoxanthin in clinically effective levels.
Although its not fully understood how fucoxanthin works, it appears to stimulate the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1 also known as thermogenin) which promotes thermogenesis in white fat cells. Thermogenesis is the creation of heat from increased metabolic rate utilizing internal stores of energy, such as fat. White fat accumulates in the liver and around the abdomen (visceral fat) and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Fucoxanthin does not stimulate the central nervous system or increase heart rate. Not only is it safe with no side effects, it is a powerful antioxidant. In addition, it improves cardiovascular health, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and liver function. It also increases the production of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid naturally occurring in fish oil) thereby reducing C-reactive proteins, a marker for inflammation. There is also evidence suggesting that fucoxanthin may be of use in treating diabetes and cancer.
In clinical trials in Russia, over 100 obese women consumed 1,800 calories a day while taking fucoxanthin or a placebo. During the 16-week study, the placebo group lost an average of only 3 pounds. Those taking fucoxanthin lost an average of 14.5 pounds and increased their metabolic rate by 18.2% to 24%, depending on the dosage. Participants who consumed the equivalent of 3 fucoTHIN capsules increased their metabolic rate an average of 18.2% and began to see results in 5-6 weeks. Those taking the equivalent of 10 fucoTHIN capsules increased their metabolic rate by nearly 24% and began to see results in just 2-3 weeks. In addition, the women taking fucoxanthin also reduced liver fat, blood pressure, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein.
Garden of Lifes fucoTHIN, a combination of fucoxanthin and standardized pomegranate seed oil, uses the same doses used in the Russian research. By harvesting the brown seaweed at a young age, fucoTHIN delivers fucoxanthin in a concentration 250 to 500 times greater than whole sea veggies. Pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid, sometimes called super CLA, which works synergistically with fucoxanthin to support natural thermogenesis.
Please note that fucoTHIN´s fat-burning results come on gradually. It can take 5 to 6 weeks at one capsule per meal, but by taking 9 to 10 capsules per day in divided doses, results may be noticed in as little as 2 to 3 weeks. In any case, it takes time for your metabolism to shift, so be patient.
In addition to fucoTHIN softgels, we have fucoTHIN high protein/high fiber bars in chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Or you may want to try the fucoTHIN kit which contains free samples of other Garden of Life products.
From Evergreen’s Archives: March 2008
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