Irvingia is a medicinal plant from West Africa that has been shown beneficial for weight loss. Most Irvingia supplements contain an extract created from the plant. Irvingia causes several effects within the body, the most important of which may be its effect on leptin.
The Irvingia Plant and Health – The Role of Leptin in the Body
Leptin is a natural chemical in the brain that causes people to feel full and assists in the breakdown of fat. Leptin normally signals to the body when it is full and lessens hunger signals to the brain.
The Irvingia Plant and Health – Leptin in Overweight Individuals
In overweight individuals, leptin sensitivity can become compromised. Repeated, prolonged exposure causes the body to become leptin resistant. The overweight individual’s ability to experience satiety becomes limited, instigating a vicious cycle of overeating.
The Irvingia Plant and Health – Correcting Leptin Sensitivity in Overweight Individuals
Irvingia increases the body’s sensitivity to leptin, correcting desensitization in overweight individuals. Thus, they once again can feel and respond to the appropriate signals sent by their body indicating hunger or satiety. This leads to reduced calorie consumption and weight loss.
The Irvingia Plant and Health – Inhibit Fat and Promote Insulin Sensitivity
By acting on a specific enzyme within the body, Irvingia reduces the amount of sugar from foods that can be converted into fat. Another common issue in the overweight individual is insulin resistance. This can eventually lead to diabetes. By reducing body fat accumulation, Irvingia increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, correcting another major roadblock on the path to weight loss.
The Irvingia Plant and Health – Effects on Amylase
Amylase is the enzyme used in the body to break down carbohydrates. By limited the actions of amylase, Irvingia restricts the breakdown of carbohydrates.
The Irvingia plant promotes weight loss through several different mechanisms within the body. These combine to create a powerful and effective weight loss aid. Irvingia, through its ability to affect leptin and other chemicals and enzymes within the body, is proving to be a beneficial addition to the weight loss arsenal.