Lychee Extract, the Secret to Losing Abdominal Fat!!!

As always when we run across great articles we have to share them with our fitness family. This articles from Journal of Functional Foods talks about Lychee Extract and its affect on targeting fat reduction. Check it out:

For years, debate has raged within the fitness world - and outside of it - over the issue of spot-reduction, or the ability to selectively remove fat from specific parts of one's body. While many believe that it is indeed possible, and end up spending countless hours doing crunches or "toning" exercises for their thighs, arms, waist and any other possible place unsightly fat may be deposited, the theory is far from being universally accepted. In fact, it often seems as though believers of the spot-reduction legend fall into one of two categories: beginners practicing wishful thinking, and those trying to sell a "fat-blasting" product, usually via a late-night infomercial.
On the other side of the debate are the experienced, no-nonsense fitness enthusiasts who argue that just like you can't choose where fat goes when it's gained, you can't choose where it comes from when you lose it. In their eyes, it all comes down to hard work, discipline, and perhaps some macronutrient manipulation. After all, if spot reduction were possible, you'd see many more sets of chiseled abs, some of them on people who are otherwise obese. Sadly, it doesn't seem to work that way.

Or does it? According to new research published in the Journal of Functional Foods, spot-reduction may in fact be possible. But it's not how you might have imagined it - instead of doing exercises to target a specific area of flab, it's a dietary addition that will have the effect. And what is this magic food? Lychee extract.

Lychee extract is derived from a tropical fruit tree, primarily found in China, India, the Philippines, and Madagascar, among other regions. The Lychee plant is part of the soapberry family and produces pinkish-red fruit. But what is most significant is the effect it had in a recent study.

In the study, a group of subjects aged between 24 and 59 were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received a placebo, while the second group received 50mg of a commercially available Lychee extract on a daily basis. The two groups were followed for ten weeks, after which several assessments were performed.

Even in the relatively short period, significant differences arose. The Lychee group lost an impressive 15 percent of abdominal fat as well as about three centimeters in waist circumference. Additionally, there were improvements in insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to obesity and diabetes.

So while there will never be a magic pill, it appears that Lychee extract can provide an extra boost for fat loss in that all important area - the abs.

SOURCE:

1. Nishihira, J., Sato-Ueshima, M., Kitadate, K., Wakame, K., Fujii. H. Amelioration of abdominal obesity by low-molecular-weight polyphenol (Oligonol) from lychee. Journal of Functional Foods, 2009; 10.1016

So there you have it, when your out to get rid of that holiday belly after the holidays come on in and let us help you get some Lychee and get you on your way to that good six pack!
Till next time,
Mikie

4X Fitness Challenge

With New Years right around the corner we wanted to get the word out early about our 4X Fitness Challenge! We are so excited for this event that we are starting preregistration now! So take this time to stay motivated over the holidays and keep training, because now you have a place to come and show off your hard work! Have a safe and blessed holiday!
Till next time,
Stace, Mikie and Oliver