Thermocut V4 90 Tabs

WHAT IS GUARANÀ? : Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing plant native to the Amazon and widespread in Latin American countries such as Brazil and Venezuela. if in the West it has only been known for a few decades, in South America it has been very popular since ancient times.

From the XNUMXth century, during the Portuguese colonization of Brazil, European colonists learned of this plant. Its botanical classification took place in the seventeenth century, by the botanist Paulli, from whom the scientific name of the plant derives: Paullinia cupana. 

PROPERTY AND MECHANISM OF ACTION OF GUARANÀ: In modern phytotherapy, guarana seeds are used in the formulation of supplements, liquid or in tablets, by virtue of their many beneficial properties. Guarana seed extract is, in fact, useful for:

• combat physical and mental fatigue.
• support metabolism, in particular that of lipids.

CAFFEINE: THE ACTIVE PRINCIPLE OF GUARANÀ FOR SLIMMING: Guarana seeds contain more caffeine than coffee. For this reason, the dry extract has the aforementioned effects on our body.

It is precisely caffeine that is mainly responsible for the metabolic action of guarana: «it causes an increase in thermogenesis (ie the use of fats to heat the body) and greater activity on the lipase enzyme. This produces an increase in lipolysis, that is, it "moves" the fat deposits present in the subcutaneous tissues "(Plants that heal, edited by G. Maffeis, Milan 2014).

This mechanism of action leads us to consider taking guarana useful for weight loss, especially after summer or winter holidays. Getting rid of the extra pounds accumulated on vacation could be easier than expected: the seeds of the plant, in fact, combine a tonic and anti-fatigue effect with a supportive action of low-calorie diets.

GINSENG: 

The virtues of ginseng are attributable to several components present in its roots. In addition to a good content of vitamins, essential oil and polysaccharides (panaxans), the presence of triterpene saponins, called ginsenosides, the main active ingredients of the drug, should be noted.

The plant has tonic and adaptive properties, because it promotes the body's ability to adapt to stress by strengthening the immune, endocrine and nervous systems and improving physical and mental abilities.

Like all plant adaptogens, it improves the response of the brain and adrenal gland, thus increasing the body's resistance to the most diverse chemical, physical, mechanical, pharmacological and biological damaging agents.

Several studies have shown that ginseng affects the hypothalamic-pituitary axis by increasing the release of ACTH, a hormone that induces the adrenal release of cortisol or "stress hormone". Cortisol, promotes the synthesis of glycogen and protein in the muscles and stimulates the functionality of the immune system, allowing the body to better resist cold, heat, chemical poisoning, fatigue, etc.

Numerous studies also highlight its properties hypoglycemic drugs, useful for reducing the blood concentration of glucose, in case of diabetes mellitus. Ginsenosides appear to promote pancreatic insulin synthesis and increase the production of glucose transporters in the liver. the panaxans (polysaccharides) seem to decrease the synthesis of glucose in the liver and increase its use in the various body tissues.

Its stimulating property acts on all systems thanks to its ability to temporarily increase function and activity quickly with a consequent improvement of reflexes, acceleration of the nervous response, reduction of mental fatigue and strengthening of physical endurance, and of memory, making it suitable for those who study or have an intense sporting activity.

Always considered an aphrodisiac food especially for men, ginseng stimulates sexual desire and functions. This virtue seems to be linked to the ability to increase the release of nitric oxide from the endothelial cells of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. the consequent vasodilation would allow to obtain a more vigorous erection. 

GREEN COFFEE : 

Green coffee is used as a supplement if you want to lose weight, as it contains a mix of active ingredients that work by stimulating the metabolism and limiting the absorption of sugars. Compared to black coffee, green coffee has a lower caffeine content, which however, once taken, is assimilated more slowly and gradually than the caffeine in roasted coffee. This happens because in green beans this substance is linked to chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant compound which causes it to remain in circulation longer. In practice, with a cup of black coffee, the caffeine acts within half an hour, waking us up from numbness, but then the effect wears off within a few hours. With green coffee, on the other hand, the caffeine is released gradually, at the level of the gastric mucosa, and then remains in the blood more, with a more prolonged stimulating effect of the metabolism and fewer side effects. The caffeine present in green coffee also helps mental concentration and physical endurance, counteracting fatigue, thanks to its slow absorption and prolonged release.

How does the caffeine in green coffee work: The caffeine in green coffee prevents the intestinal mucous membranes from assimilating part of the ingested sugars. This means a lower level of sugar in the blood, therefore the prevention of high glycemic peaks that lead to a slowdown in metabolism and the formation of abdominal fat, as well as favoring the onset of diabetes in predisposed people. Furthermore, it prevents the sugars already assimilated and transformed into glycogen by the liver from returning to the blood in the form of glucose. This would result in an increase in blood sugar, therefore a slowing of the metabolism.

The confirmations of science: The weight loss properties of green coffee, in addition to deriving from what has already been said, are also due to the fact that its caffeine and its antioxidant polyphenols (of which it is particularly rich) reduce fat (triglycerides) and cholesterol in the liver, and make it accumulate less fat. This is according to a study conducted at the University of Cranston in Pennyslvania.

Other important active ingredients of green coffee: Green coffee contains other substances, methylxanthines that are important for weight loss. These are in fact able to reduce the size of fat cells and limit the absorption of fats. Ultimately, green coffee is a real fat burner. Furthermore, it is also rich in other substances useful for our body: mineral salts, vitamins and the aforementioned polyphenols in higher concentrations than black coffee and tea. Remember that polyphenols hinder the action of free radicals, slowing down cellular aging.

Green coffee: other properties and benefits: Compared to black coffee, green coffee is much less acidic. In fact, the pH of raw coffee is about 5 compared to 3-3,5 of roasted coffee, so it is less harmful to the mucous membrane of the stomach. The chlorogenic acid it contains also regulates blood pressure, normalizes cholesterol levels, preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and promotes intestinal transit, counteracting constipation and promoting detoxification of the body. Also chlorogenic acid, powerful in its antioxidant action, is transformed in the intestine into caffeic acid which boasts important anti-inflammatory properties, useful for counteracting the onset of various diseases, including cancer.

BLACK PEPPER 

With its warm and pungent aroma it gives taste and personality to savory and sweet dishes, but today we also know that black pepper, produced in the East and in particular in India, in the state of Kerala, starting from the drying of the unripe fruits of the Piper nigrum, is also a very powerful natural fat burner: the merit is of piperine, an alkaloid that gives pepper its characteristic flavor and stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, purifies the intestine (avoiding bloating) and accelerates metabolism. The other slimming effect of black pepper is linked to its ability to increase body heat and activate thermogenesis: it therefore enhances the breakdown of fats, helps the body to dispose of more calories and improves the digestion of lipids.

According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical tradition, black pepper disperses the ama, that is the toxins that weigh down the body, and at the same time increases Pitta, the metabolic "fire". 

 COLA NUT 

The bitter taste indicates the content of xanthines and methylxanthines, such as caffeine, theobromine, theomylline and other active ingredients typical of beverages such as tea, chocolate and coffee. These are useful in weight loss diets as they are hunger inhibitors.

We also have a lot of cellulose, tannins, trannic acid and phlobaphenes (red agents around the seeds), catechins (astringents and antioxidants), and finally various alkaloids, useful for stimulating and promoting digestion and to soothe problems related to migraines. 

WHITE WILLOW 

Willow, bark extract containing salicin. As for the spirea, the phytocomplex contained in the white willow bark has a considerably less irritating action for the gastric mucosa, compared to that of acetylsalicylic acid (component of a well-known drug). moreover, the vasoprotective action of flavonoids enhances their anti-inflammatory action.

GREEN TEA

Green tea. Green tea is good for you. Warm in winter, to counteract the harsh external temperatures, or cool in summer, for a regenerating caress due to the great heat, green tea (Camelia sinensis) is not just a simple drink, but a real concentrate of virtues and properties, including weight loss ones.

Originally from China and Japan, the Orientals have known and appreciated its beneficial characteristics since ancient times. only in a much more recent period has green tea begun to make itself known and to occupy its space also in the West, especially following scientific research that has shown its effectiveness for human health. After harvesting, the green tea leaves are not subjected to fermentation but only to drying: in this way, they keep all the active ingredients intact and unaltered.

Rich in vitamins (primarily A and C), minerals (among which potassium, iron, zinc and selenium stand out) but above all in polyphenols with an important antioxidant function, to counteract cellular aging, among which the Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea acts by bringing different beneficial aspects to the body: It fluidifies the blood, reducing the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. Lowers LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Strengthens the immune system.

Helps keep the brain healthy. Remove the risk of dental caries. As we have mentioned, it is a great natural antioxidant. It supports the slimming and draining action. Now let's go into this last point: what are the weight loss properties of green tea and how does green tea make you lose weight? Green tea for weight loss: how and why green tea helps you lose weight As anticipated, we try to investigate the particular weight loss properties of this drink. We will never tire of pointing out that there are no prodigious substances that guarantee weight loss. To achieve and maintain physical fitness, it is above all necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle: eat well and exercise.

Therefore, if we have decided to start a healthy and low-calorie diet and regular physical activity, inserting green tea every day is a valid aid to lose weight. The drink is, in fact, rich in catechins, antioxidant substances belonging to the flavonoid family, capable of giving a prolonged sense of satiety that reduces the risk of overeating and resorting to really unhealthy hunger-breaking snacks. They also accelerate the basal metabolism and stimulate the process of thermogenesis, a process that reduces the conversion of fats consumed with the diet into calories, directing nutrients (especially carbohydrates and fats) to produce energy in the form of heat, rather than to synthesize tissue. adipose reserve: acting on thermogenesis allows, therefore, to keep body weight under control and to prevent the accumulation of fat, especially in the waist and abdominal area. Green tea also helps to lose weight because it also contains methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline), molecules that reduce the absorption of sugars, stimulate lipolysis, i.e. the elimination of fats from adipocytes (also made possible thanks to the positive effect performed on cortisol, an important lipogenetic hormone) and which, thanks to the vasodilatory action, determine greater renal activity and more effective diuresis. Producing and eliminating more urine facilitates purification and detoxification of the organism, as the waste and waste substances that accumulate inside are removed and excess fluids are eliminated which, when stagnant, give rise to the annoying and unsightly cellulite. The accumulation of waste and toxins prevents the body from working at its best and the cells from being able to assimilate the good substances at the expense of fats: for this reason it is important to stimulate their excretion.

CHILI PEPPER (Chilli Pepper)

How and why chili pepper helps you lose weight In addition to giving the characteristic perception of hot pepper, in addition to giving the characteristic perception of spicy, it also gives a certain sensation of heat that is released both in the mouth and in the rest of the body. This impression is obviously given not by a real increase in body temperature, but by the activation of certain receptors: some are present on the tongue, and thanks to them we are able to perceive the temperatures of both food and drinks. others, on the other hand, are present at the level of the so-called brown adipose tissue (BAT).

This tissue is what stimulates the adipocytes to release the accumulated fat in the form of dispersion of body heat. By binding to these receptors, therefore, capsaicin prompts BAT to disperse energy as heat (thermogenesis), rather than storing it as fat. But not only. Capsaicin helps prevent the feeling of hunger. This is possible because it reduces the activity of an exsiccating hormone, ghrelin: produced by the endocrine cells of the pancreas, stomach and some neurons present in the hypothalamus, ghrelin stimulates the appetite signal. A reduction in your activity can be a good help in reducing food cravings and facilitating the weight loss process.

Furthermore, capsaicin stimulates and accelerates the metabolism. Some studies have shown how it can increase energy expenditure by using lipids even at rest: this data is very important for overweight subjects who do not carry out physical activity or who have just started to practice it. Of course, the optimal combination of proper diet, sport and chili intake allows you to give a more important boost to the laziest metabolisms.

CAFFEINE 

Caffeine, chemically known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, is a methylxanthine known for its marked biological activities. Among the countless uses, caffeine is also used with great success in slimming and in the treatment of obesity, being part of the formulation of various supplements, commonly defined as thermogenic.

The main natural sources of caffeine are: Coffee. Tea, especially green tea. Cocoa. Guarana. The Matè. The Cola nut.

What is it for? The very interesting biological properties of caffeine have facilitated its use also in the clinical setting. Despite the impressive amount of work in this regard, the studies are not always in agreement. Certainly, caffeine has proven its effectiveness: In the treatment of migraine. In the improvement of perceptive skills and the state of alertness. In improving athletic performance, both in terms of endurance and strength. In reducing respiratory symptoms during asthma. In the integrated treatment of neurodegenerative and oxidative diseases. In the treatment of obesity and in the management of body weight. 
What benefits has caffeine shown in weight loss during the studies? Caffeine is certainly one of the most studied and at the same time promising molecules in the treatment of obesity. This potential derives from the numerous biological mechanisms in which caffeine would intervene. More precisely:

Caffeine seems, both in experimental models and in clinical trials, to reduce the sensation of appetite, probably by acting on the hypothalamic centers that regulate hunger / satiety, thus limiting the consumption of food and therefore the overall caloric intake. Racotta IS, Leblanc J, Richard D The effect of caffeine on food intake in rats: involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor and the sympatho-adrenal system. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. (1994) Caffeine reduces spontaneous energy intake in men but not in women

Caffeine would intervene by enhancing the intermediate oxidative metabolism, such as the cori cycle, preventing the accumulation of potentially lipogenic substrates and at the same time supporting the oxidative flow. Norager CB, et al Metabolic effects of caffeine ingestion and physical work in 75-year old citizens. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). (2006)

Caffeine would intervene by optimizing the activity of enzymes known as phosphodiesterases, actively engaged in the disposal of energy substrates and significantly reducing the activity of the lipogenic pathways. Nehlig A, Daval JL, Debry G Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. (1992)

Caffeine would increase the basal metabolism, therefore the overall energy expenditure, both in obese subjects and in athletes, in a dose-dependent manner, and through complex mechanisms that would provide for an enhancement of mitochondrial activity. Acheson KJ, et al Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. (1980) Caffeine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of its thermogenic, metabolic, and cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers

The combination of these activities would give caffeine the much vaunted slimming power, tangible however only when associated with a low-calorie diet and an adequate lifestyle. 

L-THYROSINE 

This macronutrient is a precursor of both neurotransmitters and hormones, substances that have an adaptogenic and stimulating effect on the basal metabolism and for the stimulation of catecholamines and iodized hormones. What are catecholamines?

These are substances that act as neurotransmitters, dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, three compounds that carry out multiple activities in our body and in this specific case what interests us is their ability to improve the preparatory state for situations of high psycho-physical stress such as those that occur in intense weight training.

In detail, these neurotransmitters are able to: increase cardiac output increase muscle oxygenation raise the attention threshold support the production of explosive energy.

These are the main effects promoted by catecholamines but there are two others that we can certainly trace back with certainty not only to a better performance (adaptogenic action) but to a much more sudden reduction in fat, let's see why. The increase in basal metabolism and the consequent greater caloric expenditure at rest (induced precisely by the catecholaminergic metabolic boost) enable the athlete to more easily satisfy that essential requirement for triggering lipolysis, that is, the negative caloric balance.

You must understand that if the energy you take in through food and supplements is greater than that you consume over the course of a day, regardless of where the calories come from (whether from fat, carbohydrates or proteins), you will not even be able to lose weight. of one gram. This effect mediated by the push to the production of catecholamines induced by L-tyrosine is also assisted by a further characteristic of this amino acid, that is, by its ability to promote the release of iodized hormones, and later we will deepen the topic.

Before doing so, however, we must remember the second characteristic that places catecholamines as effective weight loss and specifically we are talking about adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. In addition to the above, this compound also performs another very interesting function, in a nutshell (since it is a rather complex mechanism) it activates some metabolic signals that serve in the cytomembrane of the adipocyte (cell that contains fat). to activate lipolysis, that is the degradation of triglycerides and therefore weight loss.

Returning instead to the precursor effect of L-tyrosine on thyroid hormones, and in particular on thyroxine, we point out that T4 (this is the acronym to indicate said hormone) is able to:

• increasing the production of heat to support body temperature (thermogenesis) by increasing the use of oxygen and therefore involving a greater expenditure of energy, which, as mentioned above, will assist the same effect mediated by catecholamines.
• make it easier to achieve the positive nitrogen balance, another indispensable requirement to give optimal support to protein synthesis and therefore to muscle growth.
• facilitate the mobilization of fats in general and cholesterol in particular. improve glucogenetic efficiency and glycogenolysis, essential factors for adequate energy support, especially in the absence of carbohydrates.

L-CARNITINE

Carnitine, first identified in 1905 in beef extract, is a carboxylic acid whose chemical formula is C7H15NO3.
It belongs to the family of methylamines and its structure resembles that of an amino acid.
Fatty acids bind to carnitine and are conveyed inside the mitochondria, where they are transformed into energy: this favors their consumption and avoids the accumulation of fat.
Carboxylic acid is contained in various foods and these include meat, especially red meat, soybeans, dairy products and some varieties of fruit.
It is also synthesized by the body in the liver and kidneys through a chemical reaction that involves lysine and methionine, two amino acids and the cofactors vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin and iron.
The daily requirement is around 80 mg per kilo of body weight: a balanced diet therefore allows for a daily intake of between 100 and 300 mg.
Those who follow a vegetarian diet can, however, take it from artichokes, legumes, bananas, asparagus, broccoli, apricots and carob.

Carnitine brings various benefits to the body.

- Slimming action: accelerates the metabolism of fats and is therefore used in the case of obesity.
- Improves the health of the apparatus cardiovascular: its use prevents various diseases of cardiac origin (arrhythmias, angina pectoris, heart attack and heart failure) and supports the body, in the recovery phase, after it has been affected by one of these pathologies. Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, while promoting the formation of good cholesterol (HDL).
- Positive effects on the system nervous: makes brain cells more efficient, is administered to patients suffering from depressive disorders and appears to provide a valuable contribution in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Action on muscles: limits, during thetraining muscle, the production of acid lactic and ensures the level of glycogen in the muscles.
Some studies have shown that taking carnitine, on the part of the athletes, leads to savings of glycogen equal to about 50%.
- sports that require the use of this substance are, above all, those that need more resistance muscular and among these are body building, the Cycling and fitness.
- Regulates the activity of the thyroid: it is used in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis iatrogenic (thyroid disease resulting in excessive production of thyroid hormones).
La carnitine prohibits the transport of these hormones: theeffectiveness and the effect of such substances on the targeted cells are therefore contained.

But what is this acid for in our body? Its function is to act as a carrier in the transport of fatty acids towards their degradation and their use, by the mitochondria, to create energy in the form of ATP, in other words it serves to facilitate the consumption of fatty acids. Its biochemical function consists in binding with its hydroxyl group the acyl group of acyl coA thioesters, formed by the reaction of a fatty acid that reacts with CoA and ATP, to make them cross the mitochondrial membrane and can be used to obtain power.

The binding to carnitine is a transesterification catalyzed by carnitine acyltransferase I, which is found on the outer face of the mitochondrial membrane. The ester formed by the reaction crosses the mitochondrial membrane thanks also to the help of the acyl - carnitine / carnitine transporter, and the final stage of the process involves the transfer of the acyl group from carnitine to coA by carnitine acyl transferase II. Carnitine in our body seems to be particularly active in hypoglycemic conditions, when the levels of glucagon and fatty acids rise in the blood.

CHITOSAN 

Chitosan is used in low-calorie diets for weight reduction, as it has the ability to bind fats to itself, preventing their accumulation. The amino groups of chitosan with strong positive polarity attract the negatively charged carboxyl groups of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) and bile ones.

This ability to absorb fats, favoring their elimination with the faeces, is exploited in many products intended for overweight people or people with high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood as chitosan limits their absorption and accumulation, favoring thus the balance between fat mass and lean or muscle mass. 

These electrolytic bonds that are formed between chitosan and lipids have little tendency to bind with water, are not digested by the enzymes of our digestive system and consequently cannot be absorbed via the intestine. thus the chitosan captures the fat by incorporating it, to then be eliminated through the feces in the intestine.

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

Alpha lipoic acid is also known for its potential effects on weight loss. The use of this substance seems to correlate with an increase in the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, which results in a lowering of blood glucose levels.

By translating, alpha lipoic acid would be able to promote the use of carbohydrates as an energy source.

Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to be effective in increasing the recruitment of GLUT-4 (intracellular glucose receptors), thus contributing to an increase in the sequestration of blood glucose and its use as an energy source. 

In addition to affecting blood sugar, this mechanism seems to favor weight loss: if the glucose available in the blood is "captured" by insulin-sensitive cells, blood sugar levels fall within an acceptable range.

The alpha lipoic acid would prevent the establishment of high insulin peaks, that is the signal that the fat cells interpret to start the storage of triglycerides inside them. The hypoglycemic action of alpha lipoic acid would therefore control the accumulation of fat inside the adipocytes.

CHROME 

Chromium is a trace element, so defined as it is present in the human body only in small traces. Chromium supplements, such as Chromium picolinate, are widely used in the nutritional and dietary fields, due to their potential hypoglycemic properties and weight loss. In nature this mineral is present only in very small quantities, generally in bovine colostrum, milk and its derivatives.

Although clinically noteworthy deficiencies are rare, sub-deficiency states are common in the general population, particularly in the obese. Precisely in these subjects, the nutritional supplementation with chromium shows the maximum benefits. Indications Why is chromium used? What is it for? There are several fields of application of Chromium. Classically, chromium is used in the metabolic field to optimize carbohydrate metabolism, acting precisely as an insulin-sensitizing agent. The metabolic impact of chromium would therefore also explain the usefulness of this mineral in weight loss and in the treatment of obesity. The cholesterol-lowering and normalizing properties of lipid metabolism would also be of interest.

Properties and Efficacy What benefits has chromium shown in weight loss during the studies? To fully understand the antiobesigenous and slimming potential of Chromium, it would be appropriate first of all to clarify the numerous molecular mechanisms in which this trace element intervenes. Of fundamental importance for the metabolic balance and body weight are:

The insulin-sensitizing activity, mediated by the chromodulin protein, is able to positively activate the insulin receptor in the presence of insulin and contribute to the phosphorylation of IRS, the cellular mediator of this hormone. This activity would be essential in obese subjects with insulin resistance, thus ensuring a clear improvement in glycemic metabolism. Wu GY, Wada O Studies on a specific chromium binding substance (a low-molecular-weight chromium binding substance) in urine (author's transl). Sangyo Igak. Sreejayan N, et al Chromium alleviates glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hepatic ER stress in obese mice. Obesity (Silver Spring). (2008)

The lipid-lowering activity, probably also correlated to the improvement of insulin signaling. The action of chromium on lipid metabolism, however, would not only be quantitative, but also qualitative. In fact, supplementation with chromium, in addition to reducing blood concentrations of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, would also significantly reduce the degree of lipid peroxidation (an important cardiovascular risk factor). Anderson RA, et al Potential antioxidant effects of zinc and chromium supplementation in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Am Coll Nutr. (2001) The metabolic properties of chromium, as well as for therapeutic purposes, have therefore been exploited, not without controversy, also in weight loss and in the treatment of obesity.

ZINC

Zinc is an excellent mineral, which repairs damage caused by excess toxins in the intestine and strengthens the colon. A study by INRAN (the Italian public body for research on food and nutrition) has shown that a zinc deficiency makes the intestine even more sensitive to inflammation and this will make weight loss difficult in the long run. Zinc is needed especially if, along with the difficulty in losing weight, you also suffer from constipation or symptoms of irritable bowel. Thanks to this mineral it is possible to repair and regenerate the intestinal walls and thus restore the barrier that blocks the molecules that slow down weight loss.

Zinc is also involved in numerous physiological functions: more than 200 enzymes need zinc to act. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts found a slowdown in metabolism in those who had a low-zinc diet and it was enough to increase the intake of this mineral to obtain an increase in the metabolic rate. Finally, zinc increases the levels of leptin, the hormone synthesized by adipose cells, which favors the elimination of accumulated fat, also controlling the sense of hunger.