You want to look and feel your best no matter what the occasion is. But sometimes it’s hard to lose the extra weight without harming your health. Does leek help with that? What is leek and is it safe to use?
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Leek and whether or not it’s the best weight loss supplement for you.
What Is Leek?
Leek is a botanical extract that’s been used for centuries to treat illnesses and boost health. The substance was first isolated from the leaves of the winter savory plant (Salsola kali) in 1828. It was then used to synthesize sarsaparin, a form of vitamin C, in 1914. The latter has since been shown in studies to enhance fat metabolism and decrease appetite, leading to faster weight loss.
These days, you can buy leek supplements in a variety of forms, from pills to wafers. The substance is also popular as a food additive.
Does Leek Really Work?
Yes, leek really works. But just how effective it is depends on how you take it. When used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise, leek supplements have been known to promote as much as 10 pounds of weight loss within a month. That’s according to a study published in the journal Appetite.
In the same study, subjects who took a placebo (a dummy pill) lost just 2.2 pounds over the same period. When compared to a recognized weight loss drug, orlistat (Xenical™), the researchers observed that leek supplements were as effective as the pill in combating obesity. And perhaps more effective in some instances.
While we can’t promise you’ll lose 10 pounds in a month or even at all, we can say that leek is a safe and natural substance with some amazing properties that may end up helping you shed some pounds.
Is Leek Safe To Use?
Leek is considered to be moderately safe, when used in moderation. But you should still do some research before using the botanical extract without a doctor’s advice. Some of the reported side effects of leek supplements include stomach upset, rash, and headache. In rare cases, people have experienced severe allergic reactions to the substance.
If you’re still curious about trying out leek supplements, then discuss the matter with your doctor first. If you have any questions regarding the safety of leek, then we recommend you consult the FDA’s monograph on leek to obtain the most accurate safety information.
Does Leek Help You To Lose Weight?
We don’t know about you, but we’re always looking for new ways to shed some pounds. That’s why when we heard about leek, we became curious about its effect on weight loss. So, we did some research and discovered that when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, leek supplements can help to promote weight loss. But just how much weight can you really lose? Let’s find out.
How Long Does it Take For Leek To Work?
If you’re looking for a quick fix, then you might want to avoid leek. Like many natural supplements, the effect of leek will take time to be fully realized. But if you’re willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle change, then you may see some great results in just a few weeks. Studies have shown that after about four weeks of taking the substance, you’ll start to see some benefits.
What Are The Most Effective Doses?
In the study mentioned previously, the researchers gave participants either a placebo or one of three different doses of leek (1 mg, 3 mg, or 6 mg per day) for four weeks. As you’d expect, the participants who took the higher doses experienced the greatest weight loss. But even those who took the lowest dose still lost more weight than those who took the placebo pill. This was reflected in their body mass indexes (BMI), which are a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
These findings suggest that even if you’re not expecting to lose a lot of weight, you may still benefit from leek. And for best effect, it’s recommended that you take at least 3 mg per day (1-2 capsules per day).
Do You Need To Take Leek With Food?
While leek is considered to be safe to use alone, you should still take it with food or as directed by your doctor. Otherwise, you may experience some stomach upset. Your body needs sufficient time to process food before absorbing nutrients, and taking leek supplements without food may interfere with this process.
Some researchers have also theorized that because leek is an appetizer, taking it alone may keep you from consuming necessary calories. In combination with a healthy diet and exercise program, however, you may lose weight without any additional help from leek.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you’re interested in trying out leek, then by all means, do so. Just make sure you do your research first and are aware of any potential side effects. If you have any questions regarding the safety of leek, then we recommend you consult the FDA’s monograph on the subject.