The truth about bitter orange, the fashionable ‘fat burner’: is it good for weight loss?

P-synephrine, naturally contained in bitter orange, would not pose a direct risk, but its benefits are far from proven.

Bitter Orange Good For Weight Loss

Bitter orange ( Citrus Aurantium ) is becoming a trend in the fitness world . The natural habitat of the plant that offers these fruits is the subtropical regions . However, it is able to withstand adverse environmental conditions such as frost for short periods.

Oval in shape, the fruit is orange-red when ripe and has a distinctly thick, dimpled skin. In addition to its bitter taste, true to its name, it stands out for containing several powerful plant compounds that are sometimes extracted from the dried skin to make dietary supplements.

Although now it resurfaces, this belief comes from ancient times. Traditionally, this particular fruit has been attributed a powerful ‘fat burning’ effect , both for its effects on our metabolism and what this means in the caloric expenditure of our body, as well as for its satiating power. An efficacy that, if we look at the studies on this subject, raises some doubts.

The role of p-synephrine

Well, one of the protagonists of this story is p-synephrine, very present in bitter orange. It is an alkaloid that has a structure similar to ephedrine, the controversial main component of ephedra, an herbal supplement for weight loss , whose safety has been questioned on many occasions. Furthermore, it is structurally similar to the fight or flight hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine, which also increase heart rate

Bitter orange ( Citrus aurantium ) is becoming a trend in the fitnenss world . The natural habitat of the plant that offers these fruits is the subtropical regions . However, it is able to withstand adverse environmental conditions such as frost for short periods.

Oval in shape, the fruit is orange-red when ripe and has a distinctly thick, dimpled skin. In addition to its bitter taste, true to its name, it stands out for containing several powerful plant compounds that are sometimes extracted from the dried skin to make dietary supplements .

Although now it resurfaces, this belief comes from ancient times. Traditionally, this particular fruit has been attributed a powerful ‘fat burning’ effect , both for its effects on our metabolism and what this means in the caloric expenditure of our body, as well as for its satiating power. An efficacy that, if we look at the studies on this subject, raises some doubts.

Is bitter orange safe and effective for weight loss?

While some exploration recommends that bitter orange (Citrus Aurantium) can assist with humble weight loss when joined with diet and exercise, it’s likely not worth the danger. That is on the grounds that harsh orange may cause possibly genuine medical issues. So in case you’re attempting to get thinner, stick to better strategies and avoid the bitter orange.

Read also: The 5 Most Effective Diet to Lose Weight Fast

bitter orange concentrate is frequently utilized in lose weight supplements. Bitter orange contains synephrine, which is like the fundamental substance in the spice ephedra (mama huang). Ephedra was restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since it raises pulse and has been connected to cardiovascular failures and strokes.(1, 3Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Like ephedra, synephrine may accelerate your pulse and raise your circulatory strain. Strokes and coronary failures have been accounted for in certain individuals in the wake of taking severe orange alone or in with different energizers like caffeine. What’s more, harsh orange may communicate for certain professionally prescribed prescriptions.

Keep in mind, in light of the fact that a home grown enhancement may be normal doesn’t mean it’s protected. Talk with your primary care physician prior to taking natural enhancements.

Does bitter orange aid weight loss?

Bitter orange and other citrus varieties show potential for weight loss, but there’s limited evidence on their effectiveness (Trusted Source, Trusted Source, Trusted Source).

Many weight loss supplements use bitter orange extracts in combination with other ingredients.

The role of p-synephrine

Well, one of the protagonists of this story is p-synephrine, very present in bitter orange. It is an alkaloid that has a structure similar to ephedrine, the controversial main component of ephedra, an herbal supplement for weight loss , whose safety has been questioned on many occasions. Furthermore, it is structurally similar to the fight or flight hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine, which also increase heart rate.

These similarities brought to the table whether this extract could be harmful to health. A question that has been answered by several studies that have shown that bitter orange extracts and the natural uses of the plant do not harm the heart or the nervous system.  They also do not stimulate the activity of the nervous system, as some stimulants do.

So, is bitter orange good for weight loss?

This is the one million question. And the one with a less simple answer. It is true that, in principle, by its components, bitter orange shows potential for weight loss. But the truth is that there are no clear conclusions in this regard. For one thing, there is evidence that p-synephrine or Synephrine increases fat breakdown, increases energy expenditure, and mildly suppresses appetite, all of which can contribute to weight loss.

However, the evidence suggests that these effects occur at such high doses that, due to the lack of safety information, they are not recommended. Along these lines, there is also stronger evidence that some weight loss supplements use bitter orange extracts in combination with other ingredients. However, it has not been possible to determine which of all the components they include is responsible for these effects, if any.

Other effects

Despite what has been said, bitter orange is valued for other properties and benefits for our body. We owe some of them to limonene, a natural substance that is extracted from the oil of citrus peels and that gives them their peculiar aroma. Some population studies suggest that it can help prevent certain cancers, such as colon. However, more rigorous human research is needed.

Bitter orange is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants such as flavonoids , which can help prevent cell damage, deactivating free radicals, which are unstable compounds that damage cells, increasing inflammation and the risk of certain diseases.

And some risks of using bitter orange for weight loss

The main risk comes from p-synephrine. By acting as a mild stimulant, combining it with others, such as caffeine, can trigger side effects , such as nervousness, headache, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, or increased sensitivity to the sun.

Another risk should be taken into account by people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to treat depression . Consumption of bitter orange can increase the concentration of selegiline, Isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine, in the blood and, with it, the risk of side effects.