Apart from doing regular exercise, a lot of people now take medicines and supplements to lose weight. But these may have potential side effects.
Herbal medicines have always been a safe choice, and with the help of modern science, these natural remedies are improving even more. One such treatment is Tongkat Ali or, as its commercial name states, Long Jack.
Tongkat Ali is relatively new to most people, but its usage can be dated back to the 1700s. It has proven benefits for balancing hormone levels, increasing sex drive, losing weight, increasing muscle mass, and in some cases reducing anxiety.
History Of Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a more common Chinese medicine. It was first discovered in Southeast Asia and was extracted from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia.
The extract was first used in South Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia to treat fever, malaria, and increasing sex drive.
But over the years, there have been many scientific tests that reveal more about Tongkat Ali. A total of 700 people have gone through clinical trials to evaluate Tongkat Ali’s benefits. Currently, Tongkat Ali has become available in online shops. You can buy Tongkat Ali from Amazon or various other online stores.e
Research has stated that it increases testosterone levels by 60 to 120%, depending on the person.
But how does this help you lose weight?
There is a little more science behind all this.
The Process Of Weight Loss
No medicine, supplement, or herbal remedy goes directly in your stomach and shrinks your gut. Weight loss is also not all about making your stomach lean.
We have unwanted fat in our arms, thighs, belly, breasts, and in the lower parts of our face. Tongkat Ali states to help lose weight for both male and female and here is what it does-
Increases Testosterone
It has been proved from years of data and research that this herbal remedy increases testosterone. Testosterone is not directly related to burning fat, but it is related to another hormone called prolactin.
Prolactin is related to lactation and the production of breast-milk. But for non-pregnant females and males, this can result in holding a weight in different parts of the body.
The Chain Reaction
You might be familiar with the hormone dopamine. This is the one that makes us feel all sorts of pleasure and happiness, affects our mood and energy. It also affects our appetite and attraction to food.
When dopamine levels are low, it urges our mind and body to eat food, especially sugar.
But if you have an increased level of dopamine in your body, you will not have to worry about excessive appetite or irregular hunger.
Dopamine is also connected to prolactin. Here, it creates a reverse reaction. An increased level of prolactin restraints the amount of dopamine released and vice-versa.
This phenomenon means that when testosterone levels are high in our body, it will cause a decrease in prolactin levels, thus increasing dopamine. Dopamine affects our appetite and reduces hunger.
As a result, we will tend to eat less. This cycle reaction works to control our appetite and enhance our energy, so we can properly work out to reduce more weight.
This chain reaction has been proven by providing high doses of testosterone and observing the patient over time. And since Tongkat Ali also has proved to increase testosterone, it can be used instead of supplements.
Improved Physical Abilities
Tongkat Ali alone will not be able to reduce a huge amount of weight, but it significantly increases the chances of working more and eating less.
Tongkat Ali has recently gained a little popularity as a pre-workout drink. Tests have already been conducted to prove its effectiveness.
A study was conducted over 32 men for four weeks. It showed that daily consumption of Tongkat Ali increased stretch in terms of squats and deadlifts.
Another study was done over 14 men for five weeks. That resulted in increased muscle mass and strength.
With all these three things combined, you will be ready to embark on a weight loss journey. But like we said before, Tongkat Ali alone will not take you there.
It will significantly boost your abilities to stay focused and lose weight. You will need a planned diet and routine exercise and daily consumption to get positive results.
How To Use Tongkat Ali
Plenty of research has been done to discover more about this herbal remedy.
So far, there have been no worrying side effects, but still, precautions need to be taken. It has been deemed that a daily dosage of 1200mg is safe for both male and female adults.
Since the weight loss process needs massive testosterone doses, 1200 mg consumption per day should be optimal Before consumption, always be sure to contact your health care provider and ask for advice.
Only take the recommended dosage that is 400-1200 mg. However, the dosage level varies, so it is essential to consult with an expert first.
Possible Side Effects
Tongkat Ali has not demonstrated any minor or severe side effects, but there is still a lot we do not know about it.
We talked about how Tongkat Ali affects prolactin, responsible for the production and lactation of breast milk. For this reason, it is advised for pregnant women not to consume Tongkat Ali.
Even after pregnancy, she should consult a doctor or expert health care provider regarding its consumption.
There also has not been much research about the effects of Tongkat Ali on older adults and children. Research has only been conducted in adult males and females.
Takeaway
Herbal medicines have grown immensely popular thanks to modern scientific research. They also have significantly lesser side effects than your average medical supplements. Tongkat Ali has a promising future as of now. It’s cycle reaction in balancing hormones, and weight loss has been proven over time with positive results. With the help of technology and modern science, this herbal remedy can be made more effective.
