From edible foods to brilliant gems, from healing medicines to fossil fuels, and everything else in between, the oceans and the seas have always provided for abundant resources for humanitys consumption. And now, humanity can further benefit from the bounty of the seas through a fat-burning chemical compound called fucoxanthin.

Fucoxanthin is a chemical compound that belongs to the carotenoid family and with a scientific formula of C40H60O6. It is abundantly found in edible brown seaweed like kelp, two species of which form part of the daily diet of some Asian peoples. These seaweeds are wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis); the former is used in miso soup and seaweed salads while the latter is added to simmered vegetables and soybeans.

Based on research, the supplement works as a weight loss compound by targeting the protein called uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), which in turn, stimulates the mitochondria to boost the oxidation and burn rate of fatty acids. With more heat produced, there is greater white adipose tissue reduction in the abdominal area. Thus, it targets abdominal fat, also called belly fat, which is the hardest area of the body to lose weight from. This in turn is an excellent belly fat burner.

Furthermore, research conducted on the efficacy of fucoxanthin on human subjects has revealed astonishing results. (Previous research was conducted on rats and mice). Individuals who took the compound in a supplement in clinical trials lost an average of 11.5 pounds more than those who took placebo pills in sixteen weeks time, with an increase by 18.2% in the metabolic rate.

Basically, fucoxanthin works in weight loss because of its strong thermogenic properties. It stimulates the bodys fat-burning capabilities against white adipose tissues, which comprise the fat cells lining the internal organs especially around the abdominal area. This can be simply summed up thus: The higher the metabolism of the white adipose tissues, the faster weight loss can happen.

Its anti-diabetes properties seem to stem from promoting the synthesis of the omega-3 fatty acid in the liver, abbreviated as DHA, which increases insulin sensitivity and reduces bad cholesterols. In fact, researchers have found that animals fed with supplements of the compound exhibited increased levels of DHA in the liver. This is comparable to fish oil supplements albeit without the unpleasant smell.

On the other hand, its potential anti-cancer properties come from initial results that it can facilitate the death of prostate cancer cells in culture. Other chemoprevention in human malignancies can be possible with this weight loss compound. Of course, its antioxidant properties promote a healthy heart and a healthy mind. With the fats around the heart burned by fucoxanthin in a natural way, users of the concentrated supplement can have the benefit of a fat-free, healthy heart along with an excellent belly fat burner.

Because fucoxanthin boosts metabolism without stimulating the central nervous system, it can be taken in recommended doses without worries about nervousness and sleeplessness that often characterize other weight loss pills. And since it has been taken by countless Asian generations as part of the daily diet of seaweeds, it is relatively safe to consume in its concentrated form. However, it must still be taken with caution especially by those who have thyroid problems. This is because it contains high levels of iodine that will aggravate goiters and other thyroid malfunctions. But when taken according to manufacturers recommendations and doctors advice, very rare side effects are experienced.

So far, there are no recorded adverse side effects with fucoxanthin. It is highly recommended, however, to secure expert opinion before starting any weight loss regimen especially when health problems might arise. Brown seaweeds are rich in iodine, which can aggravate thyroid-related illnesses.