It sounds like a dragon and they say feels like dragon fire too, but exactly what is ephedra and does it help get rid of man boobs?
Ephedra is the genus of various plant species used for medicinal purposes. Amongst them, the species Ephedra sinica is most commonly used in the field of Chinese traditional medicine, where it is known as ma huang since ancient times.
Plants belonging to the ephedra genus contain the chemicals ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which have stimulative and thermogenic effects. Ephedrine was first artificially synthesized as early as 1885.
Those who consume ephedra experience an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body heat. It also dilates the bronchial tubes making it easier to breathe. Overall, ephedra makes you feel more awake and energetic.
It has long been used in China to help treat Asthma. Those who took it stated that they were able to breathe deeper. It was often mixed with Licorice or Ginseng, and other remedies that helped clear the lungs.
Thou beneficial, ephedra also have its share of adverse effects, These may include severe skin reactions or allergies, moodiness, nausea, trembling, headache, insomnia, dehydration, itchiness, vomiting, hyperthermia. More serious effects may include irregular heartbeat, convulsions, heart attack, and even death.
One important subject regarding the hazards of ephedra was the case of Metabolife, a company that manufactured dietary supplements containing ephedrine. In 2002 it was compelled by the U.S. Department of Justice to hand over reports of ephedrine related cases, revealing over 15,000 cases ranging from insomnia to death. This eventually led to the ban of ephedra-based dietary supplements in the U.S. as of 2004.
Ephedrine is also a banned substance by many sports organizations. There is a case where Korey Stringer, an NFL football player, suddenly died of cardiac arrest and lawyers contended that it was due to ephedrine intake. Diego Maradona, an iconic soccer player, tested positive for Ephedrine after the 1994 World Cup, and was subjected to scrutiny, eventually leading to the end of his international career. Other sports related controversies involving the use of the illegal substance include Noriyuki Haga, a Japanese motorcycle racer, who was banned from participating on 4 races. Todd Sauerbrun, another NFL football player, tested positive and was banned from playing on the first month of the 2006 season. Despite the ban and various incidents, Ephedrine continues to be a substance heard in the world of sports.
As of present, ephedra is monitored by the FDA in the United States. It is still prohibited as a dietary supplement and continues to be a subject of controversy.
Because Gynecomastia is often caused by the effects of obesity, the thermogenic effects of ephedra burn fat and is one of the most important factors as to what is ephedra and does it help get rid of man boobs.
However, one must take in account the long list of possible side effects and the overall controversy surrounding it.
Ephedra as an herb or tea is still legally sold in the US, but in the form of a supplement (pill or additive) it is banned or regulated in Canada, USA, and the UK. In the long run it might be wise to consider other kinds of supplements.
Should the risk be taken to stick to ephedra as a supplement, one should consult a physician first.
Overall, with this knowhow of what is ephedra and does it help get rid of man boobs, it is clear that it is not one of the safest or advisable supplements out there.
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