Nopalina and Weight Loss

Nopalina is a fiber supplement, and its manufacturers claim it will lower your cholesterol, regulate your blood sugar, improve your digestion, increase your energy and, among other things, help you lose weight 1.

Features

Also included in this fiber mix is oat bran, wheat bran and psyllium, a combination that the manufacturers say will regulate your appetite and promote weight loss. Other ingredients include:

• cactus
  
• senna leaves
  
• apple
  
• grapefruit
  
• orange
  
• pineapple

Flaxseed and Weight Loss

Pros & Cons of Metamucil

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Flaxseed is a source of alpha-linolenic acid, which has a high omega-3 fatty acid content. Having some healthful fat such as this in your diet will slow the absorption of foods, and if food is in the stomach longer, you might eat less. Add that to the fiber from the flaxseed and a positive effect on weight loss could result, according to Melrosehealth.com. With flaxseed forming a large part of the Nopalina ingredient mix, those who take this supplement may be encouraged to note its weight loss possibilities 1.

Psyllium and Weight Maintenance

Psyllium, another key ingredient in Nopalina, is derived from the gel-coated seeds of the Planago ovata herb 1. Psyllium contains soluble fiber and absorbs water, forming a gelatinous substance that helps the movement of waste through the intestines. The fiber content has prompted considerations that psyllium could cause you to feel fuller, thus curbing hunger pangs.

Fiber and Your Weight

Foods High in Psyllium

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Nutrition Review published a 2001 review of studies of the effect of dietary fiber on hunger, satiety, energy intake and body composition in healthy subjects. The review found that increasing dietary fiber intake by 14 g a day caused a mean weight loss of about 4 lb 3. in less than four months. This reflects well on the high fiber content of Nopalina 1.

Using Nopalina

You can buy Nopalina as packages of 160 capsules or 1 lb 1. bags of powder. You dissolve 1 tbsp. of powder in 8 oz. of liquid, which could be water, juice or milk, and take this twice per day. The capsules are to be taken four at a time, twice per day, with liquids. The manufacturers state that best results will be obtained if you drink at least 2 liters of water per day and take Nopalina for a minimum of six months 1.

Nopalina Review

A review by Dietspotlight.com points out that the ingredient list for Nopalina has a number of natural laxatives, and extended use of laxatives could lead to an under-active colon 15. Let a medical professional advise you on whether a supplement is the best choice for you.