I came across a curious product that I must admit, I had never heard of up until this point. It’s called “raspberry ketones” and it is a supplement that is used in dieting. It is supposed to reduce hunger and cravings while also helping to boost the loss of fat storage and therefore boost the effects of a normal healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Of course, this sounds like the same claims that most other supplements for fat loss make, so what is the product, and what’s this business about “ketones”, which are the by-product of your body burning off fat when it has gone through all the carbs – it is basically a side effect of low carb diets called ketosis, which results when your fat stores really start burning off.

Raspberry ketones first gained notoriety when they appeared on the very popular Dr. Oz show.  Dr. Oz has been making quite the splash lately, with his news that apple juice may contain dangerous levels of arsenic and other highly controversial stories and coverage (which I like, bring it on!)

What are Raspberry Ketones?

Raspberry ketones are a natural part of the raspberry fruit.  They are actually the phenolic (antioxidant) compounds that comprise the primary constituents behind the scent of the raspberry. The reason they are a hot weight loss and dieting item now is that taking them is supposed to have a certain effect on the body.


This effect though, sounds rather alarming personally.  They are supposed to increase the amount of norepinephrine released by the body. This is the hormone that increases heart rate and other bodily functions in response to fear, startle, and other things that get your heart pumping. But, it also not uncoincidentally increases your metabolism because your body takes energy to get these functions going so quickly.

Raspberry ketones also are supposed to have a balancing effect on the blood sugar (blood glucose levels). This is a great way to control cravings and appetite, since the times when the bloos sugar is peaking and falling are the times when you are most apt to indulge in high carb, high fat or sweet items that add pounds to your waistline.

The supplement is a very popular one already, especially for its relatively short duration in the spotlight. But you know how these diet fads go. They rage until the next best weight loss thing comes along, then they fade with time.  Diet fads like the vegan one pushed by Skinny Bitch still appear to be making headlines though, so who knows how long this one will stick around.

I might try them out just to see if they have any noticeable effect on me so I can report my experience back to you.