Why is it so difficult to lose weight?!
1. Low metabolism
The ultimate source of your body’s energy comes from the food you eat. Your metabolism is the chemical reactions in your body’s cells that break down food into energy to carry out normal functioning. More simply, it is the rate at which your body burns calories. If your metabolism is “high” (or fast), meaning that you’ll need to take in more calories as your body naturally uses energy more rapidly than someone with a “low” (or slow) metabolism. This explains why some people eat more than others without gaining much weight.
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2. Low basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) accounts for approximately 70% of total daily energy expenditure. Your BMR is largely determined by your total lean muscle mass, as lean mass requires a lot of energy to maintain. Thus, it is important to increase lean muscle mass through exercise when trying to lose weight.
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3. Inflamed fat cells
Not many people realise that inflamed fat cells, which often correlate with big bellies, indicate the body has low-grade inflammation. Inflammation makes the body more prone to insulin resistance, in which the body cells are less effective in utilizing blood sugar. This could lead to diabetes and other chronic degenerative diseases.
4. Caloric input more than output due to increased urge of eating
When you eat more calories than you need, your body stores the extra calories as body fat. It will be good for you to keep an eye on what you are inputting daily, how you are preparing your food, understanding the number of calories per serving, as all of these matters in maintaining a healthy body composition (i.e., lean to fat ratio) and weight.
5. Lack of physical activities
Being physically active is crucial for everyone. When we move the body, it expends energy in the form of calories (caloric output). This is an important aspect not only to keep the structural and physiological components of the body healthy, but to maintain a healthy body composition and lose weight as well.
What Is Metabolism?
The ultimate source of your body’s energy comes from the food you eat. Your metabolism is the chemical reactions in your body’s cells that break down food into energy to carry out normal functioning. More simply, it is the rate at which your body burns calories. If your metabolism is “high” (or fast), meaning that you’ll need to take in more calories as your body naturally uses energy more rapidly than someone with a “low” (or slow) metabolism. This explains why some people eat more than others without gaining much weight.
What is BMR?
Your body needs the energy to carry out daily activities like exercising, walking and digesting foods. Even when you’re inactive, your body still needs the energy to keep your heart beating, maintain stable body temperature, grow and repair the body cells. This minimum number of energy required for basic necessary function at rest or the calories that your body burns when you're at rest is called basal metabolic rate (BMR). They do not factor in the calories you need to perform a physical job or athlete activity.
How Does Your Body Burn Calories?
Your body burns calories in several ways and your BMR makes up 70% of the calories you burn every 24 hours. Other than that, your body uses calories include exercising in general. Meaning that increasing your BMR helps you lose fat more efficiently.
In addition to your BMR, the other two factors that determine how many calories your body burns each day are the TEF (thermic effect of food/thermogenesis) and energy expenditure due to physical activity (EEPA). Hence, if you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, the ultimate goal is to increase your overall body’s metabolism and includes physical activities in your daily routine.
Therefore, ingredients that deliver both anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions to better regulate the functioning of body processes would be highly sought after. Seek no more, such clinically-proven ingredients can be found in OPTI-Cap!
What is OPTI-Cap?
OPTI-CAP is formulated with clinically tested active ingredients: BioPerine® Piper Nigrum & Astareal® Astaxanthin.
OPTI-CAP supports healthy weight management through:
- Increasing thermogenesis
- Enhancing metabolism
- Improving metabolic syndrome
- Reducing hungry hormone (leptin)
- Acting as a fat burner to shrink fat cells
- Improving muscle strength and recovery
2 main active ingredients synergize to deliver the actions:
BioPerine® Piper Nigrum
Black pepper has been used in the human diet from ancient times and is one of the most used spices in the world, black pepper is now being widely accepted as an ingredient of supplements, that offers health benefits to our bodies.
BioPerine® is a patented black pepper extract obtained from black pepper fruits (Piper Nigrum).
Astareal® Astaxanthin
Astareal® Astaxanthin is extracted from this wholly natural source, which contains a high concentration of natural astaxanthin.
One of the variables that affect BMR is the amount of lean muscle you have. Thus by building up more muscle mass, the higher your BMR is, the more calories you burn even if you don’t work out. That is because muscle uses a lot more energy than fat while at rest.
by further increasing your metabolic rate of resting skeletal muscle. It shifts your muscles from a low activity state to a higher activity state and thus you can effectively burn more calories even when you’re inactive.
Of course, workout helps you build up muscle mass and lose weight. OPTI-Cap shows synergistic effects with workouts by raising your metabolism even further. It helps to regulate energy metabolism during endurance exercise, proving its efficacy as a nutritional supplement for the improvement of exercise ability.
To sum up, combining your physical activity and consuming OPTI-CAP helps you to lose fat with minimum effort, achieving desirable result.
Reduces appetite and increases satiety
Reducing calorie intake is an essential part of any weight loss plan. But when cravings strike, it can be tough to stick to your diet. OPTI-Cap reduces cravings for food and to increases the feelings of fullness once you’ve had your fill by promoting leptin production in fat cell. Leptin is a appetite-suppressing hormone and it reduces hunger pangs.
A big belly and large waist are signs of visceral fat -- fat that wraps around and in-between your organs inside your abdomen. The inflamed visceral fat cells around the belly can interfere with your hunger levels, weight, brain function, and other areas of your health. This could subsequently lead to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic degenerative diseases. (Yoshida et al. suggested the anti-inflammatory action of Ax helps to increase adiponectin secretion, which shrinks inflamed fat cells.
When the health status of fat cells improves, it increases insulin sensitivity, which further enhances glucose utilization and fat burning, thus helping you achieve a healthier weight!)
As we age, the ability of the body to store and remove fats slows down, causing the body to gain excessive fat, especially if we do not adjust to this slowdown.
But worry not, recent scientific studies have also shown that piperine shows promising anti-obesity effects that interfere with the activity of genes responsible for the formation of new, mature fat cells. A research team led by Park, Ui-Hyun et al. in 2012 showed that piperine has the ability to interfere with the genes that help form fat cells, potentially reducing the chance for obesity.
A prime fuel for sustaining energy during exercise
Nutrient for mitochondria (the powerhouse of body cells)
OPTI-Cap in combination with exercise had the greatest effect than with exercise or supplementation alone. The working theory for body fat reduction is to increase lipid metabolism (effective fat burning) in muscles, synergize with exercise.
OPTI-Cap’s powerful antioxidant property appears to protect muscle mitochondria against oxidative stress. This helps to lower lactic acid production, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, which makes exercise less daunting, keeping you to stay motivated.
OPTI-Cap also functions to produce a cleaner source of energy (ATP) for muscle cells, which effectively improves muscle strength and endurance, and because of this uniqueness, this is the preferred supplement for athletes, coaches, and trainers.
Therefore, it can be said that OPTI-Cap in combination with exercise promotes lipid metabolism or “fat-burning”, without creating a rebound effect.
01: Increases thermogenesis
Thermogenesis is the metabolic process of increasing internal temperature within your body. It is closely linked to metabolism as your body burns calories in order to produce heat. This thermogenic effect of OPTI-Cap raises the internal temperature of the body, increases sweating, and eliminates toxins accumulated within the body.
02: Enhances metabolism
One of the variables that affect BMR is the amount of lean muscle you have. Thus by building up more muscle mass, the higher your BMR is, the more calories you burn even if you don’t work out. That is because muscle uses a lot more energy than fat while at rest.
OPTI-Cap supports weight loss by further increasing your metabolic rate of resting skeletal muscle. It shifts your muscles from a low activity state to a higher activity state and thus you can effectively burn more calories even when you’re inactive.
Of course, workout helps you build up muscle mass and lose weight. OPTI-Cap shows synergistic effects with workouts by raising your metabolism even further. It helps to regulate energy metabolism during endurance exercise, proving its efficacy as a nutritional supplement for the improvement of exercise ability.
To sum up, combining your physical activity and consuming OPTI-CAP helps you to lose fat with minimum effort, achieving desirable result.
Reduces appetite and increases satiety
Reducing calorie intake is an essential part of any weight loss plan. But when cravings strike, it can be tough to stick to your diet. OPTI-Cap reduces cravings for food and to increases the feelings of fullness once you’ve had your fill by promoting leptin production in fat cell. Leptin is a appetite-suppressing hormone and it reduces hunger pangs.
03: Slashes and hinders the formation of new fat cells
A big belly and large waist are signs of visceral fat -- fat that wraps around and in-between your organs inside your abdomen. The inflamed visceral fat cells around the belly can interfere with your hunger levels, weight, brain function, and other areas of your health. This could subsequently lead to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic degenerative diseases. (Yoshida et al. suggested the anti-inflammatory action of Ax helps to increase adiponectin secretion, which shrinks inflamed fat cells.
When the health status of fat cells improves, it increases insulin sensitivity, which further enhances glucose utilization and fat burning, thus helping you achieve a healthier weight!)
As we age, the ability of the body to store and remove fats slows down, causing the body to gain excessive fat, especially if we do not adjust to this slowdown.
But worry not, recent scientific studies have also shown that piperine shows promising anti-obesity effects that interfere with the activity of genes responsible for the formation of new, mature fat cells. A research team led by Park, Ui-Hyun et al. in 2012 showed that piperine has the ability to interfere with the genes that help form fat cells, potentially reducing the chance for obesity.
04: A prime fuel for sustaining energy during exercise
Nutrient for mitochondria (the powerhouse of body cells)
OPTI-Cap in combination with exercise had the greatest effect than with exercise or supplementation alone. The working theory for body fat reduction is to increase lipid metabolism (effective fat burning) in muscles, synergize with exercise.
OPTI-Cap’s powerful antioxidant property appears to protect muscle mitochondria against oxidative stress. This helps to lower lactic acid production, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, which makes exercise less daunting, keeping you to stay motivated.
OPTI-Cap also functions to produce a cleaner source of energy (ATP) for muscle cells, which effectively improves muscle strength and endurance, and because of this uniqueness, this is the preferred supplement for athletes, coaches, and trainers.
Therefore, it can be said that OPTI-Cap in combination with exercise promotes lipid metabolism or “fat-burning”, without creating a rebound effect.
| Physicochemical properties | Standard Kelulut honey | Opti-B Kelulut honey |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture content (%) | Not more than 35.0 | 22.7 |
| pH | 2.5~3.8 | 3.3 |
| Ash (%) | Not more than 1.0 | 0.2 |
| Total sugar (g/100g) Glucose (g/100g) Fructose (g/100g) | Not more than 85.0 | 68.0 |
| Sucrose (g/100g) | Not more than 7.5 | <0.1 |
| Maltose (g/100g) | Not more than 9.5 | <0.1 |
| Plant phenolics | Present | Present |
Table 1 shows the comparison of physicochemical properties between standard Kelulut honey, Kelulut honey in Opti-B and synthetic honey. (Requirements on standard Kelulut honey and synthetic honey are in compliance with Malaysian Standard 2683:2017)
In general, Kelulut honey has higher water content and higher acidity as compared to other types of honey. The presence of various vitamins, enzymes, minerals and plant phenolics in Kelulut honey contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In contrast, due to the adulteration in synthetic honey with high fructose corn syrup, synthetic honey contains higher levels of total sugar, thus it is much sweeter in taste. The lack of nutritional values and absence of plant phenolics in synthetic honey do not confer any therapeutic values as compared to raw honey.
Impressive Goodness of Opti-B
Your Natural Immune System Booster
Astaxanthin in Opti-B naturally boosts and balances the body’s immune system. It enhances the capacity of immune cells (lymphocytes and phagocytes) as well as antibody production in defending against infectious bacteria and viruses that invade the body. This encourages a faster immune response, and thus a faster post-infectious recovery. At the same time, it alleviates overactive immune response that create unnecessary inflammation3, 4.
The presence of glucose oxidase enzyme, phytochemical components and organic acids in Kelulut honey also contribute to its potent antimicrobial effect5. This is something promising as it lessens the dependence on inappropriate antibiotics use, which prevents further rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To date, AMR has resulted in 700,000 deaths annually and estimated to reach 10 million by 20506.
Most people consume antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) but found it ineffective, as 90% of URTI are caused by viruses, not bacteria. It is better to try on natural compounds such as astaxanthin and Kelulut honey before resorting to drugs. Research shown that bacteria do not develop resistance to such alternatives. When the body’s defence system is strengthened, it helps to improve productivity in life and at work.
A Potential Cough and Cold Remedy
According to World Health Organization (WHO), raw honey acts as a demulcent, which helps relieve irritation in the throat by forming a protective film7. Raw Kelulut honey in Opti-B, likewise works as well as dextromethorphan (an ingredient in cough medicines), and to a greater extent than diphenhydramine in relieving cough caused by URTI8. The broad anti-inflammatory action of astaxanthin, couples with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and high osmolality properties of Kelulut honey, stimulates the salivation reflex and secretion of airway mucus, which improves mucus clearance in the pharynx and reduce cough.
Antibiotics works on bacteria not virus
Opti-B is also suitable for persistent post-infectious cough as compared to antibiotics or oral steroids9. Antibiotics only act on bacteria, and they are not specific to reduce the viral load causing the persistent cough. Frequent use of antibiotics can cause more harm than good to our health, in which the establishment of normal microflora is distorted by the antibiotics.
On a hot sunny day, drinking Opti-B can be refreshing as it reduces the body heat.
Effective Agent in Wound Care
Surgeons from ancient Egypt era used honey for open wounds, to prevent infection and to increase rate of healing. The main active mechanisms of Opti-B that are involved in wound healing are its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
i. Antioxidant property
The strong antioxidant profile of astaxanthin that is 6000 times more potent than vitamin C10, couples with the two major free phenolic acids in Kelulut bee, protocatechuic acid (PCA) and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid11, improve cell proliferation in wound healing process. They scavenge the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which protect the cellular DNA, preventing generation of oxidative stress and breakdown of collagen from further worsening the condition of wounded tissue.
ii. Antimicrobial property
When a wound is infected by microbes, it could hinder the healing process and eventually cause abscess formation.
Astaxanthin, as an antimicrobial agent, reduces bacteria growth and biofilm formation12. The potent antimicrobial property of Kelulut honey is attributed to the unique propolis-infused content. The anatomical structure of the Kelulut bee itself is also connected with the cuticular antimicrobial secretion in preventing microbial growth, in which the action is more significant as compared to European honey13.
iii. Anti-inflammatory property
A prolonged inflammatory response will occur along with tissue damage and delayed healing if the injured wound is left untreated.
Both the astaxanthin and cerumen extracts (phenolic compounds) in Kelulut honey is able to reduce the overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, which further reduce inflammation around the wound areas. Kelulut honey also reduces water retention, which lowers the hydrostatic pressure on wound tissue, allowing the access to nutrients and oxygen that are vital for tissue growth in wound healing14.
Natural Skin Moisturizer
Astaxanthin has been shown to improve skin moisture and retain elasticity15. Moisture content in Kelulut honey is relatively higher than that of European honey due to the presence of hydroxyl groups. Glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and vitamins such as vitamins B, E, and K, together with essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, contribute to the hydrating properties of Kelulut honey. This hydrating effect makes Opti-B suitable to be applied as cosmeceutical and skin care products, to enhance skin moisture and prevent dullness 16.
Easy-to-go Gastrointestinal Support
Both astaxanthin and Kelulut honey are reported to have positive effects in preventing and treating gastrointestinal inflammation such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, and gastroenteritis. With the high antibacterial property, they help to inhibit the culprit of gastroduodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori17, 18.
Apart from that, Kelulut honey has the prebiotic effects, which helps increase the population of gut microflora Bifidobacteria for the better enhancement of gastrointestinal health and nutrient absorption19. Consumption of Opti-B can also be useful in the recovery of hydration post-gastroenteritis.
Unique features of OPTI-CAP
1. Metabolism booster
- Is a ‘Thermonutrient’ - Enhances thermogenesis: the metabolic process that generates energy at the cellular level in our body
- Increases sweating, eliminate toxins accumulated within our body
- Increases muscle tissue = burn more fat (increases BMR)
2. Appetite control & reduction in inflamed fat cells
- Increases adiponectin (fat hormone) - better regulation of glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown
- Shrinks fat cells and prevent new fat cell growth, thus reduces fat storage
3. Safe, natural anti-inflammatory property
- No side effects/contraindication (as an adjunct)
- Reduces inflammation (CPR levels), which reduces risks of developing chronic disease
4. Boost powerhouse of energy
- Produces cleaner source of energy
- Improves sports performance (increases ATP)
- Synergistics effects with workouts
Unique Feature of OPTI-Cap
Your Natural Immune System Booster
Recommended Dosage:
Take 1 capsule of OPTI-Cap once daily after meal or as recommended by your healthcare profesional.
Certified by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia
AstaReal is a brand name of Astaxanthin Extract. AstaReal registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industries Co. Ltd, Japan.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
Bioperine is the brand name of Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Extract. Bioperine is the registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation, USA.
FAQ
References:
- Chew BP, Park JS: Carotenoids Against Disease: Part C: The Immune System and Disease. Carotenoids: Nutrition and Health Birkhauser PressBritton G, Liaanen-Jensen S, Pfander H 2009, 5:363-82.
- Massaro FC, Brooks PR, Wallace HM, Russell FD: Cerumen of Australian stingless bees (Tetragonula carbonaria): gas chromatography-mass spectrometry fingerprints and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Naturwissenschaften 2011; 98: 329–337.
- Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, et al. A0509. Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:1-9.
- Park JS et al. Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Nutri Metab 2010, 7:18.
- Molan PC (2001). Why honey is effective as a medicine 2. The scientific explanation of its effects. Bee World., 82: 22-40.
- New Straight Times, “When Antibiotics Don’t Work Anymore.” January 15, 2019.
- Health.com, “4 Things You Didn’t Know About Honey.” October 4, 2014.
- Oduwole O, Udoh EE, Oyo-Ita A, Meremikwu MM. Honey for Acute Cough in Children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 4.
- Raeessi MA et al., Honey plus coffee versus systemic steroid in the treatment of persistent post-infectious cough: a randomised controlled trial. Prim Care Respir J. 2013 Sep;22(3):325-30.
- Rao AR et al. Characterization of microalgal carotenoids by mass spectrometry and their bioavailability and antioxidant properties elucidated in rat model. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Aug 11;58(15):8553-9.
- Mohd N et al. Conservation and sustainable utilization of stingless bees for pollination services in agricultural ecosystems in Malaysia. Int Semin Enhanc Funct Biodivers Relev to Sustain Food Prod ASPAC, 2010, pp 1–11.
- Weintraub S et al. Astaxanthin-based polymers as new antimicrobial compound. Journal of Polymer Chemistry. 2017, Issue 29.
- Irish J, Carter DA, Blair SE, Heard TA: Antibacterial activity of honey from the Australian stingless bee Trigona carbonaria. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2008; 32: 89–90.
- Molan PC: The evidence and the rationale for the use of honey as a wound dressing. Wound Pract Res 2011; 19: 204–220.
- Davinelli S, Nieson ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients 2018, 10, 52.
- Bikowski J: The use of therapeutic moisturizers in various dermatologic disorders. Cutis Cutan Med Pract 2001; 68: 3–11.
- Yamashita E. Astaxanthin as a Medical Food. Functional Food in Health and Disease. 2013; 3(7):254-258.
- Osato MS, Reddy SG, Graham DY (1999) Osmotic effect of honey on growth and viability of Helicobacter pylori. Dig Dis Sci 44: 462-464.
- “The Effects of Honey on the Growth of Bifidobacteria”. The National Honey Board (2008).
- Kek IP et al. Total Phenolic Contents and Colour Intensity of Malaysian Honeys from the Apis spp. and Trigona spp. Bees. Agriculture and Agricultural Science Procedia 2 (2014) 150 – 155.