Propolene Review: Does Propolene Really Work?
 Propolene (which sounds more like an engine additive then a fat burner) is another in an exceedingly long line of products promising miraculous fat burning results. Just in case one fat burner isn't enough for you, Propolene is sold in tandem with Excelerene. Both products are brought to us by the rather dubious sounding "Obesity Research Institute, LLC".
Propolene contains Propol, which is simply the company's trademarked name for glucomannan. Glucomannan is finding its way into many mainstream fat burners these days -- both Muscle Tech's Diet Tech and the "As Seen on T.V." FiberThin contain glucomannan.
Glucomannan is a soluble fiber with the ability to absorb up to 200 times its own weight in water. As such, it definitely will help with "feelings of fullness".
Several clinical studies validate glucomannan's ability to lower LDL cholesterol and blood lipid levels -- as well as blood sugar levels (J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):36-42, Diabetes Care. 2000 Jan;23(1):9-14, Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2005 Jun;15(3):174-80).
Wonders abound -- there also appears to be some evidence validating glucomannan's positive effect on weight loss (Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93, Med Sci Monit. 2005 Jan;11(1):PI5-8)
One study (Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93) showed that 1 gram of glucomannan, taken with 8 oz. of water one hour prior to meals, has a significant influence on weight loss -- almost 6 pounds of fat lost in two months, with no changes in eating habits.
Glucomannan may bind with and hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. It's probably a good idea to use a high quality multi-vitamin when supplementing with glucomannan or glucomannan-based products, to ensure you're receiving adequate amounts of all nutrients.
(Obesity Research Institute, LLC hypes glucomannan as a "fat blocker", but its ability to block fat has not been clearly demonstrated at this time). |
Bottom line on glucomannan?
Adding fiber to your diet is always a good idea. In general, North Americans get about 14 grams of fiber per day from their diets -- about half of what they should get. While it certainly appears glucomannan offers benefits above and beyond those offered by "simple" dietary fiber, there are easier (and cheaper) ways to get fiber into your diet (consume high fiber fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains & consume a fiber supplement like Metamucil).
And it certainly seems like glucomannan may have some benefits for weight loss, although nothing as dramatic as reported by the Propolene advertising material.
As I mentioned earlier, Propolene is sold in conjunction with Excelerene.
Excelerene is an average quality ephedra-free fat burner, containing Green Tea, Chromium, Kola-nut, Bitter Orange, and Vitamins B6 and B12. The only ingredients worth discussing in this compilation are...
Green Tea extract: a powerful antioxidant, glucose moderator, and source of caffeine (a mild thermogenic). Green tea has been shown to increase metabolic rate -- by about 4% in one study (that's less than a hundred calories per day for an average individual). A quality ingredient to be sure, and standard fare in most ephedra free fat burner compilations these days, but don't expect miracles from it.
Chromium: You can find a full review of chromium here, but in general, chromium is helpful in regulating insulin function and thus, moderating blood sugar levels.
Kola Nut: contains caffeine, a mild thermogenic (fat burner).
Basically, what it comes down to is this...
Propolene combines a fiber supplement with a barely average quality ephedra free fat burner, yet promises some pretty overwhelming results.
Regardless, I can almost guarantee that you will lose weight using Propolene.
Why?
Because it is distributed with a healthy eating plan that is actually fairly decent.
The "Healthy Eating Guide" promoted a 40-40-20 ratio of proteins to carbs to fats for meals -- even dropping to a 70-10-20 ratio of proteins to carbs to fats for evening meals (smart). It encouraged eating between 5-6 meals per day, with serving sizes to be no larger than a clenched fist. Exercise, in the form of aerobics and weight training, was encouraged, even recommended. The guide provided a basic overview on exercise. It also included detailed meal plans, a shopping list, and other helpful tips.
In other words, the guide provided the basic rules of eating to balance blood sugar levels, reduce cravings, lose weight, and increase your metabolism.
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In my original review I said...
The problem the guide poses for the folks at "Obesity Research Institute, LLC" is...
... if you follow the instructions outlined in the guide, you will lose weight, and you won't need either propolene or excelerene to do so.
The question I'm asking myself at this time is...
... is "Obesity Research Institute, LLC" is a really smart, underhanded company that is providing clients with a diet plan that works, simply so that those clients can mistakenly attribute their new successes to the products (at least partially), when it is in fact the diet and lifestyle change that is making the difference?
Or are they providing an average quality product with the full intention of looking after the best interests of their clients?
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Since the time of my reviewing this product, the makers of Propolene -- Obesity Research Institute LLC -- have run into some real problems. Seems they've been charged by the Federal Trade Commission for making false and unsubstantiated claims and forced to pay $1.5 million in customer redress. This is for this product, Propolene, and another, Fiberslim, which is also based upon the ingredient glucomannan.
If you'd like to review the Federal Trade Commission press release for this action, please click here!
All things considered , I'd be hesitant to recommend purchasing Propolene, especially considering this action against this company by the Federal Trade Commission.
If you really must experiment with a glucomannan-based product, buy it in isolation. You can buy 100 capsules for between $10-20 depending where you look.
Have you used Propolene? Tell me what you think!
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