Fight the Fat & Kick Your Immunity 
Up a Notch With 7-KETO

By John Walker, M.D.
Gastroenterologist & Scientific Advisory Board Member
November 4, 2005 - 7-KETO may sound like an advanced karate move, but it’s actually the trade name for a hormone metabolite found in the body called 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone. This chemical compound is a metabolite of DHEA, a very important hormone in humans with regard to aging, immune system function and fat burning. As with DHEA, levels of 7-KETO decline over time. It is thought that this decline as people age may contribute to the diminished immune system function and the increase in weight that is often associated with aging. Unlike DHEA, 7-KETO does not get converted to estrogen or testosterone, and for this reason, appears to be a safe nutrient. Learn more here >>>

7-KETO is considered a thermogenic (fat burning) compound. Thermogenesis is the production of heat from the fuel of the body's metabolic machinery: The greater the degree of thermogenesis, the more fuel is being burned. This means that your body's metabolic rate will increase, using up ingested or stored calories at a greater rate. 7- KETO appears to exert its effects on 3 thermogenic enzymes that stimulate fatty acid oxidation in the liver. These enzymes promote the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver, which can lead to a decrease in triglycerides in the liver.

Because of its effects on thermogenesis, 7- KETO can be very effective at inducing fat loss. One study published in Current Therapeutic Research1 followed people who consumed a 1,800 calorie per day diet and exercised three times per week, as well as those given placebo. Patients taking 7-KETO had an average fat loss of 6.3 pounds, versus 2.1 for those taking placebo. This is a threefold increase in weight loss! Additionally, when the researchers looked at fat loss, the 7-KETO group had a 1.8% reduction in body fat, vs. only .57% in the placebo group—another threefold difference. The increased weight loss in the 7-KETO group was associated with a significant increase in levels of T3 (a thyroid hormone that plays a major role in determining a person's metabolic rate), although the levels of T3 did not exceed the normal range. At a dose of 100 mg twice daily, no adverse effects were reported. Unlike ephedra (ma huang) or bitter orange (citrus aurantium), there are no central nervous system effects from 7-KETO. It appears to be quite safe. 

Want more good news about the amazing effects of 7-KETO? It also has a beneficial effect on immune system function: A Czech study showed that 7-KETO was able to mitigate the harmful effects of cortisol on the immune system2. And, a study from the Minnesota Applied Research Center and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center in Minneapolis found (Results were presented in April of 2004.) that 7-KETO supplementation improved immune function in elderly men and women. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 22 women and 20 men over the age of 65. They were given 100 mg of 7-KETO twice daily, or a placebo, for four weeks. Researchers noted that patients in the 7-KETO group had a significant decrease in immune suppressor cells and a significant increase in immune helper cells. There were also reductions in high blood pressure and an increase in what are known as neutrophils—white blood cells that are the first to respond to infection. 

Other benefits of 7-KETO may include reduction in cholesterol levels and improved memory. 

Considering all the studies, supplementation with 7-KETO should be considered at a dose of 100 mg twice daily, preferably before breakfast and lunch. Late afternoon or evening dosing should be avoided, as it may stimulate brain function and lead to insomnia. 

I believe that 7-KETO is an important part of a safe, effective supplement regimen that will assist in weight reduction and management. It can safely be combined with other supplements that I have recommended, such as green tea, Tonalin and guarana. I have been using this product myself for three months, and have noticed a dramatic difference in fat reduction. I'm confident you will, as well.

1. Kalman DS, Colker CM, Swain MA, Torina GC, Shi Q. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study of 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone in Healthy Overweight Adults. Current Therapeutic Research 2000;61: 435-442.

2. Hampl R, Lapcik O, Hill M, et al. 7-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone—a natural antiglucocorticoid and a candidate for steroid replacement therapy? Physiol Res. 2000;49 Suppl 1S107-12.

Description – Green tea	
 	Natural source of antioxidants. Proven aid for weight reduction. 	
 	
Green tea is a natural source of antioxidants, which neutralize harmful molecules in the body known as free radicals. Researchers have found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant-like compound found in green tea, is over 200 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing pro-oxidants and free radicals. 

Studies have already shown that green tea may lead to a lower risk of skin, lung and prostate cancer, but now, it appears that the nutrientâ€™s EGCG may be effective at lowering the risk of esophageal cancer. Researchers at Harvard Medical School and VA Boston Healthcare System found that EGCG effectively inhibited the growth and reproduction of esophageal cancer cells. It was found that EGCG induced â€œcell suicide,â€ preventing the cancerous cells from replicating. In addition, increased EGCG concentration led to a higher rate of cell suicide, with no harm to healthy cells. 

In recent studies, green tea extract (standardized to 90 mg of EGCG) increased the 24-hour energy expenditure in human subjects, thus aiding in weight reduction. Plus, the antioxidants of green tea are also beneficial for the heart, as they help decrease levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. In addition, green tea contains a small amount of caffeine (1% or 5 mg), so it serves as a mild appetite suppressant. 

NSI Green Tea Extract is a formula containing 500 mg of this ingredient, standardized to 45% of EGCG.