Great point about Woman's World! It's ridiculous...I saw one in the checkout line the other day that had "Lose 28 pounds in 28 days" emblazoned on the cover. Even if that kind of loss is possible somehow, it would be mostly muscle and water weight and definitely dangerous.
And if chocolate was the secret to great looking skin-I'd be freakin' gorgeous
Yes-there has been one new study that showed high amounts of chromium taken for an extended period can cause dna damage and may possible even be linked to certain forms of cancer-the study sites 1200 mcg taken daily over several months. Chromium is vital to our metabolic process, but in a very miniscule amount as a trace mineral. It is very rare that any of us would be deficient enough to need a supplement, but the amounts sited by that study are ALOT. Most people taking supplements take between 200-400 mcg per day- If we take 3 times the recommended dosage of our multivitamin, it can cause problems. Plenty of minerals are considered toxic on overdose.
And to clarify-no, chromium doesn't "technically" cause "weight loss". Studies show that they MAY cause FAT loss, as in they affect body composition, wherein weight loss consisting more of actual body fat than muscle, etc. But AGAIN, in a healthy person, there is no deficiency, and no real reason or benefit to taking a supplement. The FDA has actually made a big deal lately with some manufacturers making claims that we "need" it, because there is no evidence provided to back that up.
I read the Tufts University report on the possible link between milk/weight loss. They still only site Dr Zemels study-I caution anyone to base their diet on his findings for several reasons....
1)It is only he and the national dairy council who make this recommendation, not doctors and dieticians. To me, this is comparable to buying cortislim just because THEIR scientist conducted a study that showed more weight loss with their product. The dairy industry is in need of a shot in the hip, because American consumption is WAY down since the 90's because it's been viewed as "bad" due to fat and calorie content.
2)It is the INDEPENDENT studies we should take heed of. The national dairy council stands to profit seriously from this, and they paid for it.
3)No ONE study should make up our minds about anything. This study was too small to be taken very seriously. 30 people. 10 in a control group, 10 taking calcium supplements, and 10 using dairy. All on a reduced calorie diet. Over a 12 week study, the people ingesting skim milk lost about 2 pounds more than the control group. THe supplement group also lost more, but not as much. 10 people losing 2 pounds more over 3 months doesn't prove much, simply because some people lose faster than others ANYWAY. The more overweight you are, for example, you will lose faster then someone who is closer to their goal. Men typically lose faster then women. This study doesn't factor in metabolism, sex, the TYPES of foods consumed, or the amount of everweight, so 2 pounds in 10 people isn't that big of a deal.
It's not that milk/dairy isn't good for us. It's a very nutrient dense liquid.