If you're into health and wellness, you might have come across dietary supplements like Tejocote Root, touted as a natural way to shed those extra pounds. But hold your horses! There's a serious issue at hand that you need to know about.

Credit: Canva Mexican Hawthorn Root also known as Texocotl. The fruit is often used in traditional medicine. The root has become popular as a weight loss supplement.
Credit: Canva
Mexican Hawthorn Root also known as Texocotl. The fruit is often used in traditional medicine. The root has become popular as a weight loss supplement.
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Here's the lowdown: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the guardian of our health when it comes to food and drugs, recently uncovered a disturbing trend. Many supplements labeled as Tejocote Root, a popular weight loss aid, aren't what they claim to be.

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Instead of containing Tejocote Root (which sounds harmless), these supplements are filled with something far more sinister: yellow oleander. Yeah, that's right, oleander, the pretty but poisonous plant.

Credit: Canva The deadly but beautiful Yellow Oleander flower.
Credit: Canva
The deadly but beautiful Yellow Oleander flower.
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Now, you might wonder why this is such a big deal. Well, let me break it down for you:

Imagine you're trying to lose weight, so you pick up a Tejocote Root supplement. You take it as directed, thinking it's all-natural and safe. But unknown to you, it's packed with yellow oleander. This plant contains a toxic substance that can wreak havoc on your body, especially your heart.

Young man in white t-shirt with strong heart attack
Credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz
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Think nausea, vomiting, slow heart rate (we're talking bradycardia), and dangerously low blood pressure. Scary stuff, right? And if you're unlucky, it could even be fatal.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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But wait, it gets worse. The FDA discovered that numerous companies are selling these dodgy supplements, claiming they're Tejocote Root. Some have recalled their products, while others are still out there, lurking on online platforms.

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Here's a list of the products tainted with yellow oleander:

  • nwl NUTRA Mexican Tejocote Root
  • EVA NUTRITION Mexican Tejocote Root
  • ELV King All Natural Tejocote Root
  • ALIPOTEC RAIZ DE TEJOCOTE
  • Science of ALPHA Mexican Tejocote Root
  • H & Natural Tejo Root Raiz de Tejocote
  • ALIPOTEC Tejocote Root Raiz de Tejocote
  • ALIPOTEC Tejocote Root Dietary Supplement Pieces
  • Nutraholics ELV Tejocote Root Dietary Supplement Pieces
  • Nutraholics ELV Nutraking Mexican Tejocote Root Supplement Pieces
  • Niwali Raiz de Tejocote
  • Science of Alpha Mexican Tejocote Root
  • ALIPOTEC ELV Mexican Tejocote Root
Credit: FDA Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
Credit: FDA
Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
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Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
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Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
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Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
Products warned about by the FDA using toxic Yellow Oleander.
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Normally, the purported health benefits of "raíz de tejocote" or Mexican hawthorn root capsules include weight loss, detoxification, reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides, alleviation of joint pain and constipation, and improvement in skin firmness, lack scientific evidence from published clinical trials to support these claims. Despite assertions on company websites, such as alipotecus.com and alipotec.com, specific medical claims regarding the treatment of conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and colon cancer remain unsubstantiated. The absence of rigorous research raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of these supplements. It's always advisable for individuals considering supplement use to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into their normal regimen.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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So, what's the bottom line? If you've been using any of these products, stop immediately. Toss them out, and don't look back. And if you've experienced any weird symptoms lately, like the ones I mentioned earlier, get yourself checked out by a healthcare professional pronto. Remember, your health is precious, and it's not worth risking it for the sake of a few pounds. Stay safe, stay informed, and always be wary of what you put into your body.

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