At some point, we’ve all heard it: “Drink green tea to shed those extra kilos, it works.” Whether it’s on social media, in advertisements, or passed along in casual conversations, the association of green tea and weight loss seems almost universally accepted.

But is it really the magic solution it’s marketed to be?

The answer may surprise you—and not in the way the wellness industry wants you to believe. The truth behind green tea’s so-called weight-loss benefits is murky at best, and it’s time we called it out for what it is: misleading and overhyped (not to mention the atrocious taste).

Is green tea for fat loss a scam?

Green tea’s rise to weight-loss stardom didn’t happen overnight. It started with studies that showed the tea contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that was believed to boost metabolism.

Marketers quickly latched on to this idea, and before long, green tea became synonymous with weight loss. But most people missed the fine print: the impact of green tea on metabolism is minimal, temporary, and often overstated.

Deepali Sharma, clinical nutritionist at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says, “Green tea can indeed support weight loss, but the effects vary widely depending on an individual’s lifestyle and exercise habits. It has a modest impact, mainly by boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, and increasing the feeling of fullness (satiety). Additionally, it promotes fat breakdown in the body.”

“However, relying solely on green tea for weight loss isn’t effective. For best results, it should be combined with lifestyle changes and regular exercise. The timing and pattern of consumption also influence its effectiveness. Green tea works as part of a broader approach to health,” she adds.

Nupur Saraf, consultant nutritionist, Nutrimend, further explains, “Fat loss cannot be attributed to consuming or eliminating any one particular item from one’s diet and depends on the overall lifestyle and calorific balance maintained by one. The only way green tea could help with any kind of fat loss is if it is used as a substitute for regular tea, i.e. without milk and sugar, which helps in cutting down the calorie intake.”

Dietician Chayanika Sarmah also echoed similar thoughts and says, “It minutely increases the metabolism, which is negligible. The difference can only be visible if a proper diet is maintained. Even with the diet, it is not just about reducing the calories but also keeping in mind the quality of food you are having.”

The marketing genius

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the green tea market was valued at $14.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $29.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.04% from 2022 to 2030.

The demand for health-boosting beverages is driving this growth. But let’s give some credit to clever marketing. Brands have positioned green tea as a wellness icon, slapping it on everything from supplements to skincare. However, much of the “evidence” comes from small, poorly controlled studies or animal research, yet the hype persists because, let’s face it, quick fixes sell.

There’s no denying that green tea is good for your health, but its marketing as a superfood is where the problem lies.

Varsha Sharma, ShardaCare-Healthcity, Uttar Pradesh, says, “The benefits of EGCG in green tea have been widely researched, but the evidence remains inconclusive. So far, studies haven’t provided sufficient proof that it effectively detoxifies the body, treats diseases, or promotes longevity.”

The ‘other benefits’

While green tea is often marketed as a weight-loss elixir, its benefits go far beyond just shedding stubborn fat.

Pooja Shah Bhave, a Mumbai-based consultant clinical dietician, explains, “Oxidative damage caused by free radicals can lead to cancer, artery blockages, and accelerate ageing. Green tea, rich in antioxidants like EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), combats this damage.”

She adds that drinking 1-2 cups daily is more about overall wellness, better skin and heart health—not just weight loss.

Last sip

Green tea isn’t the villain here, and neither does it deserve to be. The real culprit is the marketing hype that’s shifted our perception of this drink. While green tea has health benefits, it’s not a miracle cure for weight loss. True wellness comes from balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and a sustainable lifestyle.

Keep calm and try omega-3. The fatty acids, available as dietary supplements via fish oil capsules and thought to help with mental and physical well-being, could also cut down on aggression, according to a recent study.

These findings haven’t come out of nowhere: omega-3 has previously been linked to preventing schizophrenia, while aggression and antisocial behavior are thought in part to stem from a lack of nutrition. What we eat can influence our brain’s chemistry.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania built on earlier, smaller studies of omega-3 supplementation effects on aggression. Their meta-analysis looked at 29 randomized controlled trials across 3,918 participants in total.

Across all the trials, a modest but noticeable short-term effect was found, translating to up to a 28 percent reduction in aggression across multiple different variables (including age, gender, medical diagnosis, and length and dosage of treatment).

“I think the time has come to implement omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression, irrespective of whether the setting is the community, the clinic, or the criminal justice system,” said neurocriminologist Adrian Raine earlier this year.

The trials included in the study, carried out between 1996 and 2024, ran for an average of 16 weeks. They covered a variety of demographics, from children aged 16 and under to older people aged between 50 and 60.

What’s more, the reductions in aggression included both reactive aggression (in response to provocation) and proactive aggression (behavior planned in advance). Before this study, it wasn’t clear if omega-3 could help with these different types of aggression.

While larger studies across longer periods of time are going to be needed to further establish this relationship, it adds to our understanding of how fish oil pills and the omega-3 in them might be beneficial for the brain.

“At the very least, parents seeking treatment for an aggressive child should know that in addition to any other treatment that their child receives, an extra portion or two of fish each week could also help,” Raine said.

The researchers think something in the way that omega-3 reduces inflammation and keeps vital brain processes ticking over might be helping regulate aggression. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but the team suggests there’s enough evidence to look into this further.

Add in the studies that show that medications derived from fish oil can help reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks, strokes, and other heart health problems, and there seems to be plenty of upside to adding some omega-3 to your diet.

“Omega-3 is not a magic bullet that is going to completely solve the problem of violence in society,” said Raine.

“But can it help? Based on these findings, we firmly believe it can, and we should start to act on the new knowledge we have.”

The research has been published in Aggression and Violent Behavior.

An earlier version of this article was published in June 2024.

Managing blood sugar levels can feel like walking through a maze, with numerous pathways leading to solutions, some promising, others just dead ends. Fortunately, two popular methods—intermittent fasting and green tea—are gaining traction for their potential benefits for people grappling with diabetes and blood sugar regulation.

Intermittent fasting has emerged as more than just a diet trend; it’s gaining recognition for its potential health benefits, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes. This approach restricts eating to certain time periods, which can help manage weight and improve insulin sensitivity, according to various studies. A recent review of 1,304 studies pointed to mixed results. Still, the approach has shown promise, especially for those who find it challenging to stick to conventional diets.

What is Semenax?

Semenax is a nutritional supplement that is formulated with the aim of supporting male sexual health and increasing the amount of ejaculation during orgasm. It’s packed with 18 ingredients that Semenax’s manufacturer claims improve semen volume, with erectile function and orgasm intensity serving as secondary benefits.

Semenax is produced by Leading Edge Health, a nutritional and dietary supplement manufacturer based in Canada. The supplement is produced in factories based in the United States. Leading Edge Health claims that Semenax consists of ingredients that focus on prostate health.

Semenax doesn’t contain PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil. As such, it’s not a one-to-one

Viagra alternative

. Instead, it has ingredients like l-arginine that potentially lower blood pressure and promote erectile function. (

2

)

Specs

How does Semenax work?

Semenax is a dietary supplement, which means it’s intended to provide your body with nutrients that may be at insufficient levels or missing from your diet. In a sense, Semenax is like a multivitamin where each ingredient is involved in a specific function in an attempt to promote overall male sexual health.

According to Leading Edge Health, prostate glands may get bigger as men age and this process causes the prostate to press against the urethra. (

3

) This squeezing pressure may produce weaker ejaculations consisting of less semen that doesn’t feel as good as they once did. (

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) Leading Edge Health also says that Semenax contains all-natural nutrients that support prostate health. Moreover, Leading Edge Health refers to its 18 ingredients as “orgasm superchargers.”

Leading Edge Health recommends that users take two Semenax pills two times daily. This is a total of four capsules a day. The company claims that this dosage should increase ejaculate volume by around 20%, with results that may be seen in as little as three weeks if used as recommended or directed. (

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)

Ingredients of Semenax

All of the active ingredients of Semenax are described as 100% all-natural. The ingredients of Semenax are:

• Swedish flower pollen (50 mg)
• L-Arginine HCL (250mg)
• L-Carnitine (500mg)
• Vitamin E (60IU)
• Cranberry extract (50mg)
• Butea superba (500mg)
• Hawthorne (50mg)
• Maca (400mg)
• Zinc aspartate (30mg)
• L-Lysine (250mg)
• Epimedium sagittatum (150mg)
• Pumpkin seed (30mg)
• Muira puama (100mg)
• Avena sativa extract (50mg)
• Sarsaparilla (50mg)
• Pine bark extract (300mg)
• Catuaba bark (200mg)
• Tribulus terrestris (50mg)

Side effects of Semenax

Leading Edge Health claims that Semenax has no reported side effects. Moreover, the independent study that the company funded noted that there weren’t any unpleasant side effects—however, the study did note that mild and moderate side effects were present in the study’s Semenax group. Here are the reported adverse effects of Semenax (

4

):

• Headaches
• Hyperacidity
• Stomach bloating
• Abdominal pain

Ingredient side effects

Several ingredients of Semenax have reported potential side effects.

• 
  Vitamin E:
  
  Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, rash, gonadal dysfunction, weakness, and increased creatine in urine (creatinuria) (
  
  5
  
  )

• 
  Zinc:
  
  Dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. (
  
  6
  
  )

• 
  L-Carnitine
  
  : Vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fishy body odor.
  
  
  Side effects require doses of approximately 3g (3000mg) to be seen. (
  
  7
  
  )

• 
  L-Lysine:
  
  Reproductive disorders, anemia, bloodshot eyes, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, fatigue. (
  
  8
  
  )

• 
  L-Arginine
  
  : Allergic response, nausea, bloating, gout, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  (
  
  9
  
  )

• 
  Epimedium sagittatum:
  
  Severe breathing problems, increased estrogen levels, and Blood clot inhibition. (
  
  10
  
  )  Epimedium sagittatum is better known as horny goat weed.

• 
  Pine Bark Extract:
  
  Gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation,  dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, urinary retention, urinary frequency, and increased perspiration. (
  
  11
  
  )

• 
  Hawthorne:
  
  Headaches, heart palpitations, and nausea. Hawthorne is found to be safe with doses upwards of 1800mg. (
  
  12
  
  )

Many of Semenax’s ingredients, such as Hawthorne and epimedium sagittatum, have rare side effects. Moreover, a serving of Semenax consists of four pills and contains low amounts of each ingredient. Because the human body tolerates the ingredients in lower amounts, side effects are less likely to occur. (

6

,

9

,

12

,

13

) However, insufficient research exists to effectively determine the long-term effects of Semenax or some of its ingredients.

Who is Semenax recommended for?

The large number of individual active ingredients in Semenax allows its use to help resolve varying issues related to men’s sexual health. As such, Semenax claims that it’s recommended for men over 18 who:

• Want to increase testosterone, which is possible with l-lysine and zinc. (
  
  6
  
  ,
  
  8
  
  )
• Seek to increase semen fluid and sperm volume as l-arginine HCL may promote both. (
  
  9
  
  )
• Look to improve prostate health, which can be supported by the pumpkin seed in Semenax. (
  
  13
  
  )
• Want to increase libido as Catuaba bark and epimedium sagittatum may increase sexual desire. (
  
  14
  
  ,
  
  15
  
  )
• Desire better sexual performance, which maca may boost energy and potency. (
  
  16
  
  )
• Don’t want to go through the process of getting a prescription for personal sexual issues.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Who is Semenax not recommended for?

Semenax is not recommended for men who are taking certain medications and who suffer from low blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Several active ingredients, such as l-arginine, have the potential to lower blood pressure for potential erection improvement. (

2

) Elevated levels of this ingredient could potentially lower blood pressure to concerning levels if the user already has low blood pressure.

Semenax’s serving of 250mg of l-arginine is well tolerated by the body and shouldn’t cause. However, epimedium sagittatum has the potential to be dangerous over long periods of time and is involved with severe respiratory problems. (

10

) Men should talk to their healthcare provider to see if Semenax is right for them.

Additionally, Semenax is not recommended for women, individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), and children. These groups do not typically have seminal fluid or erections and aren’t a part of the intended audience. Not enough research has been done to determine the short-term or long-term side effects that Semenax has on these groups. Minors should always wait until after they’re 18 to talk to a healthcare provider about Semenax.

How much does Semenax cost?

The original price of one bottle (a month’s supply) of Semenax is $79.95, but it costs $59.95 through a constant promotion on the Semenax website. Semenax has several pricing/supply tiers depending on the purchase supply number. The price per bottle becomes more cost-effective as you go up in tiers. Semenax’s tiers consist of:

• One-month supply: $59.95
• Three-month supply $154.95
• Six-month supply: $289.95
• Twelve-month supply: $399.95

Does Semenax work?

Semenax is similar to other dietary supplements in that it has the potential to work. Some people will be sensitive to its active ingredients, while others may not be as sensitive. It contains active ingredients such as zinc, vitamin E, and l-arginine that support its purpose of promoting “male climax intensity.”  (

5

,

6

,

9

) We believe it’s a working product, but its efficacy may be embellished by the manufacturer.

Semenax safety and side effects

Leading Edge Health claims that the Semenax formula is safe and healthcare professional-approved. Additionally, the manufacturers follow the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards for human pharmaceuticals. However, the FDA has not approved Semenax as a product because it is a supplement. Supplements don’t have to meet the standards and safety requirements that medications do.  (

17

)

Research has indicated that some herbal and dietary supplements do not list or mislabel their activity. This action may have been attributed to injuries, particularly liver injury.  (

18

)  The FDA has advised consumers to avoid purchasing male enhancement products from Amazon and eBay because they may be tainted with unlisted active ingredients. Importantly, Semenax has not been listed as one of the 50 tainted male enhancement products. (

19

)

Leading Edge Health claims that its funded study reported no unpleasant side effects, which isn’t true. In truth, there were mild side effects. (

4

)  This is likely due to Semenax’s below-average quantities of active ingredients. Epimedium sagittatum could be problematic as it lead to severe breathing problems especially when taken over a long period of time  . (

10

)  However, there is not enough research on Semenax to effectively determine its side effects, particularly long-term side effects.

“It is vital to keep in mind that Semenax is not approved by the FDA. That means it has not gone through the vigorous independent studies and analysis needed to determine that it is safe and effective for its intended use. Any research on this product has been sponsored by the company itself and is therefore subject to bias in the results. This is important to remember when making decisions regarding the purchase and use of Semenax.” per Dr. Dhargalkar, MD.

Alternatives to Semenax

Alternatives to Semenax depend on what problem you’re looking to solve. Semenax claims to increase libido, seminal fluids, and provide stronger erections.

Volume pills:

Semenax mainly serves as a supplement to support increases in ejaculate volume. Admittedly, according to the FDA, these kinds of supplements generally don’t have third-party research to support their claims and are potentially unsafe. (

17

)

ED treatments:

Men who want to promote erectile function can look to

ED treatments

like Cialis, Viagra, and Ro Sparks for treatments. Their active ingredients are PDE5 inhibitors, which block cyclic GMP, keeping blood vessels smooth and muscles relaxed for longer-lasting erections. Also, PDE5 inhibitors increase blood flow, allowing for erections to be more achievable through stimulation. (

20

)

Physical exercise:

Physical exercise slightly increases testosterone, a hormone with a covariant relationship with erectile dysfunction. (

21

,

22

) Moreover, kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles and increase the physical intensity of orgasms. (

23

) Additionally, exercise typically increases confidence, which has a covariant relationship with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Curiously, research indicates that around 40% of erectile dysfunction cases are psychogenetic  (

24

)

Hydration:

The adult male body is composed of about 60-70% water. (

25

,

26

) Moreover, water (and fluids) is vital for many bodily functions and keeps the human body at peak performance. Water has the following benefits regarding male sexual performance (

27

):

• Ejaculation
• Regulating body temperature
• Blood pressure
• Blood volume

Moreover, ejaculate is composed of mainly water with reported percentages falling between 80-98%. Sperm, which constitutes around two to five percent of semen, comprises almost 60% of intracellular water. (

28

,

29

) Dehydration can negatively impact testosterone and affect libido. (

30

)  Dehydration can lower blood volume, which can affect erection function. (

31

)

Our takeaway

Ultimately, it’s up to readers to determine for themselves whether Semenax can be a solution to their ED issues, but we remain skeptical. Semenax seems to have the potential to work, but there isn’t sufficient evidence to show that it works well. Moreover, Leading Edge Health has some curious practices that make Semenax seem “shady.”

We took a holistic approach to making this determination by examining Semenax as a product and the company and its practices behind it. Factors including, but not limited to, ingredients, branding, marketing, and reviews—all of which we’ll discuss below—helped us reach this conclusion. These factors fall into two main categories: efficacy and legitimacy.

Efficacy

Testimony:

Semenax is rated “excellent” with over 1,000 ratings, an average of 4.3 on Trustpilot. The company and product are highly rated because reviewers appreciate Semenax’s efficacy and Leading Edge Health’s customer service.

One reviewer going by the username “TheRealCatmandu” wrote: “I started using Semenax in 2019 and was initially skeptical about the ads and their claims, but to my surprise, this stuff really does work. However, you need to hydrate a lot if you expect to see and feel the results and abstain for at least 5-7 days to get the full benefits.”

It’s likely true that being adequately hydrated will allow your body to better process the ingredients and nutrients within Semenax. (

32

) However, there’s a high probability that abstaining from ejaculation-inducing sexual activities and staying hydrated will increase sperm count and seminal fluid naturally. (

33

) It’s akin to saying that a pill that makes you feel full works better if you eat a lot.

Overall, we looked at Trustpilot and Reddit (considered a less reliable source of references) and found that many users stated that hydration, and sometimes semen retention, really helped them benefit from using Semenax.

Placebo effect:

Another problem with Semenax’s efficacy is that the product may work because of a placebo effect. Semenax is not a placebo; its efficacy may benefit from a placebo effect. (

34

) The human mind and subconscious are powerful factors that allow placebos to have a zero to one hundred percent effect. (

34

)  One study showed that placebos still work even when the subjects knew they took a placebo. (

34

) Semenax may work for some people simply because they believe the product works. Furthermore, any benefits from Semenax may be amplified by a placebo effect. (

35

) We can’t know if Semenax works as the manufacturer claims without more thorough third-party research.

Legitimacy

Ingredients:

Semenax is specially formulated for male climax intensity, a vague goal that’s arguably up for the user’s interpretation. Medications like Viagra and Cialis have singular active ingredients with adequate evidence of efficacy, along with third-party research and approvals. (

36

) Semenax is more like a hopeful hodgepodge of active ingredients that may have some effect on men’s sexual health.

Branding:

The Semenax name is akin to brand name medications like Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, or Mucinex. This is a misleading but potentially smart branding choice, because it’s a dietary supplement not a prescription or behind-the-counter medication. Additionally, its logo and labeling use the colors white, blue, and yellow, which are colors usually attributed to medications.

Upon opening the Semenax website, a screen pops up urging the user to take a test to determine their “Load Score.” We tried the test, which is somewhat similar to the mandatory tests that male enhancement websites use, except there are no medical questions, a healthcare professional doesn’t review the information, and no prescription can be provided.

Please note that Semenax states it’s a supplement and has “supplement facts,” not  “drug facts” on each bottle. We’re bringing attention to its use of associative branding.

Marketing:

It appears that Leading Edge Health relies on manipulation, “sense of urgency” creation, and the fear of missing out (or FOMO) within its sales tactics. Semenax’s website states that the retail price for one bottle of Semenax is $79.95, while it displays a discount or promotional price of $59.95. Meanwhile, Semenax is sold at Walmart and Sears for $59.95 without a sale. This is evidence that the actual retail price of Semenax is $59.95. We believe this kind of marketing to be somewhat manipulative, as it allows customers to believe they’re getting a better deal than they are.

Furthermore, we’ve seen that Semenax consistently runs a promotion on their website that offers $5 off with a four-hour time limit. We found that the timer will restart if the user navigates to another webpage on the site. Also, Semenax’s website hosts a daily update notification stating that Semenax is a high-demand product that’s selling out fast, so stock is not guaranteed. With this sales tactic, individuals may feel compelled to buy an item through a created sense of urgency. (

37

)

Third-party testing:

The best-known independent test for Semenax is the study Leading Edge Health sponsored. There are currently no third-party or government agencies, like the FDA, that have certified or approved Semenax supplements. However, Leading Edge Health does list that the facility is FDA-registered and inspected but it doesn’t have certifications or approval for Semenax.

Conclusion

Based on our research, we cannot recommend using Semenax. Although Semenax may improve the sexual health of some men, its efficacy may be exaggerated. Testimonies and reviews provide insight into Semenax’s performance as primary sources, but reviewers may benefit from a placebo effect or their healthy activities. Additionally, Leading Edge Health engages in questionable practices to sell Semenax. However, those who still want to try Semenax should talk to their healthcare provider and do so at their own risk.

Our erectile dysfunction treatment scoring methodology

Our team of health professionals considered several factors when determining which erectile dysfunction tests were truly the best. We considered specific features and factors including but not limited to costs, treatment efficacy, side effects, and instruction clarity.  We strive to assist  you in making informed and educated decisions that enhance your sexual health and overall well-being. You can read our full

erectile dysfunction treatment scoring methodology

for further information on each factor.

Scoring criteria

Compare Semenax with other ED treatments

	Semenax	Hims Cialis	Ro Sparks	Giddy Health Men’s Libido Bundle	Nature’s Bounty L-Arginine	4.5
Rating
Price	$79.95/ month (on sale for $59.95)	$958/month	$48/month for lowest dose	$45.60/month (Optional subscription)	$14.25	$20-$90/ month
Key ingredients	L-arginine HCL, epimedium sagittatum, l-carnitine, pumpkin seed, vitamin E, muira puama, cranberry extract, avena sativa extract, butea superba, sarsaparilla, Hawthorne, pine bark extract, maca, Catuaba bark, zinc oxide & l-lysine, Swedish flower pollen	Tadalafil	Sildenafil, tadalafil	B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, selenium, zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha, longjack	L-Arginine	Sildenafil
Dosage	Two pills take two times daily (four pills daily)	One tablet every 24 hours (as needed)	One tablet every 24 hours (as needed)	One capsule every 24 hours	One tablet three times per day	One tablet every 24 hours (as needed)
Form	Capsule	Tablet	Tablet	Capsule	Tablet	Tablet

FAQs