Many people are embracing the idea of using Garcinia Cambogia supplements for weight loss due to the little to no efforts required to achieve quick results. Without the need for one to make too many changes to their diet or lifestyle, this appetite suppressant can potentially provide quick near-effortless weight loss results.
What is Carcinia Cambogia?
The Garcinia Cambogia is a small fruit that resembles a pumpkin and is green and pale yellow in colour. The fruit is native to India and Southeast Asia but is exported all over the world. It had several other names like, pot tamarind, red mango, gambooge, Malabar tamarind, kokum tree oil and brindal berry.The Cambogia plant varies from its size, branching pattern, shape and fruit color. The tree is small to medium with drooping branches with dark green leaves oval shaped with narrow ends. It’s a drought tolerant tree and flowered during the hot seasons. The fruits ripen during the rainy season and having approximately 6 to 8 seeds, it measures around 5 cm. The fruit has been considered as a appetite suppressant and has been a focus for a lot of people who prefer natural methods for weight loss.
Garcinia Cambogia contains an ingredient called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), an active substance that has some weight loss properties. You can find HCA in the extracts of the fruit’s peel. The fruit and its extracts have been subjected to various health claims for years ranging from incredible to mild, it is therefore vital to draw a line and separate facts from fiction if considering the use of the supplements.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Work And Can It Cause Modest Weight Loss?
Garcinia Cambogia supplements are marketed as a natural weight loss method that requires little to no effort in achieving results. Some studies claim the supplements can help lose weight without additional exercise or dieting.
Is it really true that HCA in Garcinia can boost the body’s potential to burn fat? Well, a recent study posted by a health care magazine shows that Garcinia Cambogia does show results in many cases although the results vary from one candidate to another. Some studies claim that HCA has produced amazing weight loss results, although others claimed that the supplements had really mild effects. Having some studies producing significant results and others showing very little differences in the weight loss results, this confirms that the results vary from one candidate to another. Therefore its effectiveness cannot really be guaranteed.
There are two ways in which Garcinia is believed to work:
Suppressing Appetite
Studies claim that HCA can help in curbing one’s appetite and make the body feel full throughout the day. According to the same study, Garcinia Cambogia plays a role of an appetite suppressant due to its active ingredient which causes an increase in serotonin in the brain which is responsible for suppression of appetite. These findings however, are contradictory since no difference is noticed between persons using Garcinia supplements and those using other natural weight loss supplements. The fruit’s claimed mechanism of action in burning fat involves HCA inhibiting lipogenesis, this results in the increase in lipid oxidation therefore reducing the amount of food intake.
Reducing fat production and Belly Fat
Garcinia is effective at reducing belly fat in those who are overweight. In one study, persons who were slightly overweight were given 2800 mg of Garcinia Cambogia for 8 weeks and by the end of the study this persons had reduced the risk factor for diseases such that:
- Total cholesterol levels had lowered to 6.3%.
- The bad cholesterol levels of LDL lowered to 12.3%.
- The good HDL cholesterol levels raised to 10.7%.
- Blood triglycerides had lowered to 8.6%.
- The excretion of fat metabolites that is passed through urine raised by 125–258%.
Garcinia acts in inhibiting citrate lyase, an enzyme responsible for producing fats and as a result, weight gain risks are minimal. Findings state that HCA competitively inhibits the enzyme from playing its role in the biosynthesis of fatty acids.
Other Benefits Include:
- Enhances athletic performance: Garcinia supplements act as enhancers to promote athletic ability. Findings suggest that HCA may increase endurance during exercises, preventing people from getting exhaustion. Despite these claims,more research should be done to support these findings.
- Garcinia Cambogia can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a feel-good messenger in the body which enhances one’s mood and reduces stress-related eating.
- Some studies also suggest that Garcinia can help in protecting the stomach from ulcers and reduce the damages to the stomach lining.
- It improves blood sugar control.
- In reducing inflammation.
- Very effective appetite suppressant.
- Lowers insulin levels.
- Lowering leptin levels.
- Reduces insulin sensitivity.
- The fruit of Garcinia Cambogia contains xanthones, which inhibit cell proliferation in mammary and colon cancer. The findings state that a component of Garcinia fruit peel inhibited cell proliferation in leukemia and colon, prostate,breast and pancreatic cancer.
Are There Risks Associated With The Use Of Garcinia Cambogia?
Well, it is vital to note that there are some risks to be cautious of when it comes to the use of Garcinia Cambogia. The fruit itself is safe to eat, though there are some potential risks to keep in mind before using the extract as a supplement.
People claim that Garcinia may be able to lower blood sugar levels. However, it is not advisable for people with diabetes to consume Garcinia Cambogia. This is because it may have an effect with their medication and drastically lower their blood sugar levels.
Some other health issues associated with HCA supplements include seizures and cardiovascular disorders. However, due to the supplement containing many ingredients, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
Potency Of Garcinia Cambogia
Despite all the studies conducted to prove the effectiveness of Garcinia supplements, it is still hard to determine how potent it is. This is because its effectiveness varies from one brand to another, since some manufacturers may add other synergic ingredients into the supplements making it hard to know the appropriate dosage.
Side effects
Since use of Garcinia Cambogia is the new craze for weight loss, anyone considering its use should be aware of its potential side effects. This may include:
- common cold symptoms
- nausea
- skin rash
- digestive upset
- headache
- lower blood sugar
There are certain products that contain Garcinia Cambogia that link to liver damage. It is therefore advisable to talk to your doctor before considering use of Garcinia supplements.
Several clinical studies involving over 900 patients document very moderate adverse reactions. The conclusion was that the most common adverse reactions being: dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and general complaints about things like diarrhea and nausea.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Garcinia does not have known severe,mild, moderate, or serious interactions with other drugs. The HCA and Garcinia Cambogia can interact with most drugs. But not with drugs for prescriptions for psychiatric conditions and pain medicines; and since it lowers blood sugar levels, it cannot be used in conjunction with diabetes medication. There also has not been enough research to help determine whether HTA and Garcinia are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women; doctors therefore recommend such women to avoid its use. One should definitely not use it if they have liver problems. There’s a high chance that manic symptoms may develop as a side effect.
Dosage
Garcinia Cambogia extracts are available in capsules,powders, liquids, tablets and capsules which you should take on an empty stomach.The recommended amount of dosage varies from brand to brand and depending on the ingredients used by the manufacturer in making the supplements. Doctors generally recommend taking 500 mg thrice a day for 30mins. It is advisable to follow dosage instructions as recommended by your physician.
Bottom Line
People have been taking Cambogia for many years. This appetite suppressant fruit is safe for eating and the supplements have aided a lot of people in weight loss. There are however a lot of mixed clinical opinions about it; and it would require one to do a lot of research before using the fruit or its supplements. Would I consider taking it? In our opinion; weight loss is a very sensitive subject and before engaging in any activities to lose weight I would probably seek my doctor’s opinion beforehand. Therefore to avoid any risks; we recommend you to just maintain a healthy lifestyle by embracing a healthy diet and regular exercises.
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