History
Garcinia cambogia, also known as Garcinia gummi-gutta or Malabar tamarind, is a tropical fruit grown in Asia. The fruit looks like a small, green pumpkin and is used in many traditional Asian dishes for its sour flavor. In the skin of the fruit, there is a large amount of a natural substance called Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA).
This is the active ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia extract… that is, the substance that boosts fat-burning and reduces appetite in studies. It appears to block an enzyme called citrate lyase, which your body uses to make fat. It also raises levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which may make you feel less hungry.
Related: Best Garcinia Cambogia Brands.
Hype
Some say its hyped, others say its misunderstood and yet others swear by it. HCA got its first taste of widespread popularity back in the 90’s, after a number of studies concluded that it caused weight loss in animals. Then in late 2012, a US TV personality, promoted garcinia cambogia extract as “an exciting breakthrough in natural weight loss”.
These endorsements led to a substantial increase in consumer interest in the promoted products. One thing we do know is that HCA blocks a portion of an enzyme called citrate lyase, which helps turn sugars and starches into fat. But does it live up to the hype or is it just another scam?
You have seen Ads, but is it really True!!
What Clinical Studies Suggest
- 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association: After a 12-week randomized, double-blind study of overweight men and women, researchers concluded that garcinia cambogia did not produce significant weight or fat loss above the placebo.
- 2013 review in the journal Complementary Theories in Medicine: Researchers evaluated clinical trials that used plant extracts as potential treatment for obesity, and found that the evidence was not convincing in most cases. One exception was a combination of garcinia cambogia taken with another herb called gymnema sylvestre, which showed a slight increase in weight loss results. It’s a glimmer of hope, but surely, more research needs to be done on the subject.
- 2005 study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology: Researchers tested a high dose of garcinia cambogia extract on obese male rats. The good news? The rats lost weight! The bad news? Extremely high doses seemed to cause testicular atrophy and toxicity.
What supplement manufacturers claim
- Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract with HCA. Shrink your mid-section!
- Non-stimulating appetite suppressant. Curb your appetite naturally. No hunger pains.
- Research shows 60% HCA has potential to burn that stubborn belly fat.
- Increase energy, reduce stress and get a better night’s sleep.
- MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS! Natural weight loss!
- Contains only natural ingredients.
Possible Side Effects
When you take garcinia cambogia, you might get:
- Nausea
- Digestive tract discomfort or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration warned everyone to stop using a weight-loss product that contained garcinia cambogia because some people taking it got serious liver problems. The product had other ingredients, too, so it’s not clear that garcinia cambogia was to blame. While some research suggests the supplement is safe for your liver, other research says no. Not Recommended with –
- Asthma and allergy medicines
- Diabetes medicines, including pills and insulin
- Iron, for anemia
- Pain medicines
- Prescriptions for psychiatric conditions
- Statins, drugs that lower cholesterol
- Warfarin, a blood thinner
- Pregnant or Nursing
Verdict
Although it has received considerable media attention purporting its effects on weight loss and metabolism, no clinical evidence supports this claim. It is not a miracle pill, it is a supplement. But if you decide to hop on the Garcinia Cambogia bandwagon, proceed with caution and consult your doctor first.
References
Best FDA Approved Garcinia Cambogia-Brands
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garcinia_gummi-gutta http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/fat-loss-hope-or-hype-the-truth-about-garcinia-gambogia.html
http://www.vita-web.com/shop/garcinia-cambogia/
Enjoyed Garcinia Cambogia – Is It The Holy Grail Weight Loss Supplement? Share it with your friends so they too can follow the superfoodsliving journey.
Share on Pinterest
