Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit, also known as Malabar tamarind or Brindleberry. It grows primarily in Southeast Asia, India and parts of Africa. Garcinia cambogia gained popularity as a weight loss supplement due to its purported ability to suppress appetite and inhibit fat production.

Garcinia cambogia Origin

This plant is indigenous to South East Asia, Indonesia, rainforests of central Africa, and India. It resembles a light green pumpkin in looks. It is also known as the Malabar Tamarind, the Brindleberry, and the Kudam Puli. The fruit rind is used in Indian cooking and adds its distinct taste to this cuisine.

How Does Garcinia cambogia Work?

The active ingredient is extracted from the rind of the fruit. This results in an odorless and tasteless powder that is then transformed into pills, liquids, and powder supplements.

This supplement is thought to be effective for weight loss because it blocks a key enzyme, citrate lyase, which makes fat from carbohydrates and suppresses appetite by raising serotonin levels. Serotonin is responsible for reactions associated with depression and emotional and reactive eating.

Health Benefits of Garcinia cambogia

Utilizing all natural herbal weight loss supplements to support a diet plan is all the rage in Japan and Europe and has now spread to the United States. Introducing Garcinia cambogia into a healthy diet and exercise plan may increase fat burning ability, inhibit fat production and support overall weight loss without affecting the nervous system.

With an exercise plan and a diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, Garcinia cambogia can help to manage weight. The benefits that this supplement are thought to add to a healthy plan include:

• Supports serotonin levels
• Reduces calorie intake
• Inhibits fat production
• Manages appetite in over eaters
• Manages Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Increases lean muscle mass
• Raises good cholesterol (HDL)
• Decreases bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Lowers triglycerides by 10-30%

Main Active Ingredients of Garcinia cambogia

The main active ingredient in Garcinia cambogia is hydroxycitric acid. Also known as HCA, this ingredient is responsible for promoting a feeling of fullness in the stomach, thus reducing the amount of food ingested. It may also reduce the production of fat as well as increasing the bodies fat burning ability. These elements working together help to promote overall health, increase energy (due to weight loss) and elevate mood.

Garcinia cambogia – How much is too much?

The recommended dosage for this supplement is 1500 mg per day and a maximum dosage of 2800 mg per day.

In What Forms are Garcinia cambogia Supplements Available?

Garcinia Cambogia is available in pill form and normally contains 500 mg of active ingredient in each. There is a liquid form of this supplement that the user takes orally by placing one or two drops of the liquid under the tongue.

It is necessary to take this supplement 30-60 minutes before a meal on an empty stomach. The effects of this supplement will increase with a higher dosage, with a limited daily intake of no more than 3,000 mg per day. Dosages over this amount should only be taken under the direction of a physician.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Garcinia cambogia Herb Notes / Side Effects

Who should not take Garcinia cambogia?

Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should not include Garcinia cambogia in their daily diet. People who are currently experiencing difficulties with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are discouraged from taking this supplement as it may increase the effects of this type of mental illness.

There is a risk of participants experiencing harmful and disruptive side effects such as muscle degradation or rhabdomyolysis if the person is currently taking a prescription for statin. It can also be the cause of hypoglycemia in people who have diabetes. People who are currently taking a medication for high cholesterol or diabetes should check with their physician before adding this supplement to their daily diet to prevent an extremely low glucose level problem.

Possible Side Effects of Garcinia cambogia

As with any drug or supplement introduced to the body, there is a possibility of side effects when taking Garcinia cambogia. Some people taking this supplement may experience dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, or dizziness. As with any natural supplement there is also a risk of developing an allergic reaction to the all-natural ingredients.

Although good health is based on a good diet of fruits and vegetables, introducing Garcinia cambogia to your health routine will help to increase the user’s chances of being successful in their weight loss challenge. Garcinia cambogia is an all-natural and safe way to achieve your weight loss goals with the side benefits of lowering bad cholesterol, raising serotonin levels, and suppressing the emotional appetite that many people fall victim to while dieting.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17215177