Garcinia Cambogia Facts

When it comes to Garcinia Cambogia, this is truly a rags to riches story. This fruit was virtually unheard of in the western world until it was featured on the Doctor Oz show in 2012. Since then, sales have soared and it has become a very well-known weight loss supplement .

Does that mean it is going to help you lose weight though? If you are still confused about what Garcinia Cambogia actually is, read on for all you need to know.

What Is It?

Think of a really small pumpkin and you will have an idea of what the fruit looks like. It starts off green but goes yellow or red when ripening. It has long been held in esteem in traditional recipes as a spice or to help preserve foods.

Ayurvedic practitioners have also been using it for centuries as a useful laxative and to help with problems in the digestive tract.

The only real interest that the western world has though is that it is good for helping you to slim down.

Where Does It Come From?

It grows in the more tropical, humid climes and thus does well in the tropical areas of India, Asia, the Southern most points of Africa and Australia.

What Else Is Garcinia Cambogia Called?

You might, depending on where you are, see it listed as Brindle/ Brindal Berry, Assam, Gambooge, Cambogia Gummi-Guta, Garcinia Cambogi, G. Quaesita, Kankusta, Gorikapuli, Mangostana Cambogia, Malabar Tamarind, Tamarinier de Malabar, Vrikshamla or Tamarind.

How Does Taking Garcinia Cambogia Benefit You?

Here are just some of the effects that the Garcinia extract has:

• Fat production is cut significantly.
• Your appetite for food becomes less.
• Your brain produces more serotonin, making it easier to stop binging.
• Your overall mood improves.
• You will sleep better and also have higher energy levels.
• Sugar cravings will be kept at bay.
• Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels will improve.
• Your immunity is boosted.

How Does It Work?

The primary active ingredient is HCA and this is what provides all the benefits described above.

HCA is responsible for blocking the action of Citrate Lyase – the enzyme responsible for converting the starches and sugars you eat into lipids. Because it blocks this process, the HCA is effectively quashing fat production.

It also helps to boost the production of serotonin in the brain. This is vitally important because, if levels are low, you are more likely to feel depressed and less likely to feel motivated to eat right.

Is All This Too Good To Be True?

There is still a lot of research to be done but the studies that have been conducted up to now have proven that it may be an effective way to win the battle of the bulge.

According to Dr Oz, it is the “Holy grail” when it comes to supplements to help with weight loss.

How To Use Garcinia Cambogia?

To experience the weight loss effects of Garcinia Cambogia then any supplement should be taken around 30 minutes before meals.

You should follow the instruction provided by whichever supplement you have chosen to use. It is important never to use more than the stated dosage to avoid any ill effects.

What Dosage Do You Take?

Start off by looking for a supplement that contains the pure extract of Garcinia Cambogia and no fillers or binders. You also need to ensure that there is an HCA content of at least 50% – this is the minimum needed for efficacy.

You should be taking it three times a day, at least 30 minutes before each of your main meals. You can choose a dosage of 500mg – 1000mg per meal. The maximum dose per day is 3000mg.

What About Safety Issues?

Garcinia Cambogia is a natural supplement so, as long as you choose a pure supplement without a lot of other junk in it and you do not exceed 3000mg a day, you ought to be perfectly safe.

Do look for a supplement that gives a clear list of ingredients and a clear indication of how much of each ingredient is contained in each capsule.

Are There Side Effects?

The good news is that the side effects are rare. There are, however, some that you may experience – these include nausea, diarrhea and headaches. Usually if you start off with a smaller dose and work your way up to the maximum dose, you won’t have a problem.

If, however, you are a nursing mother, are pregnant or are using insulin or statins, you need to avoid this supplement. This is also true if you suffer from any type of dementia.

Does It Have A Stimulatory Effect?

It will increase your energy levels but it is not actually a stimulant so it won’t leave you with the jitters or feeling edgy.

Can I Use Garcinia Cambogia While I am Pregnant?

This is not recommended. You should also not use it if you are still nursing.

Will It Impact On My Birth Control?

It probably will not but you should chat to your doctor or a clinic nurse to find out whether or not it might impact on your brand.

Will I Get The Runs?

In general, this is not a common occurrence and is normally as a result of taking too much.

Am I Going to be on Edge?

Unlike artificial appetite suppressants, you are more likely to feel relaxed rather than on edge.

Will It Impact My Blood Sugar?

Yes, it will but in a positive way – that is why people on insulin are advised not to take it. It balances your blood sugar. If you are taking insulin at the same time, you could end up with blood sugar levels that are too low.

Does It Increase Blood Pressure?

No, it actually helps to normalize it.

Is There Caffeine In It?

No, there is no stimulants of any sort, including caffeine.

Where Do I Get A Bottle?

There are a number of vendors online and in health food shops – you just need to keep an eye out.

What you need to look for in a supplement is the following:

• At least 50% HCA, more is better.
• If there are other ingredients, the amounts of each should be clear.
• There should not be artificial fillers.
• Look for one that is reasonably priced.