What Is Garcinia Cambogia?

If you want an idea of what the Garcinia Cambogia fruit looks like, imagine a small pumpkin. Indigenous to Asia, the extract of this fruit has made waves in the weight loss industry. The active ingredient, HCA, is said to be able to reduce your appetite and to rev up fat burning. It would appear, at least according to research on rodents, that this holds true. Results in human trials have been inconclusive.

How Garcinia Cambogia Works

HCA works by inhibiting Citrate Lyase, an enzyme that helps kick off the conversion of carbs into fats. With the reduction in the enzyme due to the HCA, the body has no choice but to use those carbs instead of storing them as fats.

It was also found to reduce the body fat percentage and to promote a reduction in the amount eaten by curbing the appetite in animal trials. In human trials, the results are not conclusive – some studies have had excellent results with those taking the supplement losing double the amount of weight that those taking the placebo did. Others, however, have found there to be little difference.

One of the latter studies, conducted by respected scientists, saw no statistically significant difference between the two groups after a 3 month period. The study has, however, come under fire due to the high fiber content of the diet of the participants. It is theorized that the absorption of HCA is affected by the amount of fiber ingested at the same time. The main criticism leveled at the researchers was that they did do tests to ensure that the HCA uptake was successful.For the most part, it is safe to use Garcinia Cambogia. You do need to be careful and should avoid it if any of the following apply though:

• Pregnant women.
• Women who are breastfeeding.
• Children
• People with Diabetes Mellitus
• People with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.

When it comes to those suffering from Dementia, HCA might cause the formation of Acetylcholine in the brain. In diabetics it could cause blood sugar to dip to low – when it comes to adults who are healthy, this could cause problems in terms of cravings for sugary foods.

Most supplements come in the form of a capsule with a standardized level of HCA. When it comes to supplementation, you are advised to look for a product with at least a 50% concentration of HCA. In general, you will take between two and three doses a day, on an empty stomach, around about a half an hour before meals.

Consult Your Doctor

There are those who claim that the real effect cannot be seen until the product has built up enough in the system. HCA could also be useful in assisting those who are at goal weight to stay there. If you are considering taking this supplement, you need to ensure that you see your doctor ahead of time and that you also adopt a healthy lifestyle as well. Taking the supplement is not a license to abandon a healthy eating plan.