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Garcinia Cambogia: The New Diet Solution

Dr Oz’s viewers are no stranger to the miracle supplements that he talks about. He is a great believer in supplements. One such supplement, Garcinia Cambogia, got him particularly excited. In fact, he hailed it as a weight loss miracle and the world has been going mad about it ever since.

Garcinia Cambogia Might Not Actually Live Up To The Hype

According to the Inquisitr though, Garcinia Cambogia might not actually live up to the hype. The active ingredient, Hydroxycitric Acid is said to reign in appetite and increase the amount of fat that you lose. One lot of research showed that those taking the supplement lost 4 pounds every month.

Some people, however, are not convinced that the evidence is quite as compelling as the hype suggests. These people believe that it is, at best, a scam and, at worst, potentially toxic in higher doses.

There is no doubting that it does impact on the levels of sugar in the blood and, as a result, can cause problems for people taking insulin by dropping their sugar too low.

It is also not recommended for nursing mothers or pregnant women or anyone suffering from dementia according to Massachusetts General Hospital’s Catherine Ulbricht. Catherine is the head pharmacist at the hospital and also helped to found an organization dedicated to reviewing the evidence in support of natural supplements.

That said, Catherine was not totally against HCA as it has been proven to turn off the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbohydrates into fat.

She recommends discussing using this supplement with your health care practitioner and making sure to get a product that contains only the pure extract, without a lot of artificial binders and fillers.

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Dr Oz has also suggested Green Coffee Bean Extract for helping you to lose weight. The active ingredient here is Chlorogenic Acid and, according to Dr Oz, this acid helps to slow down the absorption of lipids from the food we eat, as well as increasing the amount of fat burned by the body. Studies have shown promising results with those using the extract losing a pound every week, despite making no other changes to diet.

Again, the supplement you get is only as good as what it contains. Make sure that there is Chlorogenic Acid in your supplement. This will show up as Svetol or GCA.

Dr Oz narrows the choice down further by stating that you need an active ingredient concentration of at least 45% in order to see noticeable results. A typical dosage for the coffee bean extract is around 400mg before each main meal of the day – at least half an hour before. Some clinical studies have achieved encouraging results with half that amount though

Additional Information About Garcinia Cambogia

You have probably seen programs on TV discussing the benefits of Garcinia Cambogia and probably also see tons of adverts for it. The problem though is that those little segments really do not go into enough detail when it comes to practical info. That is where this article comes in. Here are some facts about this popular supplement and some potential misgivings.

The Fruit

Indians and Asians in tropical climes have been enjoying the Garcinia Cambogia fruit for hundreds of years with no ill effects. What you do need to remember though is that the extract has about double the amount of HCA, the active ingredient, than what occurs naturally in the fruit.

Studies have come up with some interesting results. It appears that the supplement can suppress appetite, prevent carbs in our food from being converted to fat and may help to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain.

This last effect is extremely useful when it comes to emotional eating. Another potential benefit is that the body fat percentage shifts more towards the leaner side, especially of the users follow a healthy diet and exercise.

In one study, it was found that even though the subjects did not appear to lose weight, their body fat composition has changed and they were leaner.

I think that this is an important point – most people are really disappointed if they don’t see a difference on the scale but, for me, it is more important that you see results in the way that your clothes fit, etc. This is a much better indicator that your plan is working as weight can fluctuate all the time.

You do need to remember that muscle does weigh more than fat so your weight loss in terms of the scale may appear to slow down when you are exercising and improving body tone.

It also seems in terms of early studies that the extract can help speed up this conversion so that you may be increasing muscle mass faster. Do bear in mind, however, that most studies are conducted of a three month period. Longer studies have not yet been embarked on. I would advise taking it for a period of three months and then giving yourself a rest period of two or three weeks at least before resuming the supplement again.

It is also important that you view the supplement as a supplementary tool to weight loss. You still need to put in the work.

The advantage is that the Garcinia Cambogia makes this easier and the initial results can motivate you to continue. By the time your three months is up, you should have established habits to last you a lifetime.

As mentioned earlier, more research is warranted. We still don’t know what the long-term effects of taking these higher than normal doses of HCA over longer periods.

Remember that the concentrations in the extract are higher than what occurs in nature and, in any case, people who use this as food tend to view it as a condiment – the eat small amounts at a time and may not eat it every day.

Recommended Dosage

Most experts recommend that you take between 1500mg and 3000mg daily and so far no one seems to have had any negative effects over a ninety day period. It is a good idea, however, to consult your health care practitioner before you start taking Garcinia Cambogia, especially if you do take medication on a daily basis. The supplement has been found to cause dangerously low blood sugar levels if taken in conjunction with diabetes medications. Negative interactions with some Statins have also been noted. As safety during pregnancy or in children has not yet been established, you should not take it if you are currently pregnant or if you are still nursing an infant.

I never recommend mixing and matching weight loss supplements as you can never be sure what the interactions will be. It also tends to be pricey and there is no way of pinpointing which supplement was responsible for the results seen.

With the holiday season fast approaching and New Year’s resolutions just around the corner, I can see that sales of GCE are going to soar. Personally, I don’t think that there is any harm in trying it out, as long as you understand that you also need to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. After all, if you don’t, you have no way of maintaining any weight lost and you certainly don’t want to gain it all back again.

Look around at all the people you know who are constantly trying to lose weight by taking shortcuts – they never manage to maintain the weight loss. Doesn’t it make more sense to adapt your lifestyle while you have help in doing so for lasting benefits going forward? You owe yourself at least that much.

Does Garcinia Cambogia Work Without Exercise?

For most people, this is one of the burning questions when they learn about the awesome results people taking this supplement have achieved. We do, after all, hold out hope that somewhere out there the easy solution to losing weight exists. Of course, there are some who are still a bit skeptical, after all, there are a lot of weight loss products that have let us down in the past. The good news? It appears that Garcinia Cambogia is one of the good ones.

A writer for the Daily Consumer decided to try it out for herself. Ms Hassman was delighted with the results – she lost 23 pounds over 5 weeks, without starving herself or overdoing the exercise.

Surely Exercise Is Key To Garcinia Cambogia’s Results?

Actually, this is not entirely true. The action of the extract is that is normalizes blood glucose levels and blocks the production of fat in the body. What this means is that the body needs to start tapping into its stores in order to get the energy that it needs. The amount of exercise you engage in has no actual impact on how the HCA in the extract works. Experts do recommend getting some activity to speed things up even more but it is not strictly necessary.

This is wonderful news for the stressed exec or full-time mom who just doesn’t have a minute to spare for exercise.

You Don’t Need Stimulants

The last thing you need when you are trying to chill out is a bunch of unnatural stimulants. That’s another point in Garcinia Cambogia’s favor – it is not a stimulant. It promotes a feeling of well-being and vitality and you will certainly have more energy but you certainly don’t need to worry about feeling over-stimulated. It is also great for your health because it encourages the body to burn visceral fat and helps reduce the levels of cortisol in the blood.

What Is The Downside?

That is what we all want to know. Surprisingly, it would appear that there are no adverse side effects to worry about. Ms Hassman found that she not only slept better but felt better and had tons of energy as well.

All that and great weight loss as well? Looks like we have finally found that great product that we can rely on when it comes to weight loss. If you want to lose weight as easily as possible, Garcinia Cambogia Extract should be at the top of your shopping list.

Garcinia Cambogia Review

When it comes to products to help you lose weight, there seems to be an endless supply of brands and products. A lot of these contain a long list of ingredients that you have probably never heard of. Some, however, like Garcinia Cambogia Extract, are completely natural and that contain no added binders, etc.

Part of what has made the Garcinia Cambogia supplements so popular is that they are all natural and usually contain no added ingredients. It doesn’t really need all the added rubbish because it is a highly effective supplement when it comes to losing weight.

In fact, not only are you bound to lose weight, you will also gain more energy and feel better as well. Throw in its effectiveness as an appetite suppressant and you have a winner. It is no wonder that Dr Oz referred to Garcinia Cambogia as a miracle when it comes to losing weight.

What Is Garcinia Cambogia Exactly?

This is a fruit that grows naturally in more tropical regions such as India, Asia and Africa. It is valued as a way to improve the flavor of food and also as a valuable curative in Ayurvedic remedies.

The pulp of the fruit is discarded and then the rind is cured and smoked before use in traditional remedies. It is the rind that is the most valuable part of the fruit when it comes to weight loss because that is where the Hydroxycitric Acid is – the key active ingredient.

What Is The Garcinia Promise?

There have been a lot of claims about what the actual fruit can do. For those who are looking at it to help them whittle down their waists, it packs quite a punch. It acts in a number of ways when it comes to promoting weight loss.

It Suppresses The Appetite

This could be one of the best benefits when to losing weight. Think about the last time you were on diet – didn’t you feel hungry some, if not all, of the time? How easy is it to stick to a diet long-term when you are suffering hunger pangs? Garcinia Cambogia helps by increasing the levels of glycogen in the body. This, in turn, fools the brain into thinking that it has eaten more than it actually has and you feel full.

It Helps Increase The Amount Of Lean Muscle Tissue

This is also pretty important because muscle uses more energy, even at rest, than fat does. Because the Garcinia Cambogia encourages the body to use the sugars ingested as energy instead of converting them to fat, the body has more than enough energy and has no need to start attacking the muscle tissue. A problem with diets in general is that they will often be so restrictive that the body looks for the easiest source of energy to burn and that is found in the muscle tissue.

The Digestive Tract

Whilst digestive ailments are not necessarily life-threatening, they can have a great impact on the nutrients that we are able to absorb from the body. This supplement helps to improve the health of the digestive tract.

Better Usage Of Fat

Using the Garcinia will also help to increase your metabolic rate whilst also promoting fat burning within your system. This is what creates lasting effects when it comes to weight loss – the fat composition of your body is altered for good.

Better LDL Readings

We now know that it is the LDL cholesterol that is bad for us, not the HDL cholesterol. Garcinia Cambogia can help to increase the good cholesterol and reduce the production of bad cholesterol. This is good for your heart’s health.

It Is Good For Your State Of Mind

It helps the body to produce more serotonin and so you feel more relaxed and less stressed out overall. This is important, especially when one considers the effects of visceral fat.

Is Garcinia Cambogia For Real?

Right about now you are probably thinking that this all sounds too good to be true. The good news is that a lot of the benefits have been proven to be true in clinical trials. The supplement has been found to be effective even if no change in diet has been made. Naturally, for optimum results though, you want to follow a healthier eating plan and get more exercise.

The reason that it is good for you on its own is because it naturally contains the proper ratio of Chromium, Potassium and Calcium naturally. Every one of these ingredients contributes to making your body a leaner, healthier version of itself. The best part is that it was designed by Mother Nature herself – we are now understanding that it is not just the number or quantity of ingredients in a supplement that is important but also in getting the balance of those nutrients right. That is why we cannot fake Garcinia Cambogia.

In Conclusion

What you can expect is to lose weight and feel a lot better. What you cannot expect is for this to happen overnight. The good news is that this is a really effective supplement that really does live up to the hype.

Garcinia Cambogia has my personal recommendation for people who want a natural supplement that not only helps with weight loss but also helps with mood as well. The artificial appetite suppressants on the market do work but have a range of side effects that make them a bad idea for most people. I know that when I used to take these I was an extremely irritable person and not good to be around at all.

I far prefer to take Garcinia Cambogia and not have to worry about snapping at everyone.

How Much Garcinia Cambogia Should You Take?

Most of us know that in order to get the best results from taking supplements, we need to ensure that we get the right amount of the active ingredient. Considering that there are so many different brands of Garcinia Cambogia supplements out there, with all sorts of recommended dosages, it can be a bit of a minefield for the person trying to choose the right one. Here we are going to discuss how much you need to take every day in order to lose weight.

The active ingredient in the Garcinia Cambogia fruit is the Hydroxycitric Acid. It has been proven very useful in the struggle against obesity and is an all natural supplement that helps to turn your body into a fat burning machine.

The Basics

Cambogia is also known as Bhinda, Bindin, Kokum, Biran, Katambi, Amsol or Raktamba.

The official latin name is Garcinia Cambogia and it is just one of about 300 trees or shrubs that fall under the Garcinia genus. Species within this genus tend to be prized as fruit and foliage bearers. The genus falls under the Guttiferae Family.

English Names Include:

Bitter Kola
Garcinia Kola
Mangosteen Oil tree
Malabar Tamarind
Brindle Berry
Brindali Berries
Brindall berry

It is also known by a variety of different names around the globe. If you are in a foreign country and want to buy the extract, all you need to do is to do a quick Google search to see what it is called there. As always, be very careful to choose a reputable brand from a reputable source.

Some Background To Garcinia Cambogia

The western world knew nothing about the therapeutic value of the fruit – those that did know about it viewed it mainly as a culinary item. In Ayurveda, however, the situation was quite different and the fruit was used fairly extensively for its curative properties.

It was only the past couple of decades that studies discovered that the HCA in the skin is so useful as a weight loss supplement.

In cooking, the somewhat acidic taste has been used to add zest to curries and the like. It has been found extremely useful when it comes to preventing lipogenesis – the formation of fats from carbohydrates, decreasing the amount of fatty acids and cholesterol produced, increasing the liver’s production of glycogen, raising the basic rate of metabolism and/ or thermogenesis, increasing the amount of fat lost and curbing appetite.

The Bombay Army made good use of this fruit in the 1700’s as a useful substitute for Kokam Butter. In Southern India, Thailand and Ceylon, this fruit is used to add flavor.

The Parts Used For Medicine:

The dessicated skin of the fruit, ground up.
An extract of the skin.

Recommended Daily Dosage:

Aim for between 250mg and 1000mg of HCA (Look for a product that offers a Garcinia Cambogia Extract of between 500mg and 2000mg with at least 50% HCA) no more than three times daily.
Most supplements recommend taking three daily doses of HCA of between 300mg and 500mg.
The capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, a minimum of half an hour before eating with a full glass of water.
The supplement comes in many forms – tablets, capsules, powder or the dried bits of rind.

This supplement works best when the diet is high in simple carbohydrates and sugars. The HCA’s weight loss benefits will really be best seen when this is the case.

You should also keep a lid on the amount of fat that you take in – taking the supplement is not a license to binge on junk food.

It is also not advisable to eat foods high in fiber at the same time as taking the capsules as this is thought to prevent the absorption of the active ingredient.

To get optimal results, combine a more healthy eating plan with increased physical activity.

The Mangosteen is high in the following phytonutrients:

Vitamin C
Hydroxycitrate or Hydroxy Citric Acid or HCA
Cambogin
Camboginol

Benefits Of Garcinia Cambogia

When it comes to losing weight, we could all usually use a little bit of help. Helpers don’t come in a much better form than Garcinia Cambogia – the latest weight loss supplement to sweep the nation. Not only can this supplement help you lose weight but it can also help you to keep the pounds off after your diet is over as well. At the moment, there haven’t been that many human trials to verify how effective and safe it is but those that have been conducted show promising results. A lot of people have used Garcinia Cambogia successfully to lose weight that they have battled to shift.

So, What Is Garcinia Cambogia?

This is a fruit that grows in tropical climes and is mostly found in Asia and India. It is quite sour and so needs to be prepared before eating. Most of the time it is made into a condiment or spice. Traditional medicinal uses include soothing digestive upsets and acting as a purgative. It is also said to be useful in the treatment of rheumatism.

The part that we are interested in is found in the rind and is known as Hydroxycitric Acid. It is believed t prevent the formation of fats, in particular, fats converted from carbs.

Garcinia Cambogia is also thought to suppress your appetite although this effect does not seem to be valid across the board in all cases.

Human Trials

A review of the current human trial results into how effective Garcinia Cambogia is in terms of weight loss offers no firm conclusion. In some studies, no statistical difference in weight or fat loss was found between the group taking the Garcinia and the control group. In others, test subjects taking the supplement lost two to three times as much as those taking the placebo.

Critics on both sides agree that more studies are needed to settle the issue. In the meanwhile, however, a number of people are benefiting from taking the supplement and anecdotal evidence comes out in favor of the Garcinia Cambogia extract.

Garcinia Mangostana

In the same genus, and also a fruit, the mangosteen are usually enjoyed fresh as a way to round off a meal. Some of the fruits are quite acidic and these are usually reserved for preserve making. Studies into this fruit have shown some encouraging results in terms of the treatment of cancer.

In traditional medicine, the rind is dried and powered and taken to cure dysentery or mixed with a salve to assist in clearing up skin rashes. The primary ingredient here is the phytochemical Xanthone, thought to be a potent antioxidant, help clear up inflammation and to have cancer-fighting properties.

Being Safe With Garcinia Cambogia

When it comes to supplements, this is a pretty safe one as long as you do try to get it in as pure a form as possible. Steer clear of supplements with a whole range of additives. If you are taking medications to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, you can only take Garcinia under a doctor’s supervision. If you have dementia, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, you should avoid the supplement.

Experts do agree that there appear to be no ill effects to using this in the short term. It is recommended that you do embark on a healthy eating program and exercise program in addition to taking the supplement for optimal results.

Garcinia Cambogia To Remove Back Fat

All of us want to live the best possible life. The problem is that this can be easier said than done, especially when you are battling with your weight. In order to get back in balance physically, you need to be in balance mentally as well. According to the gurus, all we need to do is to follow a healthy eating plan, get enough exercise and sleep and keep stress in check. They don’t want much, do they?

Whilst we know that is how to get healthy, in today’s world it is a bit of a tough sell. You are not always going to be able to forego the juicy hamburger in favor of a salad. The problem for most people is that there are excessive amounts of stressors in their lives and this makes it almost impossible to always do the right thing in terms of well-being.

The effects of this lifestyle soon start to show – we start feeling less healthy and start to gain weight. This only adds to the stress again and a vicious cycle is born.

Most people today will fail the pinch test when it comes to fat. One area that is particularly hard to deal with is back fat – there are no exercises that you can do to whittle it away.

Let’s face it, it is not pretty – no matter the reason that it is there, back fat can prove to be an embarrassment. It squeezes out from your clothes. I’m sure that you are dying to get rid of it. Well, here is how you can do just that – no gimmicky creams or exercise machines – just good solid advice.

Decide On Your Strategy

To start off with, do realize that you will need to adjust your lifestyle a bit. Also be realistic about the results that you hope to achieve. Did you wake up one morning and suddenly have a whole lot of extra weight on your body? It took time to gain the weight, it will take time to lose it again. If you set unrealistic goals, you will become discouraged very easily.

Get Some Help

Of course, changing your diet and lifestyle is not all that easy. You will need some help to accomplish this, especially if you have been eating incorrectly for a while now. Start off by getting a natural supplement to make the transition easier for you. Garcinia Cambogia is a safe, effective appetite suppressant that will not leave you moody or irritable. It also boosts the serotonin levels in your brain, helping you to feel better and it helps boost your energy levels.

Patience Is A Virtue

You are going to need to be patient when it comes to the weight loss. The fact is that you really do not want to lose the weight too fast because that means that there is a higher chance that it will return once you have finished the diet. Losing weight at a slower and steady pace increases your chances of maintaining your goal weight and also minimizes the chances of stretch marks or loose skin.

You can expect to lose up to about 4 pounds during the first week whilst taking Garcinia Cambogia but that is mostly water weight and is not likely to continue. The actual fat burning effects of the supplement build over time – it reduces your body’s ability to convert sugar into fat and to increase the amount of sugar used for fuel. It can take a few months to see the optimal effects.

Dress Well

As you are going along with your weight loss program, be sure to dress in a way that flatters your figure. This will help you to feel better about yourself and feel more confident.

Hit The Gym

You need to get more physically active – maybe the gym doesn’t appeal to you, fine try walking around the block. Start off slowly and build on your progress over time. If you can’t manage half an hour running, walk for ten minutes. As you get fitter, you will be able to do more. Consistency, rather than quantity, is key.

Eat Better

The advantage of taking Garcinia Cambogia is that you will automatically want to eat less. Because of its mood-enhancing properties, you will also be less likely to comfort eat. Take full advantage of this effect by starting to eat in a healthier manner. Just one thing – do not eat anything when taking your Garcinia Cambogia supplement – it must be taken on an empty stomach.

MeaSure Your Progress

Weigh yourself no more than once a week – your weight can fluctuate from day to day. Also ensure that you take your measurements – sometimes we see no difference in the scale but we do see a reduction in inches.

How To Select A Garcinia Cambogia Extract

When it comes to one of the most talked about supplements to aid weight loss, the extract of the Garcinia Cambogia fruit has far outstripped the others. The buzz doesn’t seem set to die down any time soon either – people all over the world want to know how it works, why it works and what supplement is best for them.

Rewind To 2012

The buzz began when Dr Oz first discussed this the Garcinia Cambogia fruit with Dr Julie Chen on his show in 2012. According to Dr Chen, studies had proven that you would lose double or triple the amount of weight loss if using the supplement than you would have if you merely dieted and exercised.

According to Dr Chen, what makes the Garcinia Cambogia so effective is that it has a dual action – not only does it directly affect weight loss through revving up fat burning and decreasing your appetite, but it also indirectly assists by increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. (Important for those who eat to cope with emotions.)

She did also mention that some people never saw results on the scale but found that their bodies gained more muscle and were thus leaner and trimmer. (It is really important not to worry about the scale too much.)

Dr Oz went on to endorse the extract but not any particular brand. As with all supplements that he discusses on his show, he warns against buying products that purport to be endorsed by him directly. It is good to remember that he endorses the active ingredient but never actually a specific brand.

Here Are His Tips On Choosing The Right Garcinia Cambogia Supplement:

Start by looking at the label. To be effective, you need to see the following:

Either GCE or Garcinia Cambogia Extract.
HCA of at least 50%.
A product that also contains Potassium as this helps promote absorption.
Nothing else in terms of any fillers or unnatural ingredients.
This is not a product to take if you are pregnant, lactating or suffering with dementia.
If you have diabetes or take statins daily, you will need to consult your doctor before taking the supplement.

The Dosage And Optimal Time To Take It

You will need around about 500mg-1000mg taken on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before eating, before breakfast, lunch and supper. You should not exceed a total of daily dosage of 3000mg.

The Marketers Caught On

Dr Oz was right about the marketing push – not long after his review, the adverts started for several different brands. This made it tougher on the end consumer – how do you wade through the hundreds of brands out there?

Where To Get Your Garcinia Cambogia Supplement

Most of us do want to give the extract a try but we don’t want to throw money away on supplements that are ineffective or priced too high. Where then can you actually go?

One tip is to stick with a reputable company that has been around for a while and that has a reputation to protect such as Vitamin Shoppe or GNC. If you see a brand that claims to be endorsed by Dr Oz, you should definitely avoid them – if they are lying about that, what else are they lying about?

It is also a good idea to stay away from a vendor that uses “Garcinia” in their company name. They clearly have just opened up shop for the sale of that particular product and will not be worried about establishing a lasting brand.

If you are concerned, you can always check out when the website of the vendor was registered – this is fairly simple – go to the website whois.com and find the “Lookup” field. Type the web address of the vendor and you will see when it was set up. If this was in 2012, it is most likely that the site was only set up in response to the Dr Oz show.

So Which Is The Best Brand Out There?

What you want to do once again is to stick with a reputable vendor. A company that worries about its ongoing reputation is going to be more careful about where it sources supplies, etc. than one who only wants to make a quick buck.

Look for a local supplier where possible in order to cut down on shipping costs and to make it easier to take advantage of guarantees on offer. (Think about it for a moment, international postage can be prohibitively expensive – even if you want to return the item, it might cost more than it is worth to do so.

Local companies are also easier to contact and get more information about.

Remember, a reputable company will welcome the chance to answer your questions about their product as they know that is a good way to get you to feel confident enough to buy.

There Are Tons of Reviews Online

Do take these with a pinch of salt – of course the vendor will not be posting negative reviews on their site. Even the reviews on a site like Amazon are not 100% reliable – marketers will often pay people with Amazon accounts to review their products and they don’t pay for negative reviews.

Reviews on a site linked directly to the selling of the product, like the company’s site or an affiliate site are generally not that reliable. Also watch out for reviews that are only positive – this supplement will not work for everyone. Look around for an independent site that reviews a range of products but doesn’t necessarily sell them for an objective opinion.

To Sum Up

The market is flooded with different brands when it comes to GCE so it can be tough to make the right choice. It also seems that the GCE may not work for everyone so you need to be more realistic in terms of your expectations.

Here are some tips for choosing the better supplements:

Look for a local vendor who has a reputable brand and who has more than just that product for sale.
If the seller claims that their particular brand was endorsed by Dr Oz, or imply that, avoid them, they are not telling the truth.
Steer clear of websites or companies that use “Garcinia” in their names.
Be careful if a site claims that there are only a few more left on offer – this is a hard sell technique meant to pressure you to buy.
Be careful of sites that appear to offer reviews of the product along with a link that allows you to purchase it. These are affiliate sites and they want to sell it to you.
The same goes for the so-called information sites that push a particular brand.

Garcinia Cambogia 101

When it comes to celebrity weight loss supplements, Garcinia Cambogia has really become the talk of the town. This is, in large, due to the efforts of Dr Oz. He recommended taking the supplement and it became an overnight success. Purveyors of the extract say that it can help you to lose weight with hardly any effort at all. It is true that there is still a lot of research to be done but, for now at least, a lot of people are enjoying the benefits that Dr Oz told them about.

Where Has It Been All This Time?

Garcinia Cambogia is actually a type of fruit and it is naturally found in tropical parts of Asia, Africa and India. It is around about the size of a large orange or a smaller grapefruit and looks like a little pumpkin. The rind is green when still unripe and it ripens into a pretty red or orange color. Whilst we in the West have never heard of it before, it has been extensively used by the people in the regions where it grows as a way to help fill people up. It was this quality that prompted a scientist to research the fruit itself.

The results were encouraging when the rind, prepared traditionally through drying and curing, was analyzed. The research team found that it contained high quantities of Hydroxycitric Acid and it was this component that accounted not only for the appetite suppressant qualities but also for the fruits ability to increase the speed at which weight is lost.

Here Is What This Means For You?

HCA has been shown to prevent the production of fat in the liver and to curb appetite. It also has a positive impact on the serotonin levels in your system meaning that you feel better and more motivated to stick to eating properly. You will not only eat less but you will not feel deprived by doing so. In addition, more serotonin is bound to mean that your sleep quality improves. This is great news all round.

It also helps your system to target abdominal fat. Cortisol, released when you are stressed, has a large role to play when it comes to gaining fat around your abdomen. Because you feel more able to cope on the Garcinia, you will be able to short-circuit this process as well.

What Benefits Can You Hope For?

The HCA gets into action from the day you start to take it and the benefits build up over time. Here is what to expect:

A reined in appetite with no mood swings or feelings of wanting to climb walls.
Decreased sugar cravings because of the increase in serotonin.
The production of fat is short-circuited in a good way. You no longer need to worry that the sugar and starches are going to be converted into fat.
You can expect a better night’s sleep because of the extra serotonin your body is producing. Really maximize this by making sure that your bedroom is dark and cool.

What Dose To Take

The dosage will depend on what you want to get out of it. In general, you will be advised to take anywhere between 500mg and 1000mg before eating a meal, two three time daily and not exceeding 3000mg overall.

If you are worried about your appetite, 1 capsule of 500mg taken at least half an hour before breakfast, lunch and supper will suffice.
If you want to lose quite a lot in terms of weight, over a shorter period, you can take 3 capsules of 500mg each at least half an hour before breakfast, lunch and supper. (This is more than the recommended maximum so do keep a look out for side effects and do not carry on this way for too long.)
If you have a problem with raiding the fridge at night, and still have some leeway in terms of your overall intake, you can add another capsule after supper.
It does make sense to couple this supplement with a restricted calorie eating plan and regular exercise. By doing so you could burn an extra 500 calories a day at least.

How To Spot A Fake?

We all knows what happens when some new weight loss supplement is discovered – there are suddenly a whole heap of suppliers pushing their brand. You need to be careful because some of these products are, at best, useless and, at worst, harmful.

Take a good look at the list of ingredients. You want the pure product with as little else as possible – no more than three ingredients total is ideal. You should also be able to understand what the ingredients are and how much of each ingredient is present. Here is all that your supplement really needs:

Extract of Garcinia Cambogia providing 50% HCA
No more than 70mg Potassium

And that’s all folks – anything else is just filler and a waste of time. Just remember that the more stuff that they cram into a capsule, the less you will get of what you really want – the HCA.

Tips For Online Purchases:

As with any purchases you make online, you do need to choose a reputable company to deal with. Start off with their website. How realistic are the claims that they are making? Are they over-promising? Then chances are good that they are under-delivering as well.

Google to find reviews of the product – the ones on the site are not a good jumping off point because they are most likely paid reviews. The same can be said when it comes to reviews on affiliate sites like Amazon. Have a look at a range of different reviews and see if you can find anyone who actually returned the product. How did they find that experience?

Look at the cost for a bottle but also look at the cost per month. How long will one bottle last? In some cases, it may only last a couple of weeks so be sure to also compare the dosage as well. Do be careful about joining up for an auto-shipping club. These can be difficult to back out of. Ideally speaking, you want a bottle that will last a month and this should be around about 90 capsules.

You will need to actually give it a good go before deciding that it does or does not work. It is pointless to try the product for a week and then decide it’s useless. You need to look at a trial of around about three months in order to see optimal results.

What To Watch Out For

Garcinia Cambogia is a natural product but the supplement hasn’t been around that long. For the most part, studies have determined that there are few, if any, side effects but not enough research can be said to have been done to really say that with 100% certainty.

There are some side effects that have not been scientifically proven to exist but that have been noted by users. Some users found that after three months they started feeling nauseas, started to have pain in their gut and got headaches. There have been a couple of cases of Hepatotoxicity but it was not possible to definitely define the supplement as the cause.

It does, however, make sense to monitor any side effects you may experience and to stick within recommended doses.

This supplement has not been proven safe to use during pregnancy so if you are pregnant or trying to fall pregnant, do not use it. You should also avoid it if you are breastfeeding. Young children should not be given the supplement.

It is best to err on the side of caution – because of the classification of the extract, there are no FDA regulations that cover it.

Is This The Answer?

Not just yet. It is a good starting point though. Maximize the benefits by eating right and exercising – that was what your body was made for. That is the key to losing significant amounts of weight with the supplement and keeping it off.

That’s not to say you need to become a gym bunny – all you need is activity that gets the heart rate up for about a half an hour a day. Whether that is walking or doing an intense spinning class is up to you. It is a good idea to vary the rate and difficulty of your workout to see optimal results.

Is it realistic to carry on eating in the same way that got you fat and still think you are going to lose it all by taking a pill? Not really – whilst you are bound to lose a little weight, amending your diet will optimize results. Once again, you don’t have to go all out in dieter’s mode. These quick tips will help:

Eat what you like but user smaller plates. If you eat the same amount of food off a larger plate, you brain will feel it is being done down. If the food fills a smaller plate, your brain won’t feel deprived.
Do try to eat real food. By this I mean, cut back on the processed rubbish. Processed food tends to taste great but it really has little nutritional value. Try swapping out a whole orange for your orange juice and look for healthy snacks like nuts and seeds to give your body the fiber and nutrients that it needs.
A good way to look at it is to only buy things that have less than five ingredients in total. It’s amazing how many calories you can cut by just this one step.

The Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

Dr Oz really got the world’s attention when he reviewed Garcinia Cambogia and its potential weight loss benefits on his show. Up until that point, this was simply a fruit that was only known about in the regions where it grew. It has now become an international superstar. Not bad for a plant that was relegated to supplementing curries and or two traditional uses.

Where Garcinia Cambogia Comes From

The Garcinia genus is a fairly large one with around about 500 different species in all. The plant prefers a more tropical climate and is found in Australia, Asia, Africa and Polynesia. It is thought that Garcinia Cambogia originally came from Indonesia.

It was not unknown to the western world – a treatise in the 1800’s deals with the preparation of the fruit – apparently the seeds and pulp are removed and the rest is broken up and left, under cover, for a couple days to allow it to soften. Once that is accomplished, it is smoked over a few days and then hung in a bag ready for use.

The fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia is also well known in Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar – the dessicated rind being enjoyed as a pickle.

The Malabar Tamarind is the name the fruit goes by in India. It is also called Cambodge and Kudampuli.

When Is It Available In India?

It is most common in the south of the country – many of the villagers grow the trees in their gardens.

The trees fruit in the rainy season – June to August. They prefer altitudes of less than 6000 feet.

Finding Garcinia Cambogia In India

If you visit the south of the country, during fruiting season, you may be able to buy the fruit fresh. It is more common, however, to find the dessicated, smoked form for use in curries or to get it in supplement form at a health store. It is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for a number of ailments ranging from neuralgic discomfit to sleeplessness.

How To Know If the Fruit Is Ripe

If the fruit is green, it has not ripened and should not be picked. The ripe fruit can take on many different hues ranging from yellow tones to bright red ones. The fruits are no longer good for consumption if they are looking dull or leathery.

What Garcinia Cambogia Tastes Like

It is somewhat of an acquired taste as it is acidic and a bit sour. This makes for a good digestive aid in terms of Ayurvedic medicine but is also makes the fruit largely unpalatable straight off the tree. Properly prepared, it makes a good, zesty, flavor enhancer.

Garcinia Cambogia’ s Nutritional Value

This is one area that has not been fully explored but if you consider its benefits there is a good chance that it has a good quantity of Vitamin C, fiber and water and is also low in terms of fat content.

Cambogia’s Health Benefits

Ayurveda lists this fruit as a useful treatment when it comes to arthritic, digestive and rheumatic disorders as well as in the treatment of diseases of the gums. It is considered a useful treatment in getting rid of parasites and is considered a purgative.

Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)

HCA is what the western scientist are most interested in as it is this that accounts for its weight loss benefits in terms of increasing the metabolism and burning of fat and in suppressing the appetite. The HCA also has a unique benefit in that it switches off the main enzyme responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates into fats. As a result, they are used as fuel.