Garcinia Cambogia Extract Tested

It seems that there is always some flavor of the month when it comes to weight loss supplements. For most people, the Garcinia Cambogia extract would have appeared to be yet another pill to try since it appeared on the Dr Oz show. However, more than two years later, people are still raving about it so it would seem that it is here to stay.

Several celebrities have come out and said that this is the supplement they choose to help them with their weight. Jamie Pressly uses it to get in shape for a photo shoot.

The problem is that there are people who have not yet heard about it or are worried about it all being to good to be true.

The sad thing is that there are several brands out there that have jumped on the bandwagon since the Dr Oz show aired without any concern for how effective it is. This has led to some bad press so let’s dig a little deeper and find out what the real story is.

It Started At Dr. Oz Show

The expert on the Dr Oz show that first introduced the Garcinia Cambogia Extract, Dr Lindsey explained that it worked in a few different ways to promote weight loss. First as an agent to block the conversion of sugar to fat, then as an agent to increase the use of excess sugars as energy. In addition, it helps to slow down the rate at which sugar enters the blood and so you don’t have sugar highs and lows. According to her the extract has been proven safe.

Some healthy skepticism was warranted here so I decided that it was best to see for myself whether or not the supplement worked. I chose one of the more popular brands – Garcinia Cambogia Premium – the same type as the one Jamie Pressly was raving about. I liked what they offered – it ticked all the boxes in terms of what Dr Oz said was necessary, it clearly listed the ingredients and had a great refund policy that was easy to find out about. I also liked this brand because there was no other rubbish in the capsules, just Garcinia Cambogia Extract and some Potassium.

Results – actually, I was pleasantly surprised. I lost 4 pounds in the first month and didn’t really adjust my diet much. It does help to make you feel fuller and so it was easier to eat less. I also found that it didn’t make me grumpy and moody like so many of the other appetite suppressants had.

My conclusion – this works if you take some time and look for a good product. Putting in the effort upfront is definitely the way to go for those needing to see results.

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.

Garcinia Cambogia Uses

The Garcinia Cambogia fruit is found naturally in Southeast Asia, some parts of Africa and in Southern India. This fruit has been an important part of traditional medicine for centuries and is credited with several health benefits.

Many and varied studies have proven that the fruit contains high levels of anti-oxidants. What has brought it to mainstream focus, however, is the Hydroxycitric Acid, found to be useful for promoting the loss of weight.

What Garcinia Cambogia Is Used For

Those using it to help them lose weight say that it is a very good appetite suppressant, that it revs up the metabolism, stops fat accumulating and helps to target dangerous belly fat.

It is also traditionally known to help with the following:

• Upset stomach
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Ulcers
• High levels of LDL Cholesterol

Garcinia Cambogia’s Benefits

At the moment, the fruit has really mainly only been studied for its effects in terms of weight loss – the health benefits have largely been ignored. There is still, however, some proof that it does benefit health and well-being. Here is what some of the studies that have been done have to say:

• It is thought that Garcinia Cambogia may help in protecting against the development of obesity. A study in 2005, for example, proved that the supplement helps to prevent the accumulation of fat in rodents. Another study conducted in 2008 discovered that it helped to prevent the accumulation of abdominal fat in rodents. (This type of fat is particularly dangerous when it comes to increasing the risk of developing severe health problems like Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.)
• A study also conducted in 2008 led to the discovery that, when taken along with Glucomannan, G. Cambogia could show cholesterol lowering benefits. This study has 58 participants with one group taking a placebo and one group taking the Garcinia/ Glucomannan combination over a 3 month period. When the results were totaled, those taking the combination had much better levels of cholesterol.
• It should be noted that this study is not conclusive in terms of the Cambogia extract as it was taken in conjunction with something else. The participants also did not find that this combination helped them to lose weight.

• A study conducted in 2003 showed encouraging results when it came to getting diabetes under control as the G. Cambogia seemed to assist with improving the metabolism of the blood sugar.
• Though not yet confirmed in humans, animal trials conducted in 2002 have shown promising results when it come to the treatment of ulcers. The Garcinia extract reduces the overall stomach acidity levels and so could help with ulcers.

Is It Safe?

At this point, there has not been enough research into the extract to say for certain but it does appear that it has no dangerous side effects in the short term at least. Anecdotal evidence suggests that using it may lead to an upset stomach, headaches and nausea. It is thus advised that you start taking the absolute minimum dosage and work your way up. If you do experience intense negative side effects, you should stop using the product.

Is There Another Option?

There are other studies that advise the use of different natural supplements to help you lose weight. It has recently been shown that increasing your consumption of green tea and making sure that you get the right amount of Vitamin D could be beneficial when it comes to weight loss. Studies have also shown that practicing exercise types that also engage the mind, such as Tai Chi and Yoga can also be invaluable when it comes to losing weight.

Where You Can Get Garcinia Cambogia

There is no difficulty in sourcing this product – check at your local drug or health store or online.

Garcinia Cambogia For Teens

When it comes to the most popular supplements to help you lose weight, Garcinia Cambogia Extract ranks top of most people’s lists. The extract even has Dr Oz’s stamp of approval. On hearing about it, I decided to do my own homework as to whether or not it was good for young adults and teenagers as well. My research turned up some interesting facts and has convinced me that this extract is the safest and most effective for teenagers. Here’s what I learned:

Garcinia Cambogia – What Is That?

Okay, so unless you are from somewhere in Asia, you’ve probably never heard of it. It is actually a fruit that looks a little like a pumpkin – but much smaller. In fact, it has been used for years in Malaysia as an ingredient in soups that are eaten just before the main meal. Ever wondered why you don’t see a lot of overweight Malaysians? Now you know.

Hydroxy- What?

Hydroxycitric Acid is what makes this such an effective weight loss aid. This is found in the fruit’s rind.

Wanted A Safe Way To Lose Weight As A Teenager?

Let’s face it, going on diet is no fun at all – you can’t meet your friends for a burger at the mall and you miss out on a lot of fun activities as a result. That’s probably why diets very seldom work. Well, here is the solution – the Garcinia Cambogia will help to curb your appetite so you will naturally eat less. You do have to do your bit and try to eat better but the extract makes that a lot easier.

There is no more feeling miserable and hungry on diet anymore – the extract will help with the hunger pangs and help you to feel better too. No more dieting blues for you. All you have to do is start waiting for the compliments to roll in on your weight loss.

Personally, I’ keep them guessing as to what my secret is – Garcinia Cambogia extract is so popular today that your parents might want to take yours for themselves!

How It Works – The Clip Notes

• It reduces the fat your body makes.
• It decreases your appetite.
• You not only feel full more quickly but also for longer periods.

How It Works – The Full Explanation

• The body needs Citrate Lyase in order to convert carbohydrates into fat. HCA stops this enzyme from working and so the body needs to burn the carbs instead and you have more energy. It is also good for your health as the levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood drop.
• HCA also amps up your body’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and it is what is often used in happy pills. If you are an emotional or stress eater, this is going to help you out. You are going to feel better and less likely to want to binge. It also makes coping a lot easier.

The Proof

Of course, you don’t have to just take my word for it, there are a lot of studies that have been done on Garcinia Cambogia. In one study, some participants took HCA at 1320mg daily for two months. All the participants were put on the same calorie restricted diet. Those taking the supplement lost more than double what the others did. In other studies, weight loss has been tripled. It’s hard not to like G.C. now, isn’t it?

Safety First

There are some rules though:

• Don’t exceed the recommended maximum dose. It is safe within these parameters.
• It is not advisable for a woman who is pregnant or nursing to take it.
• If you are on some form of medication for lowering you cholesterol or blood sugar, you need to consult your doctor before taking this drug.

Recommended Dosage

Look for a supplement that has at least 50% HCA – anything below that is a waste of time. You would take between 500mh and 1000mg at least half an hour before each main meal. Take with a glass of water. Do not take more than 3000mg a day – you can get too much of a good thing. Look for a supplement that is as pure as possible. Just the extract and maybe some Potassium but no other ingredients.

What To Expect

Teenagers can safely expect to lose at least 2-4 pounds in the first month, with no other changes to their lifestyle. If you feel you would like to lose more, start a healthy eating plan and also start an exercise program.

Take the capsules a half an hour before you eat your main meals and make sure that you do not take more than 3000mg daily. If you are on some form of medication that you take regularly, check with your health care practitioner before you start taking this.

That said, this has proven to be a safe and effective supplement in doses up to 3000mg a day.  If your parents want to check it out, refer them to Dr Oz’s program or the tons of articles online.

Quick Recap for Successful Weight Loss for Teens

• Take the Garcinia Cambogia at least half an hour before eating breakfast, lunch and supper.
• Monitor your portion size.
• Eat three meals a day – every day.
• Get moving a bit – find some activity you enjoy and get your body moving.

Does Garcinia Cambogia Really Work?

If you are like me, you are probably a little bit wary of all the claims made by the companies producing the latest and greatest supplements to help you lose weight. When it comes to Garcinia Cambogia, you are forgiven for exhibiting some skeptism –  after all, can one supplement really have that much impact?

Looking into it, it does seem like something out of a fairy tale – after all, take these little pills and the weight starts dropping off. Rationally it is hard to accept.

The truth is that there are some very real benefits when it comes to Garcinia Cambogia but it does take some time to take effect – there really is no such thing as an overnight solution to weight gain.

You still need to eat better and get the right amount of exercise. This boosts the effects of the Garcinia beautifully and helps you get into healthy lifestyle habits that will stay with you long after you stop taking the supplement. Whilst you will see some results without making lifestyle adjustments, why would you want to? After all, your sedentary lifestyle and current eating habits haven’t worked out that well for you, have they?

The way that Garcinia Cambogia works is actually quite interesting. One of the best benefits is that is suppresses your appetite. (This makes it easier to stick to that healthy eating plan.)

Some people battle with cravings for snacks that feel a lot like hunger, others battle to stop eating once they start. Here this supplement can help. As long as you look at it as an aid and not some kind of miracle cure, you’ll be fine.

What Is Healthy Eating?

Come now, you know this one – eat your 9 servings of fruit and veggies a day; have protein at every meal; and limit the amount of starches that you eat. You can have three main meals and two snacks a day, if you are hungry.

The key is to steer clear, as far as possible, of foods that are highly refined or processed. Nuts and seeds, fruit, leaner cuts of meat and whole foods are what you should be aiming to eat.

What Exercise Should I Be Doing?

The good news, you do not have to spend all day at the gym. All you need is around about half an hour of exercise a day. It doesn’t need to be intense, as long as you increase your heart rate during that time. In fact, if you are breathless and unable to speak, you are working too hard and need to dial it back a notch. Why not take the dogs for a walk or go for a quick bike ride.

To Sum Up

Garcinia Cambogia is an extremely useful aid when it comes to fighting fat, as long as you also diet and exercise whilst using it. It is helpful because it blunts your appetite – you no longer have to constantly think about eating. It also gives you the energy to exercise.