A popular weight loss supplement, Garcinia Cambogia is derived from a fruit of the same name. The small tropical fruit resembling a cross between a tomato and a pumpkin, Garcinia Cambogia is native to South Asia and India and exported all over the globe; it is also known as Malabar tamarind, brindle berry, and pot tamarind (kudam puli).
The fruit is sour in taste and is not eaten raw. It is commonly used in cooking for adding a flavor.
The peel of this fruit is a rich source of an ingredient called Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). Researchers have established the presence of various phytochemicals, including organic acids and flavonoids in the Garcinia Cambogia plant. According to researchers, this active ingredient – HCA – is the reason supplements made out of Garcinia Cambogia extract aid weight management. HCA essentially works as an anti-obesity agent.
How Does HCA in Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Aid Weight Loss?
Numerous studies have been conducted to study the weight loss properties of HCA found in Garcinia Cambogia.
The supplements generally have a concentration of 20% to 60% HCA.
Studies indicate that maximum weight loss benefits are accrued with a supplement having at least 20% concentration of HCA.
HCA aids weight loss by regulating serotonin and glucose levels in the body. It also increases fat oxidation in the body.
It has now been proven that HCA helps reduce various complications related to obesity such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Can Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Reduce Appetite?
Animal studies suggest that consuming Garcinia Cambogia Supplements helps reduce appetite.
Studies conducted on human participants have also shown that taking supplements based on Garcinia Cambogia helps in reducing appetite and makes a person feel full.
The underlying cause isn’t yet fully known but some animal studies suggest that HCA in Garcinia Cambogia supplements can enhance serotonin (an appetite suppressant) level in the brain.
With increased serotonin levels in the bloodstream, a person is likely to feel less hungry.
Can Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Help Detox the Body?
The supplement can help you detoxify your body faster.
When you are making efforts to detoxify your body, the last thing you want is to crave unhealthy and processed foods that are likely to have resulted in toxicity in the first place.
The active ingredient in the supplement can be of great help in reducing cravings. So, you are far less likely to consume unhealthy sugar-rich foods, processed foods, and chemical-laden foods when you are on a Garcinia Cambogia supplement regimen.
You can achieve satiety early and more easily with this supplement.
In other words, the supplement can aid weight loss and also help detox the body. But, the overall effect of the supplement may vary among different individuals. In other words, some people may get better results with Garcinia Cambogia than others.
Garcinia Cambogia is also known to help improve the digestive system. It increases the BMR-basal metabolic rate when consumed on a regular basis. The hormones work better this way.
Can Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Reduce Belly Fat?
Ingredients of this tropical fruit are known to affect blood fats as well as the production of fatty acids in the body.
Both animal and human studies indicate that the consumption of Garcinia Cambogia extract can lead to a reduction in fat levels in the bloodstream.
A study was conducted over a period of 16 weeks in 2003 that included individuals who were administered Garcinia Cambogia extract for 12 weeks.
Of the total 44 eligible subjects, 21 subjects received Garcinia Cambogia extract and 18 out of them completed the trial; 23 subjects received placebo and 21 out of them completed the trial.
The primary objective of this study was to gauge the effectiveness of Garcinia Cambogia in reducing visceral fat or belly fat. Researchers also looked at other indices such as BMI, waist/hip circumference, etc.
The study found that the administration of Garcinia Cambogia extract leads to a reduction in belly/abdomen fat in participants. Belly fat reduction was registered among the subjects regardless of sex. Researchers did not observe any rebound effect during the study.
Put simply, there is no denying the fact that Garcinia Cambogia supplements do induce a reduction of belly fat and hence are good for weight loss.
Are There Any Major Health Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia Supplements?
In another study, people with moderately excess weight were administered 2,800 mg of Garcinia Cambogia supplement daily for 8 weeks.
The study found that the supplement helped reduce the risk of various diseases. While the good HDL cholesterol levels went up by 10.7%, bad cholesterol levels went down by 6.3%.
More than 100% extra amount of fat metabolites were flushed out through urine. The subjects also registered fewer (up to 8.6% less) blood triglycerides.
According to researchers, the main reason why the supplement provides these health benefits is that it proves useful in inhibiting an enzyme called citrate lyase. This enzyme plays an important role in the production of fat in the body.
Final Words
Garcinia Cambogia supplement reduces appetite and can prove effective in the reduction of belly fat. Some people (e.g. athletes) also use it to increase their endurance levels during exercise. With lower blood sugar and fat levels, you can be assured of the fact that Garcinia Cambogia can help you lose weight, besides offering various health benefits as discussed above.
Author Bio
Sarah Remmington is one of the founders of Garcinia Cambogia 100 Pure supplements based out of Southern California with several other locations throughout the US. Sarah’s company has become a global brand and now a household name with the success of her most popular dietary supplement which has been featured on many different media channels.
