Garcinia

Garcinia Benefits

Garcinia Cambogia, also known as Malabar tamarind, is a fruit commonly grown in India and Southeast Asia. The rind of the fruit is often used as a spice to flavour curries and preserve food. It also contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a derivative of citric acid, which is a biologically active compound that’s widely used to help support weight management. Indeed, HCA is thought to promote weight management in a few different ways:

By blocking the activity of adenosine triphosphate-citrate-lyase; an enzyme responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat or lipogenesis.

By increasing levels of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, sexual desire, social behaviour, and appetite (thus possessing appetite suppressant qualities).

By protecting against insulin resistance.

Health Benefits of Garcinia

• Appetite Suppressant
• Enhances Weight Loss
• Improves Cholesterol Levels / Lowers Triglycerides
• Stimulates the Loss of Belly Fat
• Supports Blood Sugar Management

Who Needs Garcinia?

Garcinia (HCA) may be recommended to block fat production and reduce visceral fat/belly fat, which is directly linked with higher total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower HDL (good) cholesterol, insulin resistance, and predisposes one to cardiovascular disease. HCA is also recommended more generally, to help support a comprehensive weight loss regimen that includes a reduction in calories and an increase in physical activity, to increase serotonin levels in the brain, improve mood, reduce emotional eating and sugar cravings, and to help optimize blood lipid levels, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Finally, it’s also worth noting that HCA has been shown to exhibit anti-diabetic effects by suppressing appetite and decreasing insulin and leptin levels.

Garcinia Supplements – Potency, Forms & Formats

Garcinia supplements can be purchased in capsules, tablets, chewables, gummies, as well as in liquid extract form. HCA is also frequently added to natural appetite suppressant formulas and weight loss blends, as well as blood sugar balancing supplements in combination with a range of other well-known weight loss ingredients such as; Gymnema Sylvestre, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and chromium. HCA supplements can contain anywhere from 20 to 60% HCA; however, studies have shown that a concentration between 50 to 60% of HCA is most effective. Dosage recommendations range from 500 to 1000 mg before meals, to a suggested maximum dosage of 2,500 mg/day.

Final Thoughts

Research on HCA is still fairly limited. There have been a few reports of liver damage associated with eth use of HCA-containing supplements, as well as reported cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms while taking supplements containing HCA or garcinia cambogia. Those taking diabetes medication should speak with their health care provider before using HCA. Individuals on statins may experience muscle degeneration (sarcopenia) while taking HCA. HCA supplementation may also not be appropriate for those with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, as it may worsen the condition.

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