Those of you who regularly visit my blog have probably already noticed that, when it comes to supplements and wealth loss stimulation, I prefer all-natural alternatives to the ones available over-the-counter or by prescription. I know all those advertisements that promise ‘quick results’ sure sound appealing, but if there’s anything I’ve learnt (the hard way) – it is that true change comes at the price of regular effort and perseverance.
Today, I’d like to discuss the health benefits of Garcinia Cambogia – a relatively unknown fruit that holds great potential to become your next favourite addition to your diet. We fast, we exercise, we avoid carbs and limit protein intake, but sometimes shedding off those last extra pounds seems downright impossible.
Not to mention all those trendy food crazes that promise miraculous results – first it was the Atkins Diet, then everybody went gluten-free and now God knows what’s popular these days. Ultimately, there are many options for you out there and you might want to try for yourself a few before making an informed decision about what works and what doesn’t.
A brief introduction to Garcinia Cambogia
This SouthEast Asian fruit is known by many names – Garcinia Cambogia, Brindal Berry, Brindle Berry, Cambogia binucao, Cambogia gemmi-guta, Garcinia affinis, Garcinia Cambogi, Garcinia cambogia, Garcinia gummi-guta, Garcinia sulcata, Gorikapuli, Kankusta, Kudam puli, Malabar Tamarind, Mangostana cambogia, Tamarinier de Malabar, and Vrikshamla. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to India and Southeast Asia.
The fruit itself contains the chemical hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that finds a wide use in medicine and cosmetic procedures. The Garcinia plant is not to be confused with Garcinia hanburyi (gamboge resin). It is yellow, orange, or red in colour and it ripens during the rainy season. It is oval in shape and has a sour taste, with 6 to 8 seeds, and is listed in the US Department of Agriculture inventory of perennial edible fruits. The tropical fruit-bearing plant has been known for centuries to people and been used as a condiment and flavoring agent.
Historically, this fruit has been used for cooking, but recently its effects on weight loss and exercise enhancement have become well documented and contributed to its rising popularity as a dietary supplement. Traditionally, the dried fruit rind has been used to treat rheumatism and gastrointestinal complaints.
The skin of the fruit is rich in the substance Hydroxycitric Acid, which is known to weight loss as demonstrated in several studies. This explains why the Garcinia cambogia extract is currently the world’s most popular weight loss supplement and generating over 1 million searches on Google each month.
Garcinia cambogia can be bought online or at most health and supplement stores. It is available in both pill form and as a powder. Sometimes, it’s also included as an ingredient in snack bars. Recommended daily dose is between 250 and 1,000 mg.
Part of the popularity of garcinia cambogia is its organic, all-natural origin, which makes it safe and easily digestible. The list of its benefits is a long one – it is known to stimulate metabolism and weight loss; it curbs appetite, improves high cholesterol and enhances athletic performance.
How Does Garcinia Cambogia Work?
There are many studies that have researched the benefits and effects of garcinia cambogia on humans and animals. So far, scientists have unanimously agreed that the fruit reduces appetite and regulates weight through far production and regulating cravings.
By blocking the fat-producing enzyme Citrate lyase, the supplement makes it harder for the body to produce and store fat. Garcinia cambogia also increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which creates a feeling of fullness and reduces appetite.
Although the way the active ingredients in the fruit are still not fully researched, studies unanimously agree that garcinia cambogia repeatedly causes major weight loss and reductions in belly fat; it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, reduces inflammation and improves antioxidant status.
Of course, the weight loss qualities of the supplement may be inhibited by one’s choice of diet. There are ways you can enhance its effects and also ways to completely eliminate them. For example, a high-fibre diet interferes with the absorption of HCA from garcinia as demonstrated by a study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Apparently, the best results are observed when the dietary supplement is combined with a low-fat and low-sugar diet.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility to eat healthily and responsibly, and use these supplements as helpful additions to our active lifestyle, but not as substitutes for a varied, balanced diet and exercise regimen. I know it may seem tempting to pop a pill or two and get instant results, but the only place you’ll see that happening is Date Night television.
Other Health Benefits
Although it is most known and used for promoting weight loss, garcinia cambogia has a variety of other health benefits, including (but not limited to): alleviating joint pain, treating worms and parasites, treating severe diarrhea, promoting regular bowel movement and improving exercise performance. In fact, several studies have demonstrated a direct correlation between HCA and increased endurance during workouts.
Personally, I find it helpful to boost my routine with a dose of natural supplements every now and then, although in the long-run it’s always a good idea to rely on your own abilities as much as possible. Nowadays, there are sufficient 100%-natural alternatives to synthetic drugs and performance boosters, so my advice to you would be – always go for the natural option when given the choice. Your body will be grateful for that, trust me!
Because garcinia cambogia increases serotonin levels in the bran, this reduces stress and produces a feeling of happiness. This effectively makes the supplement a good choice to combat depression and bi-polar disorders.
Safety and Side Effects
As with any other supplement – the use of garcinia cambogia extract can lead to a few mild side effects, such as dizziness, diarrhea, dry mouth and an upset stomach. These are no reason to be alarmed, but if you are using any other medication you will want to consult with your physicians before starting to use it. S
ome people point out that dietary supplements are never approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they go on the market and that is a reason to be extra careful, but in this case – the ingredients are fairly straightforward, so one can easily anticipate any adverse effects. Because the active compound HCA is derived naturally from the fruit, it’s technically safe to consume.
Because garcinia cambogia is known to decrease blood sugar levels as well as increase acetylcholine levels in the brain – it is not a suitable supplement for people suffering from diabetes or Alzheimer’s.
Garcinia Cambogia – the Final Verdict
So, after everything you have read, you’re probably wondering if you should go for it and give this supplement a try. In the end of the day, if you’re serious about your weight loss routine and would like to try natural ways to enhance your metabolism – this may be a suitable alternative. If taken regularly over a course of two weeks, it can help you shed an extra 2 pounds.
But if you’re interested in losing weight and keeping it off you will want to consider what long-term changes you can make to your daily routine. This includes physical activity, diet habits, sleeping habits and general health. Many times we are unable to meet our goals due to some minor obstacle that we have placed on our own path.
We may be too lazy to exercise enough or unwilling to give up sugar or simply cut back on processed foods – whatever it is, if you’re motivated enough, you can look for it and make a change that matters. Remember, it takes 66 days to form a habit, so it shouldn’t be too hard to turn your life around. All big journeys start with one initial, small step in the right direction.
How to Take Garcinia Cambogia
Generally, I try to avoid recommending specific brands because what works for one person may not work for another, but my experience with these supplements has shown that it’s best to go for a brand with 50% or 60% HCA content. The ideal daily dose is 500 mg, 3 times per day and it should be taken on an empty stomach, about 30-60 minutes before meals. Of course, doses may vary from brand to brand, so always check instructions and read the labels carefully.
From what I’ve gathered on the Internet, it seems that independent lab testing has singled out Nutrigold Pure Garcinia Cambogia Gold as a preferable option, so it might be worth it checking it out. Of course, there are other options as well and gacinia cambogia supplements are available in capsule, powder and liquid form, which is extremely handy if you don’t want to swallow pills or dilute powder.
I hope this article has been helpful in deciding if this supplement is suitable for you. What’s your favourite garcinia cambogia supplement brand? Let me know in the comments. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who wants to boost their weight loss or exercise routine.