Garcinia cambogia is a tiny, fruit that looks like a small pumpkin that some people know as a tamarind. Garcinia is known to be from Indonesia, but also grows in Asia, South America and Central Africa. It’s also been used for various things like preserving poultry and in cooking Asian curry dishes. When garcinia cambogia is used in cooking it can help curtail hunger. It’s even used in Malaysia for weight loss purposes. Malaysians make a special soup out of the fruit which they eat prior to having meals, to help reduce a their appetite.
The fruit is known for being a very low cost, herbal weight loss supplement which is readily available online and in stores and comes in the form of pills. The secret to weight loss in garcinia is the ingredient from the fruit’s rind. This ingredient is known as hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Some researchers have said they believe the extract (HCA) can have a significant impact on weight loss for people who use it. In some cases it can increase fat loss by 200%-300%! Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and minimal effort, an average person taking HCA has been reported to lose an average of 4lbs each month.
This fruit can be very effective for people who eat for emotional reasons. Some studies have shown that people taking garcinia cambogia (HCA) had an increase in their serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain which effects a person’s mood and also has an effect on sleep. More on this below.
How Does Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) Work For Weight Loss?
The reasons HCA is effective for weight loss are 2 fold. It helps suppress the appetite, so you have less desire to eat, and aids in blocking fat cells in the body.
The way this fruit blocks fat is by inhibiting citrate lyase. This is an enzyme in the body that is responsible for making fat out of carbs. The body typically turns unused carbohydrates and sugars into fat as a way to store them for use at a later time. By taking HCA your body’s process for making fat in this way is ‘paused’ and there is also a decrease in tryglycerides as well.
With the increase in serotonin in the brain, HCA acts as an appetite suppressant. Serotonin is responsible for effecting people’s mood and having higher levels of this chemical in the brain can make you feel good. For emotional eaters who may suffer from depression or anxiety, this increase in serotonin can allow them to deal with stressful situations better and keep them from binge or impulse eating. The longer your body is not over eating and storing fat, the more stored fat it can release. This is where the power of HCA is found.
Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe For Me To Take?
The good news is that garcinia has been around for many, many years and is safe for the body in normal doses. If you breast feed or are pregnant you do not want to take garcinia. If you have diabetes you should also consult your physician prior to taking this supplement. Because HCA has an effect on the carbs and sugars in your body this may not be desirable, and your doctor should be aware of your plans to lose weight taking this extract.
Those who are also taking a statin for lowering cholesterol should be cautious. Some possible side effects of taking HCA in addition to statins are muscle degradation (rhabdomyolysis). People suffering from dimensia or Alzheimer’s could also be at risk having their condition worsen with HCA, and are advised against taking it at all.
How Much HCA Should I Take To Each Day?
It’s recommended to take between 500mg and 1000mg of garcinia before meals, but no more than 3000mg a day. You can purchase garcinia cambogia online or in stores, but look for products that have a minimum of 50% HCA. Look for supplements without a lot of fillers or artificial ingredients. There are many supplement companies who offer free trial offers for garcinia cambogia that you can take advantage of to test several brands. Many only require you to pay a few dollars for shipping which is a better way to go if you don’t want to purchase several brands at the full retail price.
It’s possible to lose anywhere from 2lbs to 4lbs each month taking HCA without any other changes to your lifestyle. However, for better results it’s recommended to exercise several times each week and eat in moderation. By stacking the benefits of HCA with a healthy lifestyle you can greatly increase the results of each.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Extract Work For Men Too?
As funny as this question might seem, garcinia is just as effective for men as it is for women. Guys have the same results from HCA as the ladies do so it’s perfectly fine for them and also works great. Unfortunately you wouldn’t know that from the ads and websites that promote garcinia cambogia products.
Most of the manufacturer sites show fit, half dressed women next to a bottle of their product which throws some men off. If you’re a guy reading this then you too can benefit from using this supplement and can take advantage of the same offers no matter what the product pages look like. It’s ok, you don’t have to turn in your man card to use this stuff :).
The Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affordable supplement to add to your daily lifestyle or weight loss plan, garcinia cambogia (HCA) is a great solution. Because of it’s relatively low cost, fat blocking benefits, appetite suppressant properties, and ease of use, it’s the ideal way to increase your results without changing your entire lifestyle. Take a few pills before meals and you could be on your way to a slimmer figure. Introduce well proportioned, healthy meals and some exercise, and get even better results. HCA really is a great help for people who diet or are looking to add more ‘bang’ to their weight loss plans.
