Garcinia Cambogia: trendy slimming food supplement

Melanie Ramos 10 min. of reading Plants Leave a comment

Once again, we come across a superfood packed with promises. In this case, its name is Garcinia cambogia, although lately it is better known as Garcinia gummi-gutta, a plant that is being talked about everywhere as a revolutionary fat burner. And that is where you ask yourself, what truth is there in all this? Our job is to shed light on the matter.

Index

1 What is Garcinia Cambogia?
2 Where does Malabar tamarind come from?
3 What is HCA?
4 What is Garcinia Cambogia used for?
5 What benefits does it have for athletes?
6 How to take Garcinia Cambogia?
7 What is the recommended daily dose? Check it here
8 What contraindications does this natural fat burner have?
9 And side effects?
10 Who cannot take Gummi-gutta?

What is Garcinia Cambogia?

Garcinia cambogia, also known as Malabar tamarind, is a plant used to lose weight quickly and is currently on everyone’s lips, having become a popular food supplement.

Its main component is HCA (hydroxycitric acid), which acts naturally to help with weight loss.

The opinion of those who consider it a passing dietary supplement contrasts with that of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) , which has accepted its functions in the field of slimming, considering it an extraordinary supplement for fat loss, provided it is a Garcinia cambogia product containing more than 40% HCA.

Where does Malabar tamarind come from?

The tropical fruit we know as Garcinia Cambogia is the main source of hydroxycitric acid, which has a chemical structure similar to that of citric acid and plays an essential role in weight loss.

It grows mainly in southern India, and the part most commonly used for therapeutic purposes is the rind. In that region, it has been used for years as a spice and for the treatment of various conditions such as oropharyngeal disorders, digestive problems and hepatitis.

However, in Western countries it is becoming established as a powerful slimming aid thanks to its effects on fat metabolism in the body and its extraordinary ability to produce a feeling of satiety.

These are the characteristics that have catapulted it to fame and that mean it is increasingly marketed as an ideal supplement for slimming diets and as an aid to maintaining one’s figure.

Not surprisingly, research carried out to date has shown its notable benefits when it comes to regulating excess weight and appetite.

From all of the above, the idea can be drawn that Garcinia cambogia is not a new product, but rather one that has been consumed in Asia for many years. As for its aforementioned popularity, this fruit has also achieved considerable fame in the United States since it began appearing frequently on health-related television programmes.

What is HCA?

HCA is the acronym by which hydroxycitric acid is known. Specifically, it is a natural component that forms part of the citric acids found in fruits such as limes, grapefruits and oranges.

However, it is in the rind of Garcinia gummi-gutta that the greatest amount and concentration of this product is obtained.

HCA acts by reducing excessive fat formation. This is possible by limiting the development of the enzyme ATP citrate lyase.

When researchers isolated this compound, they were able to verify how it acts by reducing fat formation. In particular, it limits the development of the enzyme ATP citrate lyase, which generates lipids in the body that tend to be stored in cases of excess.

How does hydroxycitric acid work for weight loss?

Hydroxycitric acid is therefore responsible for limiting this process, so the body begins to draw on accumulated reserves, producing a greater amount of glucose. In this way, it increases energy, an important boost for physical activity.

The relevance of this acid lies in improving the digestive process, speeding up metabolism and significantly blocking the desire to eat and appetite, helping to lower anxiety levels.

The feeling of satiety is the response the body gives to a complete digestion process. It is also a crucial aid when it comes to changing eating routines.

Bear in mind that one of the common problems when adopting a slimming diet rich in vegetables and fruit is the appearance of a certain weakness or the desire to eat sugary foods.

And this is where Garcinia cambogia comes in: by providing a feeling of satiety, it helps prevent falling into the temptation of snacking and gets the body used to healthier eating patterns.

HCA is responsible for this function, a natural compound that stimulates fat burning and also reduces the desire to eat. This is the most valuable of the secrets contained in this product.

What is Garcinia Cambogia used for?

With its reputation as a slimming plant that it can boast here and there, it is easy to overlook the fact that Garcinia cambogia provides many other benefits for the body.

Take note of its main properties!

It reduces the conversion of carbohydrates into fats. The result? It helps prevent fat from accumulating in the body. This is because hydroxycitric acid has the ability to inhibit the production of the enzymes involved in transforming sugars into fats
It has a satiating effect, although its difference compared with other supplements or medicines on the market lies in the fact that it acts directly on the liver and not on the brain, thus avoiding various side effects. HCA stimulates the liver’s glucoreceptors, reducing fat production and increasing glycogen production
It acts as a protector of blood capillaries, thanks to its anthocyanoside content
It is a digestive, astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial agent, which is why it helps to prevent infections. As for the regulation of digestive problems, this is helped by the fact that its nutrients and components normalise the digestive system
It helps the body burn more calories by increasing the body’s heat production (thermogenesis), promoting faster metabolism, the consumption of fat reserves and a reduction in body volume, helping with weight loss
It improves the immune system. Insofar as it contains generous amounts of vitamin C
It is an extraordinary food supplement for athletes, since it does not store fat, in addition to favouring the production and storage of glycogen
It is an excellent appetite suppressant thanks to its hydroxycitric acid content
It serves to improve hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular problems in which cholesterol control is decisive, thanks to the acceleration of excess fat burning in the liver by Garcinia cambogia
It favours blood circulation. By protecting the vascular walls and helping blood flow more easily
It limits lipogenesis or the process of fat formation in the body
It is detoxifying. Its high fibre content has the ability to cleanse the body

And what are its properties?

These properties support:

Loss of appetite or a lower desire to eat than usual
The reduction of cravings for unhealthy foods, such as sugar addiction
A more positive mood (including feeling happier, more energetic and less tired) and boosts serotonin production, the happiness hormone
An increase in energy and concentration
Stabilised blood sugar levels
Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, by reducing fats and lowering levels, which translates into a lower risk of suffering cardiovascular events
Rejuvenation, reducing cellular degradation, given its antioxidant power
A stronger desire to be physically active
Improved bowel movements
Reduction of joint pain

What benefits does it have for athletes?

Garcinia gummi-gutta may be an ideal aid for improving the performance of regular athletes, but even if that is not your case, it may also be useful if you are thinking about starting to practise sport.

It is a plant that inhibits fat formation, increasing glycogen production, which in turn is the energy store used by muscles. In fact, muscle glycogen is usually used for sprints or explosive strength exercises, which is why athletes benefit greatly from its intake.

Whether you already practise sport or are about to start, try including it as a dietary supplement to improve physical performance and help gain muscle, reducing body fat and increasing the energy reserves used by the muscles to work.

How to take Garcinia Cambogia?

The way in which you take Garcinia Cambogia extract will largely determine its results. In food supplement format, you can achieve remarkable results. Bear in mind that, apart from hydroxycitric acid, these formulations include minerals such as calcium and potassium, which facilitate better absorption.

At HSN, we always encourage responsible supplement consumption, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any supplementation plan.

In this way, you will be tackling LDL cholesterol or “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides, while also obtaining many other benefits for health and weight loss, due to its high antioxidant and vitamin C content, increasing defences.

What is the recommended daily dose? Check it here

The studies carried out to date with Garcinia cambogia have used a wide range of doses, varying from one gram to 2.8 grams daily. Typical doses usually fall between 250 and 1,000 milligrams per day.

The durations of the studies are also very varied, covering a period from two to twelve consecutive weeks.

Regarding the optimal dose of Malabar tamarind in the diet, it is still unknown. Thus, it is not clear whether a higher dose of HCA translates into greater bioavailability of HCA once consumed.

However, it seems to have been proven that there is a notable correlation between the HCA dose and body weight loss, which means that higher doses correspond to somewhat greater effects.

What we can say is that Garcinia cambogia continues to be the most widely used supplement in studies for the provision of HCA, a substance that, incidentally, you can also find in supplements made from the plant Hibiscus subdariffa.

Given that the research carried out to date has an average duration of eight weeks, researchers suggest that a longer period would be needed to accurately assess the effects of HCA on body weight.

Avoid taking Garcinia cambogia formulas or others that include this fruit and do not report adequate levels of both HCA and other substances. To do so, trust only manufacturers that use optimal doses of the active ingredient, included in a quality product, such as HSN.

Avoiding fraud means always checking labels and looking for expressions such as “pure Garcinia cambogia” or “supplement blend” and “hydroxycitric extract” or HCA, reaching around 50-60% of the product in question. Otherwise, you may be dealing with a supplement that is much less effective than it should be, so do not allow yourself to be sold a pig in a poke.

Garcinia Cambogia reinforced with Goji

Are you looking for a synergistic combination, perfect for helping you lose those extra kilos easily and quickly? In that case, trust the combined effect of Malabar tamarind and goji.

The reason? As simple as the fact that goji is an appetite reducer and a metabolism accelerator. It even reduces food-related anxiety and provides energy, just like Garcinia gummi-gutta.

When you add to this a powerful antioxidant effect to prevent premature ageing, you will obtain more from both products than you expect: reaching your ideal weight with less sacrifice and with greater vitality and energy, while showing a youthful and radiant appearance.

What contraindications does this natural fat burner have?

Well, the truth is that yes, since Garcinia cambogia is contraindicated for:

Pregnant women, insofar as it has not been proven to be a beneficial substance during this demanding period.
Children, as it is not advisable to subject those who are in a full growth period and burning energy to body fat loss. Except in the case of obese children. In that case, their paediatrician should prescribe a balanced diet.

And side effects?

Although, when taken at the recommended doses, Garcinia cambogia is a safe supplement. This does not prevent certain people from having experienced a series of adverse effects after taking it.

Who cannot take Gummi-gutta?

All in all, and despite being a natural substance, there are certain people who should avoid taking this substance. We are talking about:

Pregnant and breastfeeding women (as already mentioned).
Patients with kidney or liver damage.
Those who take medication to control asthma and allergy sufferers.

It is clear that Garcinia cambogia is one of the most effective supplements known to date. It combats obesity and helps to achieve weight loss, quickly and naturally. In addition, it offers your body a number of other interesting health benefits. Are you ready to try it?

Studies and references:

Kohsuke Hayamizu, MS, Yuri Ishii, MS, Izuru Kaneko, DVM, Manzhen Shen, PhD, Yasuhide Okuhara, BS, Norihiro Shigematsu, PhD, Hironori Tomi, PhD, Mitsuhiro Furuse, PhD, Gen Yoshino, MD, PhD, and Hiroyuki Shimasaki, PhD. Effects of garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) on visceral fat accumulation: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. 2003 Sep; 64(8): 551–567.
Steven B. Heymsfield, MD; David B. Allison, PhD; Joseph R. Vasselli, PhD. Garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Potential Antiobesity Agent. 1998;280(18):1596-1600. doi:10.1001/jama.280.18.1596