It’s a new year and a fresh start for millions of people trying to reach their weight loss goals. The most exciting new product on the market today getting world-wide attention is Garcinia cambogia Dr. Oz has called it “The newest, fastest fat buster!” Garcinia cambogia has been reported to not only help with weight loss, but it targets visceral fat and speeds up fat metabolism. Additional health benefits reported are lowered cholesterol, enhanced athletic performance, suppressed appetite, and an overall mood enhancer.
Garcinia Cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped Indian fruit that is found in Southeast Asia. Also known as Malabar tamarind, Garcinia cambogia was used primarily in cooking before it was discovered as a weight loss tool. The principle ingredient in Garcinia cambogia is Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is extracted from the rind of the fruit and is sold in either pill or powdered form. HCA has been reported to reduce appetite, affect metabolism, and make you feel full.
What clinical studies say about Garcinia Cambogia
An important clinical study on Garcinia cambogia was conducted in Japan and published in the Current Therapeutic Research Journal. The problem of obesity has been increasing in Japan over the past 10 years, and continues to rise. This study took a group of relatively healthy people between 20 and 65 years old and studied the effects over a 12 week period. Broken into 2 groups in a double blind test, one group received 3 tablets containing 60% HCA approximately 30 minutes before each meal. The other group received a placebo. At the end of the 12 week period, both groups received a placebo for an additional week to measure any rebound effects. The results were conclusive. By week 16, the group receiving Garcinia cambogia showed a more significant reduction in both visceral and subcutaneous fat in total fat areas. In addition, there were no adverse or rebound effects regardless of sex.
Science has proven that a diet rich in carbohydrates (sucrose) increases visceral fat. HCA works to prevent the accumulation of fat by blocking a key enzyme (adenosine triphophate citrate lyase) needed to make fat. HCA also suppresses de novo fatty acid synthesis and increases hepatic glycogen synthesis, resulting in decreased weight gain. HCA also increases serotonin levels. People who suffer from depression are shown to have low serotonin levels, which can lead to emotional eating. Emotional eating leads to more weight gain, and it’s a vicious circle. The health benefits of HCA increase with the dosage. Studies recommend taking between 300 – 1000 mg 30 minutes before each meal with a full glass of water on an empty stomach.
Garcinia Cambogia: Weight-Loss Claims
Looking at some of the health claims made by proponents of Garcinia cambogia, it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction. Does it increase fat metabolism? The scientific evidence has proven this to be true. By blocking a key enzyme needed to turn sucrose into fat, HCA increases fat metabolism. Does it lower body weight? Again this seems to be a valid claim. Combined with exercise and a diet high in fiber and lower in calories, Garcina cambogia can be a healthy addition to any weight loss program for increased results. Does it work as an appetite suppressant? The answer to this question is: maybe. Since HCA increases serotonin levels, it can help control the emotional eating that results from depression. Can taking Garcinia cambogia lead to enhanced athletic performance?
Surprisingly, this seems to be a valid claim. Studies suggest that taking HCA may enhance endurance and increase the time it takes to reach exhaustion. This is especially beneficial for sports such as running and other endurance-based competitions. Finally, can taking Garcinia cambogia lower cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while raising the “good” cholesterol HDL? There have not been enough studies done yet to conclusively prove that this claim is valid. While the Japanese study did see a reduction of “bad” cholesterol and an increase in “good” cholesterol, this could have been the result of the dietary changes both groups were subject to.
Garcinia Cambogia: Weight Loss Fact or Fiction?
When all the scientific research and evidence is in, the results seem to prove that the HCA found in Garcinia cambogia is a healthy and natural addition to any weight loss program. However, before you purchase Garcinia cambogia, make sure the product is 100% pure, with no fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients. Do not take Garcinia cambogia with calcium, as calcium makes HCA ineffective. Always consult with your doctor if you are taking other medicines as HCA could interact with other medications, such as statins. Combined with exercise and a healthy diet high in fiber and low in calories, Garcinia cambogia has proven to help speed the journey to significant and lasting weight loss. Click Here to Order Garcinia Cambogia Free Trial
