Garcinia cambogia reduces appetite, improves digestion, prevents fat deposits but more importantly enhances fat burning: it is believed that these are the most important properties of garcinia cambogia, which makes it the most important fruit of dieting. But does it really help to shed the unwanted pounds? This fruit has been used in Asia for decades for digestion, appetite suppression, joint pain management, diarrhoea and to treat parasites and worms. In recent years, this light-yellow or yellowish pumpkin shaped fruit became increasingly popular in the western world due to its weight loss and fat burning properties. However it is primarily effective when used as part of a healthy diet in conjunction with everyday exercise.

Garcinia helps to lose weight

There is an ATP citrate enzyme called lyase, which promotes the conversion of carbohydrates to fat and thereby contribute to obesity and in particular the development of abdominal fat deposits. Garcinia cambogia can thank its slimming effect to this: the Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in the skin of the fruit is actually blocking this enzyme and so prevents fat formation and fat deposition gently and naturally. To achieve this garcinia supplements should be used for at least 3 months. Another advantage of HCA is that it decreases appetite by increasing serotonin levels, causes fullness, increases stamina and physical performance. The latter is important if you are on a weight loss diet as daily exercise regime is more achievable when you can prevent increased tiredness due to sudden weight loss. By consuming Garcinia Cambogia the activity of stress hormones that increase the risk of obesity, are suppressed. In addition, with more positive thinking, slimming will be more likely to succeed. When choosing a product look for a supplement that has been standardised to contain at least 60% HCA.

Garcinia also protects the heart

High cholesterol level caused by a disturbed fat metabolism can be dangerous for heart health and circulatory system. The consumption of garcinia cambogia may be beneficial because the fruit reduces the amount of harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood while increasing the level of beneficial HDL cholesterol therefore controlling the total cholesterol level. It also reduces the presence of fat in the blood by 20% which emphasises its peculiar heart and blood vessels protection properties. In addition to preventing stroke, hypertension and myocardial infarction this also plays a role in increasing energy levels. Helpful also in diabetes because it may stabilize blood glucose levels by preventing sudden blood sugar spikes after meals. As it enhances the production of the happiness hormone called serotonin, it may be great to use against stress and depression.

What do scientists say?

An experiment conducted on mice by the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research showed that the consumption of garcinia cambogia reduces weight gain, inflammation and glucose intolerance even while on a fat rich diet. Similar results were obtained by experts from the Igbinedion University who studied the antiobesity effects of crude ethanolic extract from the fruit seeds.

Side Effects

Prolonged use of garcinia cambogia may cause digestive disorders, nausea, headache, diarrhea and dizziness. It is not recommended to consume neither the fresh fruit nor garcinia extract with anti-asthmatic drugs, analgesics, blood thinners or sedatives and cholesterol lowering agents.

When not to be consumed

The use of garcinia cambogia is contraindicated in patients with liver disease and Alzheimer's disease, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

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Bernadett Healy – Nutritionist

Bernadett is a qualified Nutritionist and Kinesiologist offering scientific, evidenced based nutrition with functional testing, mind set coaching and kinesiology to get to the root cause of your health issues.  Her area of practice is in chronic health conditions caused by mould, sensitivites and in childrens’ health.  With a background in financial services, her interest also extends to stress management and fatigue in high pressure corporate work environment.

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References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378731/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16984227
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3748738/
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17215177
• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003194220086224X
• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0306987788900813