Garcinia cambogia extract is hitting
headlines throughout the western world as a natural weight loss supplement.
Several studies have shown that it does help people to lose weight and although
as always there are other studies that are less conclusive, it can be an
effective weight loss supplement for many people.
Garcinia cambogia is the name of a small
tropical fruit that grows in India
and Africa. It is one of the citrus family
like oranges and lemons. It is too sour to eat but the rind is used as a spice
in Indian cooking. The correct name for the substance that is extracted from
the fruit as a weight loss supplement is hydroxycitric acid.
Hydroxycitric acid is not a stimulant (like
caffeine) or an appetite suppressant, both of which work directly on the nerve
centers of the brain and can have undesired side effects, including causing
food binges any time you stop taking them.
Instead, HCA satisfies the body's need for energy and improves the
signaling system that the body uses to tell the brain when it has eaten enough.
This response is often delayed in overweight people, causing them to continue
to eat more than they need.
Garcinia cambogia extract (HCA) seems to
work best in combination with chromium, which helps to regulate the body's
blood sugar levels. Chromium is a mineral that is often lacking in our diets as
we get older and a chromium deficit can contribute to weight gain and possibly
diabetes. However if you have diabetes already, you should see your doctor
before taking any products containing chromium.
As with most supplements, it is best to be
cautious and do not take HCA if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Consult a
doctor before giving it to children. You may also want to avoid HCA if you
suffer from migraine or arthritis which can be worsened by citrus fruits.
HCA seems to work best for people who
overeat when they are anxious or stressed, as it will give the same calming
effect that they get from food. Generally you do not need to eat any special
foods when you are taking HCA, and there are no 'forbidden foods'. Choose
healthy foods and you should find that you lose weight and fat slowly but
steadily without really trying. You can take slightly smaller portions if you wish
and choose fruit instead of sugary snacks but you should not need to go hungry.
This is a very natural way to lose weight.
Unlike many other weight loss products, HCA
has been extensively tested in research laboratories on both human and animal
subjects and no side effects have been found. This natural weight loss
supplement is available from many sources online and may be labeled either
hydroxycitric acid or garcinia cambogia extract.