Garcinia Cambogia, today known as Garcinia gummi-gutta, is a small pumpkin-shaped fruit, which has risen from a simple kitchen ingredient to become a key part of many weight loss supplements on the market today.
The fruit, which is typically light green or pale yellow in color, is one of among 300 other different species of its kind, and has received worldwide attention for its healthy properties.
It has also been widely used in different recipes and curries, with various parts and extracts used in flavoring.
According to numerous research studies, the Garcinia Cambogia fruit, whose size is almost that of a lemon or grapefruit, has a thin rind or skin, which is claimed to be the most useful for medicinal purposes.
Today, however, the fruit is popularly used across the world for its ability to help in:
- Weight loss
- Stress reduction
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Regulation of blood sugar
- Boosting metabolism and energy levels
- Fighting depression, among many other health benefits
All these it does via its active ingredient called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which makes the fruit appealing for weight loss and health enthusiasts.
Together with other nutrients and organic compounds in the fruit’s extract, the HCA ingredient has powerful effects on the body, though excessive consumption of the same has been linked to liver toxicity.
How Garcinia Cambogia Promotes Weight Loss
Garcinia Cambogia’s extract is considered in wellness and weight loss industry circles as a ‘miracle cure’ for obesity, as it promotes weight loss in various ways.
The HCA ingredient in the fruit is powerful such that it affects weight loss by preventing calories taken in from being stored as fats.
Usually, calories are stored as fats when some enzymes in the body slow down the metabolism, which eventually cause the body to ‘get lazy’ and store fats.
What HCA does, is it blocks production of these enzymes, known as citrate lyase, such that instead of being stored as fat, the calories are converted into glycogen, which in turn helps build muscles in the body.
Another way that Garcinia Cambogia helps in weight loss is by suppressing appetite, which has seen the fruit’s extract being included in many weight loss supplements and products.
Related: Best FDA Approved Garcinia Cambogia Brands Reviews
When your appetite is suppressed, your body is trained to only eat at certain times, and in portions or specific amounts. So if you’re trying to lose weight, this fruit will help keep your appetite in check.
Garcinia Cambogia also helps fight or eliminate depression through its organic compounds, which act as antidepressants and in turn release pleasure hormones (serotonin) into the body.
Thus, you’re able to lose weight while feeling uplifted and determined to forge forward with your life’s goals. HCA in the fruit influences this mood stabilization effect as it lowers stress levels associated with long-term depression.
Finally, Garcinia Cambogia helps lower cholesterol levels, which aid weight loss by optimizing the cholesterol balance in the body.
Once again, the HCA compound works to lower bad cholesterol levels and increase the good ones, thus reducing health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure, while keeping your energy levels up.
5 Best Ways to Take Garcinia Cambogia
Before you take Garcinia Cambogia as a weight loss measure, there are important considerations to remember, including:
- The timing, preferably an hour before meals
- Its usage for controlling appetite and weight loss
- The safe dosage which is 500mg to 1500mg with 50 percent HCA daily, and with expert recommendation
- The side effects from using it alone
- Its composition and concentration from the product you intend to buy
- The manufacturer brand should be a trusted one
1. As a pill
This takes two different forms: a tablet or a capsule. The Garcinia Cambogia pill can be taken about an hour before each meal, three times a day.
In this case, each pill has to be 500mg, or as per expert recommendations, but this dosage should help you stay within your daily dosage limits.
The pill is the best way to take Garcinia Cambogia, but remember to drink lots of water after swallowing one.
2. As a liquid
Not everyone likes to swallow pills, for some it may be uncomfortable. In this case, liquid garcinia is ideal.
The liquid form usually recommends taking 1 to 2 drops prior to each meal, and this can vary based on the dropper or the concentration.
To do this, take each drop under your tongue and hold it there for a minute, an hour after each meal.
It is important to seek guidance from a healthcare professional on how much garcinia is contained in each drop for the one you’re taking, and also find out how many drops are the equivalent of 1500mg of garcinia on a daily basis.
3. As a drink
Garcinia Cambogia has also been packaged as an instant drink supplement by different manufacturers, and some come in 1000mg packages that you can take Garcinia Cambogia time of the day.
It also comes in different flavors that make it a great beverage, and also make it palatable, so it’s great for those with a fast-paced, on the go lifestyle who want to lose weight.
The drink works by preventing the formation of fatty deposits through the HCA’s powerful effect on the body, while suppressing appetite to give you a full sensation.
4. Eat it raw
According to Medlife, consumption of Garcinia Cambogia shouldn’t be more than 1500mg on a daily basis.
It can also be used as an ingredient or eaten raw. However, the taste is sour and acidic, which contributes to its reputation as a digestive aid.
5. Use it as an enhancement to your dishes
According to The Indian Vegan, the fruit has a bit of sweetness to it, but it’s overwhelming sourness makes it unpalatable to eat raw.
However, its rind and the fruit generally are used to enhance the zest of several dishes, such as curries, but there are people who use it as a substitute to the sour tamarind because they’re similar in taste.
Summary
As much as Garcinia Cambogia has powerful effects in terms of weight loss, it is known to have some side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, headache, upset stomach, and diarrhea, according to WebMD.
It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver and/or kidney problems. Even so, it is important to consult your doctor as to whether it is safe for you to take. Either way, it should be taken in moderation.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.Elsie Biage
Elsie Biage is a multi-topic writer, with a passion for technology and digital marketing. Her ultimate goal is to help people out through sharing valuable information in the simplest way possible. She loves cars, music, and chocolate.
