How Does Garcinia Help in Weight Loss?

By 2015 there will be 2.3 billion overweight adults worldwide, predicts the World Health Organization the BBC said in its 2008 news report. More than 700 million of these will be considered obese. Overweight conditions have led many people in seeking help through chemically concocted formulas or herbal supplements. One such supplement touted to help in weight loss is Garcinia cambogia.

Identification

Garcinia cambogia is a small to medium sized evergreen tree that bears red or yellow colored berries. Some of its other more common names are Citrin, Gambooge, Mangosteen, Brindleberry or Malabar tamarind. Native to southeastern Asia, the tree's berry rind is dried and used for flavoring in cooking and as a drink. Garcinia's active ingredient is hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which gives it a tart taste. Garcinia is widely used in India and is beginning to find a following in other parts of the world not only as a culinary seasoning but as a method of weight reduction.

History

The berry of the Garcinia cambogia has been used in food recipes and medicinally for centuries. It was prescribed for fluid retention, stomach and digestion problems, arthritis, as well as internal parasites. Garcinia was used as a preservative for fish. When included in recipes, it was purported to reduce one's appetite. This claim brought it to the attention of the weight loss world.

Benefits

According to the editors of Mothernature.com News and the University of Illinois Medical Center, Garcinia has been the focus of research examining lipogenesis. Lipogenesis is how fat and cholesterol are produced and stored in the body metabolically. The HCA blocks the production and storage of fat and cholesterol when calorie consumption exceeds healthful levels. The article states that, based on animal studies, Garcinia looks to be a promising addition to a sound weight management program.

However, the editors also said that a recent clinical trial "found no weight-loss benefit from taking the herb." They said the study used very small doses per pound of body weight. The question whether it will benefit humans as a weight loss tool won't be told until higher doses of Garcinia are used.

Considerations

Although Garcinia cambogia has been used for many years without any known adverse or toxic effects, it is a herb supplement and not held to strict government standards at this time. It is not uncommon to have varying degrees of quality and dosage strengths from brand name to brand name. Many times, the herbs are mixed with other herbs in such a way it negates the strength of any and all in the mixture. Know and trust the provider and/or manufacturer of this and any other herb. Consult your health care provider before taking Garcinia cambogia.

Warning

Don't take Garcinia cambogia if you are pregnant or nursing.
People who have Alzheimer's's or diabetes should not take Garcinia.
Keep this herb out of the reach of children and animals.
Know the dosage strength and if any other herbs are mixed in the formula.
Allergic reactions could occur.
No study, to date, has proved that Garcinia is an effective weight loss solution.

References

• BBC
• Garcinia Cambogia
• Holiday Battle of the Bulge: Minimizing the Damage

Resources

• National Cancer Institute (NCI)