Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit also known as the Malabar tamarind, is a popular weight-loss supplement. People say it blocks your body's ability to make fat and it puts the brakes on your appetite. Loss of excess weight could help could help keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, too. You'll find it in bottles on the shelf at the store as well as mixed with other ingredients in diet products.

Does it live up to its hype? Maybe a little, but it might not be worth it.

How It Works
The active ingredient in the fruit's rind, hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, appears to block an enzyme called citrate lyase, which your body uses to make fat. It also raises levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which may make you feel less hungry.

But actual weight loss results aren't impressive. A review published in the Journal of Obesityfound that people who took garcinia cambogia in studies lost about 2 pounds more than people who didn't take it. The reviewers couldn't say for sure that the weight loss was because of the supplement. It could have been from the lower-calorie diet and exercise programs the people in the studies typically followed. Better studies are needed to find out if HCA really helps people lose a lot of weight and keep it off.

Type 2 Diabetes and High Cholesterol
Some research has found that garcinia cambogia may improve cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol). You shouldn't use it if you're already on a prescription for your cholesterol.
Nutritional Content In Garcinia cambogia:
The rind of Garcinia is high in phytochemical content including hydroxycitric acid and other compounds like polyphenols, luteolin and kaempferol. Every 100 grams of rind approximately contains carbohydrate 17.2 gm, fat 0.5 g, proteins 2.3 gm, fiber 1.24 gm, 15.14 mg of iron, 250 mg of calcium, 10 mg of ascorbic acid and 18.10 mg of oxalic acid.

The Research:
Though this juicy fruit became popular in recent years, the research on Garcinia cambogia started in the 1960s, after scientists discovered Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA an enzyme in the skin of the fruit, which can stop the sugar from turning into fat.

Ever since the scientists discovered the presence of HCA, there have been numerous studies and works describing the role of this enzyme, in contributing to weight loss. According to a study published by the Journal of Obesity, people on this weight loss supplement lost 2 pounds more than those who didn’t take it. Besides stimulating weight loss, the scientists claim that Garcinia cambogia can improve the levels of HDL or good cholesterol, aid in lowering sugars and triglycerides.

Garcinia cambogia In Ayurveda:
This popular weight loss supplement found mention in ancient Ayurvedic texts and is referred as Vrikshamla. Ayurvedic texts describe the fruit as a small, tangy, fruit with a sweet smell that can pacify Vata and Kapha doshas. Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas

Traditional medical practitioners believe that regular intake of this fruit extract stimulates the taste buds, clears toxic buildup in the oral cavity and improves overall metabolism. It is also recommended for improving digestion, flushing out toxins, purifying the blood and also for cleaning the fat tissue, thus aiding in weight loss. Also Read: Lost Weight? Here Are Tips To Sustain It

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How Garcinia cambogia Works:
Studies suggest that the extract of Garcinia cambogia suppresses the appetite by acting upon the liquid buildup in the cells. The main component in the fruit rind Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA can effectively block citrate lyase, an enzyme that is responsible for making fat. HCA provides energy, prevents lipogenesis, stimulates the amount of glycogen in the liver, lowers the production of bad or LDL cholesterol and fatty acids. Also Read: CHOLESTEROL: Is It Good Or Bad?

In fact, doctors believe that the presence of HCA works effectively in those suffering from eating disorders like binge eating, anxious, stressed and would slow down the negative thought process. In other words, this component provides a calming effect that is similar to eating food.

It reduces lipid amounts, a hormone that can regulate food cravings and sends signals to the body when the stomach feels ‘full.’

In addition, it also stimulates Serotonin, a hormone that can curb appetite.

garcinia cambogia health benefits

Health Benefits of Garcinia cambogia:
1. Aids in Weight Loss:
The extract of the fruit is hugely promoted as a super weight loss supplement. Besides reducing hunger pangs and making you feel full, this wonder fruit also increases the levels of the hormone serotonin, a major appetite suppressant. Also Checkout: Top 5 Super Foods To Achieve Weight Loss – Infographic

2. Reduces Belly Fat:
If you are wary of fat around belly and buttocks, regular intake of Garcinia cambogia supplements could help in reducing in fat levels. Studies reveal that this super sour fruit works wonders in reducing oxidative stress on the body and prevents the overaccumulation of fats around the belly.

Researchers revealed that Garcinia cambogia, by preventing an enzyme called citrate lyase can prevent the production of new fats in the body. According to PubMed Central, if you are taking 2,800 mg of the supplement daily for eight weeks, it can yield the following results.

The total cholesterol gets lowered by 6.3% while increasing good cholesterol or HDL by 10.7%.

It can bring down bad cholesterol or LDL by 12.3% and blood triglycerides by 8.6%.

It is also revealed that fat metabolites are excreted between 125 to 258% more in the urine.

3. Fights Free Radicals:
Studies reveal that concentrated syrup extracted from Garcinia cambogia is loaded with antioxidants that can effectively fight free radicals that can damage DNA, lipids, biomolecules and protein. Dilute the syrup in cold or hot water to derive its benefits.

4. Controls Blood Sugars:
The rind of Garcinia cambogia plays an effective role in controlling blood sugar levels in the patients suffering from type-2 diabetes mellitus. It aids in improving insulin sensitivity, facilitates the flow of glucose to the cells, muscles and reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood. The HCA reduces the levels of oxidative stress in the pancreas and decreases the levels of high plasma glucose levels.

5. Promotes Heart Health:
Numerous studies reveal that Garcinia cambogia plays an important role in bringing down the levels of bad or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Regular consumption of the fruit rind prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver, intestine and adipose tissue. Also Read: World Heart Day: 5 Simple Ways To Care For Your Heart

6. Diuretic Properties:
Edema is a condition in which water gets accumulated in the body. Consuming Garcinia cambogia works as a diuretic thus increasing the urine output and clears extra water and electrolytes.

7. Natural Antacid:
This fruit is highly recommended for those battling gut issues. It works as a natural antacid and facilitates proper digestion. Ayurvedic health experts suggest consuming fruit rind mixed with fresh curd and salt for instant relief from gastric ulcers and burning sensation in the tummy.

8. Relief From Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Applying the paste made from the rind of Garcinia cambogia provides relief from the pain caused due to arthritis. It is highly recommended for inflammation of the joints, bones and other rheumatic pains. Also Read: Arthritis Management – It's in your hands – take action

culinary uses of garcinia

Garcinia cambogia’s Other Medicinal Uses:
Both the leaves and rind of Garcinia cambogia are known to have antifungal, astringent, thermogenic and digestive properties. The juice or sherbet made from the rind of this fruit is recommended for those suffering from digestive issues, colic, diarrhea, infections of the ear, hemorrhoids and ulcers.

Applying the juice also heals skin sores, hydrates the skin from within, reduces wrinkles, increases elasticity and fights signs of aging.