Garcinia Cambogia HCA Extract for Weight Loss

Garcinia Cambogia is one of the hottest and the most controversial weight loss supplements on the market. Even the famous Dr. Oz has described it as being the “Holy Grail for Weight Loss.” Despite everything, lots of potential users are still skeptical about its miraculous benefits for the body’s health.

To provide an impartial conclusion about whether or not this natural supplement for weight loss works, we’ve gathered together a mixed review of the product to analyze its features and efficiency.

 What is Garcinia Cambogia?

Due to its many benefits for the body’s health, Garcinia Cambogia (GC) has become extremely popular around the globe, especially in the past years. GC belongs to the family Guttiferae, and it is the species that receives all the attention due to its various health advantages. GC is a tropical evergreen tree, and its origins can be found in Africa, India, and Malaysia. The size of this tree can vary from small to medium, and the branches have oval dark green leaves with a glossy texture and with fruits that ripen during the rainy season. This tree can tolerate drought, and it flowers during summer.

GC is also known by its common names: Malabar tamarind and brindle berry, and it has become quite a common ingredient in commercial weight loss products on the market.^[1]

Garcinia Cambogia Ingredients

Supplements that have GC in their composition are some of the most famous weight loss natural treatments, and the reason is the fact that this fruit extract is said to contain some very effective weight loss ingredients. GS supplements usually contain four main ingredients that promote weight loss:

1. Calcium

Calcium boosts metabolism and aids weight loss. The more calcium there is in a fat cell, the more fat will be burnt by that cell, and the more intense the weight loss will be.

2. Potassium

Potassium converts food into energy promoting weight loss; it also helps muscle development, and it boosts metabolism. Potassium can enhance the body’s functions.

3. Chromium

Chromium is critical for improving insulin action in the body, and it also promotes weight loss.

4. HCA (Hydroxycitric Acid)

HCA is the most important element of GC, and this active ingredient seems to have excellent weight loss properties. It can inhibit the process of converting carbs and sugar into fat, and it can also stop the production of new fat cells. Plenty of clinical studies supports all these. In the 60s researchers have discovered the fact that GC’s composition includes HCA – a substance with potent effects and benefits such as increasing levels of serotonin, enhancing endurance and also diminishing the appetite. HCA is the main “hero” in all this rage around GC supplementation. Studies claim that HCA can triple your weight loss efforts, because the substance will not only stop fat cells production, but it will also increase endurance. Enhanced endurance translated into boosting exercise performances. GC has other benefits such as the fact that it stimulates bowel movements and it can suppress hunger. This is good news for emotional eaters who’ll begin to appreciate GC because it increases serotonin levels and it improves sleep quality and overall mood. ^[2][3][4]

Garcinia Cambogia Health Benefits and Weight Loss Advantages

1. Promoting weight loss

Research about GC’s effects have shown that it can promote weight loss and to fix other health issues, although its benefits might not have a maximum efficiency and its effects are rarely very consistent.

For example, the HCA from GC seems to work by blocking an enzyme that contributes to the production of fat cells. GC can prevent the storing of calories as fat. The protein we’ve mentioned slows down the metabolism, and the body gets lazy and unfortunately begins to store fat. That’s why it’s important that HCA can block the production of the enzymes and the effect will be that fact that the calories will be converted into glycogen instead of fat. Glycogen is essential for building muscles. HCA contributes to the improvement of stamina, and it eliminates tiredness, helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.^[5]

Individual studies proved that fact that GC can be very effective at reducing belly fat accumulation in overweight or obese individuals.

2. Lowering appetite

HCA from GC seems to be also able to suppress the appetite by stimulating the production of serotonin. This neurotransmitter is associated with happy feelings, pleasure, and calmness and therefore it promotes appetite suppression, it diminishes cravings, and it reduces the need to consume “comfort foods” which usually aid in different cases such as depression.^[6]

By diminishing the appetite, GC teaches the body the discipline of eating at specific times and only in exact amounts.

3. Reducing stress

HCA, the favorite ingredient of weight loss and health enthusiasts, has been linked to optimizing the levels of cortisol from the blood. Cortisol is one of the most important stress hormones, and by reducing its levels from the blood and also by controlling stress and anxiety, GC supplements will improve the overall health and will stimulate all of the body’s systems, also being able to cut down on oxidative stress.

4. Eliminating depression

The organic substances from GC’s composition act as anti-depressants and they stimulate the release of serotonin in the body. From the moment you start losing weight after using GC supplements, you will begin to feel encouraged, uplifted and also determined to continue your weight loss journey until you reach your goals. HCA can stabilize the mood by stimulating the neurotransmitters and by lowering stress levels. Stress contributes to long-term depression. Therefore, it’s important to eliminate it from your lifestyle.

5. Lowering the levels of cholesterol

GC is useful for losing weight also by optimizing the levels of cholesterol in our bodies. Although most people know this, we will say it again: our body includes beneficial fats and also bad fats. HCA along with more substances from this herb have the effect of lowering bad cholesterol/bad fats, and they can also increase the levels of beneficial cholesterol/good fats. The result consists in a diminished risk of developing stroke, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and also in a much lower level of blood pressure and in an increased energy that provides the ability to finish all the daily tasks.^[7]

6. Stabilizing blood sugar levels

GC’s effects on blood sugar levels are also an interesting issue to look at. There is already some evidence that GC can control blood sugar levels by optimizing the way that body cells take up glucose and then use it for energy. GC stimulates weight loss by inhibiting some pancreatic enzymes and by altering fatty acid synthesis. The result that comes from all of these is GC’s ability to change the way in which carbs are metabolized.

Such an effect is very beneficial for the body because it can respond better to insulin. On the other hand, in some cases, it can raise the risks of having low blood sugar levels in some people.

Those are the reasons for which if you know that you have a history of blood sugar swings, if you are pre-diabetic, or if you are taking medications that have the ability to alter insulin’s effects, then it is possible that GC might cause a dangerous drop in your blood sugar. Anyway, this doesn’t seem to happen with everyone who takes GC supplements, but it’s best if you keep this in mind if you also want to use GC.

7. Boosting the metabolism

Something that can stimulate the burning of calories and that can also lower the levels of bad cholesterol from the body is surely going to have an incredible impact on the body’s functioning speed. A faster metabolism means faster results in weight loss, and if you wish to speed up your metabolism, adding GC to your everyday routine will represent the wisest choice. An increased metabolism also means immediate energy and less calorie packing into adipose fat.

8. Increasing energy and enhancing athletic performance

After you start losing weight, all kinds of major changes occur in the body. For instance, many people experience fatigue and muscle weakness after beginning to lose some excess weight. GC extract can help with this issue by offering your body an energetic burst that can overcome the moments of exhaustion caused by losing those extra pounds. This is the best solution for you, in case you’re feeling drained.

GC also increases the time that is necessary for you to feel exhaustion during your physical exercise and HCA can enhance your endurance during running, according to research.

9. Offering protection for the brain’s processes

Research has shown that GC can reduce the oxidation of the brain and that it can also diminish the pathology that comes with neurodegeneration, as we age. This effect is due to less food intake and also to reduced body weight; the state of overweight/obesity and high-fat diets cause health problems to the brain’s functions.^[8]

10. Promoting cardiovascular health

GC regulates the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, and it also decreases the number of triglycerides, promoting a healthy heart. A study on blood lipids found out that GC-stimulated the production of red blood cells. Research suggests that this happens because of the iron content of GC and due to an increase in testosterone caused by the polyphenolic substances found in GC’s composition.

11. Keeping the bladder and kidneys healthy

If we ingest high-fat diets, the serum levels of creatinine and urea from the bloodstream will increase, and this is a symptom of kidney impairment. According to research, GC can optimize the high levels of creatinine and urea, promoting optimal health for the bladder and kidneys.

12. Offering antioxidant effects

Clinical studies have also shown that GC supplements can promote cellular health by reducing oxidative damage due to its antioxidant effects.

13. Combating cancer

GC’s composition includes xanthones – compounds that inhibit pre-cancerous lesions found in mammary glands and also in the colon. As a result, GC can help reduce the risk of colon and breast cancers. The xanthones also cause the death of cancerous cell from the mouth, lungs, and intestines, according to scientific research.

14. Fighting GI disorders

Clinical studies that were conducted on rats showed that GC can decrease the volume and also the acidity in gastric mucosal injury which was previously induced to the rodents. This shows the antiulcer effects of GC. The anti-inflammatory activity of the fruit can also protect against colitis.

15. Promoting red blood cells production

As we already said, the iron from GC’s composition stimulates the production of red cells from the blood, and the bioflavonoids from the plant increase the levels of peripheral testosterone, leading to an even more stimulated production of red blood cells.

Taking Garcinia Cambogia for Weight Loss

To enjoy the health advantages of taking GC supplements, you must first make sure you’re correctly following the right directions. If this weight loss supplement is used as it should be, you’ll enjoy its beneficial effects on your overall health, and you’ll notice the changes it can bring to your silhouette.

Below, we’ll offer you some advice on how to use GC best, to achieve some visible long-term weight loss goals.

Taking the GC supplement at the right time

Some people who use GC in a view to losing excess weight complain about the lack of success regarding the supplements. And there is a good reason for this: they don’t seem to understand the importance of taking an individual treatment at the exact time and in the exact way the specialist advises you. For instance, GC must be ingested at least an hour before any meal of the day.

This is critical because GC (like most supplements and medication) needs about 20 minutes in order to be able to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

It’s also important to avoid consuming certain drinks that might complicate the absorption of GC supplement in the bloodstream. For instance, during meals, most of us have the tendency to consume sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages. But, unfortunately, all of them can have a negative effect on the supplement’s absorption. If you really want to have a sip, you can do so, but only in the smallest quantities possible, or you can drink them after you have finished eating.

Careful timing and taking GC the right will definitely help you lose some excess weight.

GC is made to work best for individuals who are struggling to lose excessive kilos. To make the best of it, you first must make sure you change most of your unhealthy habits regarding eating, physical activity, and your overall lifestyle.

How to take GC supplements for best results?

1. Learning the correct dosage

The safest dose of GC you should take every day seems to be 2800 mg. You must understand how much of the HCA from GC’s composition you need to take to be safe, and, according to specialists, the recommended dosage of HCA is about 1599 mg per day. Anyway, before starting to supplement with GC, you should ask an expert for advice regarding the adequate dosage for your specific needs.

2. Choose GC in the form of a pill

It is recommended to consume GC pills, and you should take the proper dose with water 30-60 minutes before each meal.

3. Remember the 4 hours gap!

You should recognize the fact that two doses of GC should have a gap of at least 4 hours between them. Therefore, you shouldn’t take a larger dose, because this won’t lead to better results or faster weight loss.

4. The dose before breakfast

The importance and the purpose of the pre-breakfast dose are greater than the ones of other doses of GC supplements you are going to take during the day. This happens because when we wake up in the morning, our stomach is empty and the pre-breakfast time will offer ideal conditions for the GC supplement to take effect.

Before taking the next pill of GC, the previous one needs to be absorbed into the bloodstream to be efficient. The gap between two consecutive pills should not be larger than 8 hours.

5. Take GC with a glass of water

GC works properly when it’s taken with water because water allows a better absorption into the bloodstream; remember that it’s not ok to take it with something else and this also includes fruit juice.

6. Incorporate some exercise into your daily routine and make healthy dietary changes

If you want to get the boost you need from taking GC supplements, you must make sure you include some physical exercise in your daily schedule. It almost goes without saying that you must also be willing to make some healthy dietary changes to help the GC supplements work best.

This whole weight loss journey requires commitment, and it will enable you to develop some long-term habits for keeping away excess kilos, even after you stop using the GC supplements.

Possible Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects

Overuse/excess

The majority of GC users claim that they haven’t experienced any side effects caused by the supplements but, in some cases, a few users had different experiences. The main reason for this is the fact that they haven’t taken the GC supplements correctly and according to the recommended dosage. Like any other medicine, GC can be overused, and the symptoms may include:

Medical/drug interactions

Another important issue about taking GC supplements involves quite a long list of potential medical/drug interactions. There are certain cases in which people should avoid using GC supplements due to the way that it could affect other medications, pregnancy, nutrient levels, blood sugar levels and more.

Here are the most significant interactions that you should pay attention to:

GC supplements may also interact with the following health conditions/treatments:

How to Safely Purchase Garcinia Cambogia?

There is a huge variety of GC supplements and products on the market today and, before you decide which one to order, you are strongly advised to check a few things. You must first make sure that the product that you plan on buying is manufactured in a lab that is certified and also approved by the FDA.

You should also know that many GC products on the market are being produced in foreign countries and they might not have the proper mix of ingredients in their composition. You should also make sure that the GC supplements have a concentration of HCA at least of 50% and you must also make sure they don’t include sugars and artificial ingredients in their composition.

The product’s ingredients should all be mentioned on the product’s label, and they must include the following: HCA, chromium, potassium and calcium. In case some of these are missing, you’re not advised to but the product. Also, remember that anything less than 50% HCA should be avoided.

How long does it take to see the beneficial results?

The results provided by GC may vary from one person to another. On average, certain changes in mood and energy levels become noticeable on the very first day of use. Changes in weight are usually seen in the first three days since you started using GC.^[9][10]

Weight Loss Methods You Can Combine With Garcinia Cambogia for Best Results

Weight loss efforts should always be as realistic as possible, safe and also sustainable and the ultimate goal should be reaching a healthy weight and maintain it for as long as possible. Here are some reliable auxiliary methods that you can combine with GC:

Conclusion

Ever since the GC supplements first came out on the weight loss products’ market and started appearing on dozens of TV shows, they have become one of the most popular products for losing excessive weight. Some enthusiast users swear that the GC extract in a highly efficient weight loss tool and also an excellent appetite suppressant, while others haven’t seen the magical effects of GC.

A vast amount of dieters have turned to online channels and also to various food stores to purchase the product or to learn as much as possible about its effects. Considering all the research, there is now no doubt that GC works, but it certainly won’t cause miracles, at least not on its own. You must keep in mind the importance of doing your part in this process of losing weight, and that involves making an effort to eat healthier and also to exercise regularly.

Various studies support the efficiency of GC extract, but the people who decide to use the supplements must make sure they know exactly what they’re doing, and they also must be 100% sure that increasing with GC won’t affect their health state in a negative way.

If you desire to try a natural method for losing excess weight, you’ll benefit from the GC extract. And, what’s more, if you combine it with a healthy lifestyle, there’s no reason why GC won’t become your secret weapon when it comes to keeping your figure under control. The research on GC is out there for everyone to study and more is yet to come.