What Is Garcinia Cambogia?

Garcinia cambogia is a small pumpkin-shaped fruit which is typically light green or yellowish in color. Garcinia cambogia was formerly the scientific name, but it has since been changed to Garcinia gummi-gutta. It also has a number of other common names, such as Malabar tamarind [1] and Brindleberry.

This particular genus of plants has as many as 300 different species within it, but garcinia cambogia is the one that receives the most attention for its healthy properties. Thriving in tropical settings, this tree is primarily grown in Southeast Asia, India, and central Africa, and it is widely used in traditional recipes, as well as curries in a number of Asian countries. Various parts of the fruit and its extracts can be used for different flavor profiles, and it is also known as a traditional remedy for a wide range of afflictions.

Nutritional Benefits Of Garcinia Cambogia

The active ingredient in garcinia cambogia, which makes it appealing for weight loss and health enthusiasts alike, is called hydroxycitric acid [2] (HCA). The HCA, combined with the other nutrients and organic compounds found in the extract, do have the potential for powerful effects on the body. However, excessive consumption of the extract has also been linked to liver toxicity, so moderation is key.

Garcinia cambogia was largely unknown, but it exploded onto the international scene following claims of its miraculous effects on weight loss. Since then, it has become available all across the world, and while its proposed effects on weight loss are still hotly debated in many fitness and health fad circles, the extract of garcinia cambogia does appear to have a number of other health effects on the body that are beneficial in various ways.

Health Benefits Of Garcinia Cambogia

Let’s take a closer look at some of the impressive health benefits of garcinia cambogia.

Promotes Weight Loss

Garcinia cambogia extract, often considered a miracle cure for obesity, affects weight loss in a number of ways. Firstly, the hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in garcinia cambogia can prevent [3] calories from being stored as fats. Certain enzymes slow down the metabolism, which is when the body “gets lazy” and starts storing calories as fat. However, HCA blocks the production of these enzymes. So instead of fat, those calories are converted into glycogen, which is necessary for building muscles.

HCA, found in garcinia cambogia, helps improve your stamina and eliminate fatigue, while also motivating you to lead a healthier lifestyle as your physical appearance begins to change.

Improves Metabolism

If you want to boost [7] your metabolism, which means even faster results in the weight-loss realm, adding garcinia cambogia to your daily routine is a wise choice. An increased metabolism means more immediate energy and less packaging of calories into adipose fat.

Increases Energy

Many people experience fatigue and muscle weakness after they begin to shed those extra pounds. Garcinia cambogia extract can help to combat this, by giving [8] an energetic burst that can overcome those weight-loss moments of exhaustion.

Suppresses Appetite

This is another way that garcinia cambogia is able to help people lose weight, which is why it is now included in dozens of different weight loss supplements and products. By suppressing [9] the appetite, it trains the body to eat only at certain times, and in specific amounts. If you are trying to lose weight, those in-between snacks can be the hardest things to avoid, so keeping your appetite in check with this extract is very wise.

Reduces Stress

The compound HCA present in the extract has also been directly linked to regulating cortisol levels in the blood, which is one of the most common stress hormones. By reducing the level of stress hormones and controlling anxiety, this herbal supplement can help improve the health and functioning of all your organ systems, and cut down on oxidative stress throughout the body.

Eliminates Depression

The organic compounds found in garcinia cambogia can act as anti-depressants by releasing serotonin into the body, which is the “satisfaction [4]” or “pleasure” hormone. This can work as a self-fulfilling cycle. Using this herbal extract, one can lose weight, feel uplifted and encouraged, and then determined to continue on and achieve the goal. This ability to stabilize the mood is based on the effect of HCA on neurotransmitters, and the lowered levels of stress can often contribute to treating long-term depression.

Lowers Cholesterol

The other major way that garcinia cambogia is able to help those who use it for weight loss is by optimizing the cholesterol balance in the body. HCA and other compounds in this herb are able to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This will help reduce your likelihood of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, while also lowering blood pressure and giving you more energy for your daily tasks.

Regulates Blood Sugar

For people suffering [6] from diabetes, turning to garcinia cambogia is an excellent choice to control blood sugar levels while regulating metabolism as a complementary treatment. It can ensure that there are no unexpected drops or spikes in blood sugar, which can have terrible consequences.

Word of Caution: Again, while it can be tempting to overdo things that we know are good for us, there is still quite a bit we don’t know about garcinia cambogia. What is clear is that excessive consumption of this plant can cause liver toxicity, so even after adding it to your health regimen, it should be taken in moderation.