How to beat obesity? Try Garcinia cambogia

The obesity represents sever social problem as well as a huge economic burden to the world. Multiple factors contribute to the establishment of the obesity that can depend on hereditary factors that psychological and economic acclimatize them. It is spoken about obesity when the BMI exceeds the value of 30. Obesity has a direct link with other metabolic syndromes such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and hirsutism, amenorrhoea in the women, reduction or expectant loss of self-esteem, anxious syndromes, disturbs of the sleep.

A wide variety of weight management strategies are presently available, and some involve the use of dietary supplements marketed as slimming aids. Garcinia extract, (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) can be considered as one such slimming supplement. Garcinia cambogia Desr, known also like “tamarindo malabar”, is a plant pertaining to the family of the Guttifereae. Garcinia is a fruit that naturally grows in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian forest. It is traditionally used as a souring agent and Garcinia rind is usually sun-dried and then smoked to a dark brown or black color. The yellow-orange fruit color has the shape of a pumpkin with thin skin and deep vertical sections that form lobes and commonly used as a spice or conserving above all of the fish. In the traditional medicine, the fruit of the Garcinia is used for the stomach ache and it is like oral antiseptic in the mouthwashes.

HCA is a derivative of citric acid and can be extracted in plant species native to South Asia such as Garcinia cambogia, Garcinia indica, and Garcinia atroviridis. It is usually marketed as a weight-loss supplement either alone or in combination with other supplements. Some researchers have suggested that HCA causes weight reduction by competitively inhibiting the enzyme adenosine triphosphatase-citrate-lyase. In addition to that, HCA can increase the release or availability of serotonin in the brain, thereby leading to appetite suppression. Other suggested mechanisms include inhibition of pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal alpha-glucosidase, thereby leading to a reduction in carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, HCA inhibits lipogenesis impairing hydrocarbon conversion in lipids.

The most important fact is animal studies have suggested that HCA causes weight loss. But human trials involving the use of HCA as a weight-loss supplement have been carried out and identified that Garcinia extracts/HCA can cause short term weight loss.

Based on this information, we can suggest that it is better to incorporate fresh and dried Garcinia to your daily diet. Additionally, there are a few side effects that may be associated with garcinia mainly its supplement. They are liver damage, skin problems, digestive issues, and headaches. Thus it is highly recommended to consult a doctor before any amount of the Garcinia or HCA supplement is taken and avoid overconsumption. Pregnant or lactating mothers are also advised against taking the Garcinia supplement. Also, don’t cook Garcinia added foods in Aluminium pots. Furthermore, further research needs to be focused on the effect of other fruits (Garcinia family) extracts on weight reduction.  

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References

Ferrara, L. (2014). The Garcinia cambogia in phytotreatment of obesity: Activities of the hydroxycitric acid. European Scientific Journal, 10(21).

Sethi, A. (2011). A review on “Garcinia cambogia-a weight controlling agent”. Int J Pharm res dev, 3, 13-24.

Jena, B. S., Jayaprakasha, G. K., Singh, R. P., & Sakariah, K. K. (2002). Chemistry and biochemistry of (−)-hydroxycitric acid from Garcinia. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 50(1), 10-22.