Garcinia cambogia is long known for its weight loss benefits, but still is misunderstood by many. It is a small pumpkin-shaped tropical tree fruit, also known as Malabar tamarind. Many scientists have studied this extract and have come up with various perceptions. This true and false race for Garcinia cambogia weight loss started in 1960’s and is still on.
It is often described as a miracle weightloss supplement and is known to be effective only in rats. But, now the real reason behind weightloss through Garcinia cambogia is clear and people around the world are using it. It contains hydroxycitric acid or HCA, which is mainly responsible for causing weight loss. Now we shall understand the truth about weight loss properties of the fruit.
Garcinia Cambogia: Miracle or Fact
It is not a miracle supplement which cuts out extra fat just like that. It is simple to understand. It’s like asking, “Is this stinking tool legit?” How on earth, would you know it? It depends on the person using it. Similarly, HCA is not a miracle, it is a tool. Anyone who knows how any respective tool works and has all the knowledge about using it, it works for him. Similarly, HCA works when you know what to do with it and follow the understanding.
After an in-depth study about Garcinia Cambogia weight loss, we have come to know about its working:
What HCA Promise
HCA has gained popularity after so many studies conducted on it and proving that it causes weight loss in animals.
HCA blocks a portion of an enzyme called citrate lyase — turns sugar and starches into fat. By this, carbohydrates get diverted towards producing energy instead of getting accumulated as body fat. It also works by suppressing appetite but unlike other stimulant-based pills, it makes the person satisfied with food soon, thereby making them to eat less.
As a nutritionist explains, change in metabolism brought by HCA sends a signal to the brain to suppress appetite via the amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan — a precursor to serotonin (happy hormone).
Doesn’t these facts make you think in its favour, but the buzz of Garcinia Cambogia faded when a study published in 1998 in the Journal of American Medical Association, concluded that it has no effect on humans.
But after other subsequent researches, it was proved that HCA has a real potential to help lose weight. Its effectiveness depends on how you take it.
How to take it
Harry Preuss, a researcher and pathologist at Georgetown University, said, “For effective results, you need to take right dose of the right product and in the right way”. He explained that earlier it was not clear what type of citrate is to be used and in what proportion. In order to make it reach the desired body part, you have to make sure you are taking it in enough amount.
He explained there are three types of citrate — blended with calcium, potassium or magnesium salts. HCA needs to be blended with these salts to decrease the degradation of HCA in HCA lactone (an inactive form of compound). These salts when added in 1:1 ratio, also help absorb hydroxicitric acid. For instance, if you have pure calcium HCA, it is not going to work.
So, how the product is made and what is contained in it, matters. Markets offer several products with one name. You must be aware of the real product to get the results.
What amount of HCA works for you
Dr. Preus who hasn’t stopped working on garcinia cambogia weight loss has found some really effective results in his research. There is nothing wrong with it, it just needs to be blended properly in order to get effective results.
- Use a preparation that has a minimum of 50 percent of HCA, but does not contain only calcium salts. It must contain potassium and magnesium salts in equal proportion.
- A dose of 1.5g thrice a day is recommended before the meals. Here’s the catch. In most of the preparations, HCA is 0.9g only. Therefore, effectiveness of HCA is not as expected.
- It is also important that you take it on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before each meal. Now, if you do not follow it, and keep changing your timings, this is not going to have much effect.
Why it is to be taken on empty stomach? It is because it needs time to curb appetite and moreover it needs some space for its magic. In presence of food, meal components can bind to HCA salts making them inactive.
‘Remember if you don’t follow, the folly is yours.’ Garcinia cambogia has gone under many studies and came out as a winner by proving its effectiveness. Therefore, there is no truth left to be revealed about its effectiveness on humans.