If you are looking to lose weight safely and naturally then Garcinia Cambogia might what you are looking for. This raises the question, Is it truly the “holy grail of weightloss” as Dr. Oz claims? or Is it just hype?
Most Garcinia Cambogia reviews are lacking in factual information. Information that is crucial in making an informed decision. If you want an uncensored and comprehensive review on this fruit product then you on the right page. We will discuss:
- What is garcinia cambogia?
- Ingredients and benefits?
- How does it work for weight loss?
- Clinical studies to support the claims.
- What are the possible side effects?
- Safety and how to avoid being scammed.
- Final verdict.
What is it?
It is an exciting new weight loss supplement that has been declared to be the “fastest, newest fat buster” by Dr. Oz himself. This supplement is extracted from the rind of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit. A yellowish pumpkin-shaped fruit found in South-east Asia and West Africa.
The natives of these two regions have been using the fruit for thousands of years for its numerous health benefits since it is very rich in antioxidants.
Recently, the Garcinia fruit got international attention when it was featured on the Dr. Oz show with Dr. Julie Chen as the guest expert. She has been researching and carrying out tests on the benefits of this fruit specifically its benefits for losing weight. Several positive reviews from people who actually used it, were also featured on the show.
Ingredients and Main Health Benefits
The main and most potent ingredient in garcinia cambogia is HCA (Hydroxycitric acid). This is the chemical responsible for suppressing appetite, blocking production of fat and increasing metabolism.
Garcinia cambogia works in three steps:
1. Naturally suppressing appetite
Natural appetite suppression is one of the major factors that results in successful weight reduction. The HCA is proven to increase the levels of serotonin hormone in the brain. This rapidly reduces food cravings.
Serotonin has more health benefits including: enhancing your mood, relieving stress and better quality of sleep. Most garcinia cambogia reviews have customers reporting that they feel better and “full of life”.
2. Preventing the formation of fat
HCA prevents the formation of the citrate lyase enzyme. This is the enzyme responsible for conversion of carbohydrates to fat. Hence there is minimal, if any, formation of “new” fat.
3. Increasing metabolism
The prevention of formation of fats results in greatly increased metabolism. The carbohydrate taken in is converted to energy and the fat deposits slowly face the same conversion. As such, you feel more energetic and eat way less than usual.
How Garcinia Cambogia Extract Helps Weight Loss
The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in the Garcinia has a dual action when it comes to weight loss. It modifies the process of converting the sugar into fat, process which tales place in the liver. In this way, HCA stops the formation of new fat cells. The excess fat won’t get stored anywhere in the body, it will only pass through the digestive system and get eliminated rapidly.
- Because it acts specifically on fat cells, this extract helps decreasing the belly fat, which is the most problematic for both men and women.
- The other mechanism of action of this extract is the appetite suppression, which determines you to eat less and give up sweets and snacks.
- HCA also has other health benefits such as decreased levels of stress, better sleep and an overall improved mood.
Unlike other natural supplements, the extract managed to get into the attention of the medical world, therefore there are several good studies which support its benefits. It is worth mentioning at least one: Garcinia Cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential anti-obesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. This study was published in JAMA and it had the objective of evaluating the body weight and fat mass loss in overweight humans. The study is fully reliable, being designed according to clinical trial standards: double-blind, placebo-controlled.
Although there was a loss of weight in patients in the garcinia cambogia extract group, the difference between this group and the placebo one weren’t considered statistically significant, therefore the study didn’t lead to a final conclusion.
Other studies, though, revealed the role played by this extract in the regulation of endogenous lipid biosynthesis. This means it may lower the LDL cholesterol, serum leptin and triglycerides.
On the other hand, it increases the good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) and the levels of serotonin. Serotonin is very important because it helps fighting depression and insomnia. A higher serotonin level also translates into reducing stress eating, which is one of the major causes for accumulating fat and for weight gain.
Clinical studies to support the claims
Dr. Julie Chen (featured on Dr.Oz Show) carried out a study on 60 obese patients. One group was given HCA while the other was given placebos over a period of 8 weeks.
Both groups had a daily calorie intake capped at 1200 calories. The HCA group experienced an average drop of 14 pounds. On the other hand, the placebo group lost about 6 pounds on average.
The study also showed an increase in serotonin and HDL (good cholestrol) levels in the blood and a massive decrease in triglycerides, LDL and serum leptin levels.
Numerous more studies have repeatedly showed that Garcinia Cambogia is safe. However, people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, pregnant women and lactating mothers are highly advised not to use it. People with diabetes and high cholesterol should consult their doctor taking it.
Other Clinical Studies
This study reported that 1.2grams/day of HCA produced weight loss. Participants were given “400-mg caplets of Garcinia cambogia 30-60 min prior to meals.”
This study concluded that “G cambogia may be useful for the prevention and reduction of accumulation of visceral fat.”
This study revealed Garcinia Cambogia may lower the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fat in blood). On the other hand, it may increase the good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) and the levels of serotonin.
Serotonin is very important because it helps fight depression and insomnia. A higher serotonin level also translates into reducing stress eating, which is one of the major causes for accumulating fat and for weight gain.
What are the possible side effects?
A majority of reviews will not mention that there are possible side effects. 100% natural garcinia cambogia has been clinically proven to be safe.
With that said, some customers have reported some mild side effects including: digestive tract discomfort, mild nausea and mild headaches. This is a very small section on the customer. If you suffer from any medical condition that requires treatment, it’s best to seek for medical advice prior to taking. Your doctor will most probably approve your intention, but it’s good to have a preliminary discussion with him anyway, just for your peace of mind.
Safety and how to avoid being scammed
Safety is of great concern, make sure 4 points as below:
- A- do NOT take while pregnant. In fact don’t take ANYTHING while your pregnant unless PRESCRIBED by a doctor.
- B- do NOT take while breast feeding, no studies have been done on this supplement and transfer through breast milk. There are a number of medications you can take while breast feeding, but anything that alters a process in your body, I would not suggest taking.
- C- do NOT Take if you have prior heart, liver or kidney issues.
- D- when in doubt, ask a physician, they are the only ones that can TRULY help you…not some strangers on the Internet…
Since the episode on Dr. Oz show, there are many brands selling the supplement that come up daily. Most of them are selling an inferior products which might also harm your health.
Dr. Oz came up with a checklist to help you avoid being scammed during purchase.
Before purchasing ensure the product:
- Is 100% natural garcinia cambogia fruit extract
- Has no artificial ingredients, fillers and/or binders
- Clearly states it has the recommended 60% HCA
- Contains calcium and potassium to boost metabolism
- Has high quality and potency ensured during the extraction process
- Is clinically proven
- Is made in the USA
- Has a 100% Money back guarantee
Final verdict
Even with all the positive reviews online, one still wonder whether this is for them. Garcinia cambogia is safe and it works. Why?
Firstly, Because it is highly recommended by Dr. Oz. Think about it for a minute. If the claims false, what effect would it have on his reputation and credibility.
Secondly, the large number of great reviews that normal people have posted online. Living proof that Garcinia cambogia supplement no only works but, it works great!
