People find it tough to lead a healthy lifestyle due to the hectic routine. Hence, we can see an increase in obesity due to unhealthy food choices and reduced physical activity. To overcome this problem people are constantly looking out for solutions to lose weight while continuing their busy life, and one such solution is Garcinia Cambogia. This has lived up to expectations and regular usage has yielded results for many. Garcinia Cambogia is a tropical fruit that is not only useful for weight loss but also offers many other health benefits.
An Insight of Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia is part of the Guttiferae family and is one of the 200 species. It is native to Southeast Asia but can also be found in some parts of Africa also. It is called by various names like Malabar tamarind, gummi-gutta, brindle berry, etc. It looks like a smaller version of pumpkin and is light green in color initially and turns to pale-yellow when it ripens. The fruit has gained popularity due to its weight loss properties but is not consumed raw as it tastes acidic. Supplements are made out of the parts of the fruit and then consumed to get its benefits. Apart from the health benefits, the fruit can be used for various purposes. The plant rind is used to polish gold and silverware, the resin is used in watercolors as a pigment and the gum is used as a polish.
Components of Garcinia Cambogia
- The main component of this fruit is the HCA or hydroxy-citric acid and its lactone. The presence of these substances is what makes it potent in weight loss and also the removal of fat. HCA is similar to the citric acid found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons but has a different chemical composition.
- The fruit also contains benzophenones and xanthones, while the other parts contain flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds.
- It has many acids like threonine, proline, ornithine, arginine, glutamine, etc.
How does it work?
Garcinia Cambogia is a fruit that has gained popularity due to its weight loss properties. It also aids in lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and also prevents obesity. The fruit aids in boosting immunity and also prevents inflammation. All these benefits are because of the composition of the fruit.
- The HCA prevents fat accumulation and lowers fat by reducing the fatty acid levels, blocking fat enzymes that aid in producing fat. It also reduces the protein activity that increases the fat-producing enzymes. Increases the level of fat-burning enzymes, lipoprotein lipase and reduces the production of fatty acids in the liver.
- It blocks the citrate lyase production which results in the body producing more glycogen in the liver. That results in feeling full and reducing the urge to eat more.
- It increases serotonin levels and hence reduces the feeling of hunger.
Weight Loss Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia
Traditionally, this fruit has been used for centuries in many South-east Asian countries in meals to make it more healthy and filling. There are many studies conducted on this fruit which proves that it can aid in burning fat and reducing weight. If you wonder if there are side effects, well, there is no need to worry. This is because Garcinia Cambogia is a natural extract, which is easily digestible with very little side effects. Apart from weight loss, it offers many other health benefits which are the reason for its popularity. It is regarded as the ultimate fruit for the following reasons.
Weight loss
It is one of the most popular benefits of Garcinia Cambogia. The body has certain enzymes that promote weight gain, slow metabolism and store food calories as fat. To prevent the storage of fat, these enzymes need to be inhibited. The Garcinia Cambogia has HCA does this, the acid converts the fat into glycogen instead of storing it. This glycogen can then be used in building muscles and resulting in weight loss. The supplements and the fruit are both useful in weight loss.
Curbs food cravings
One of the major problems for people who are on a weight loss program is to curb food cravings. By including this fruit in the diet, you will experience a feeling of fullness for a longer duration and suppresses appetite. The fruit extracts help in killing the temptation and giving up unhealthy food becomes easy.
Boost energy
Boosting energy without consuming a lot of calories is possible due to this fruit. The supplements of Garcinia Cambogia can aid in keeping you active throughout the day. The HCA present in the fruit prevents the formation of new fat cells but instead burns the fat cells already present. Consuming this supplement makes you feel full for a longer time. It burns old fat cells and increases energy levels. But one thing to consider is that the product you are using has enough HCA in it to become useful.
Removes bad cholesterol
Studies conducted on this fruit show that there is a significant reduction in the levels of bad cholesterol when it is included as part of the diet. It also aids in increasing the good cholesterol levels (HDL) which travel through the blood and removes extra bad cholesterol. The increase in HDL reduces the chances of a heart attack.
Reduces fatigue
There are a few enzymes that reduce the metabolism making you feel fatigued. Regular consumption of this fruit can get rid of this chronic fatigue as the HCA increases the stamina and also boosts the metabolism.
Improves mood
The major cause for stress is the increase in levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone. The HCA in Garcinia Cambogia reduces the levels of this hormone and also decreases the oxidative stress. The organic compounds present in the fruit aids in releasing the happy hormones in the body and contributes to a better mood.
Finding fresh Garcinia Cambogia is difficult but the extracts are easily available. When you purchase extracts, ensure that it contains at least 50% HCA to get all the benefits of the supplements.