Have you strolled through your local pharmacy lately? Well, if you have and managed to walk past the weight loss supplement section then chances are you’ve seen a couple of bottles that have Garcinia Cambogia written on the label. Garcinia Cambogia is a fruit that is native of Southeast Asia. It has been used as an ingredient for several exotic cuisines but has also shown potential when it comes to assisting in weight loss. The fruit is known to contain several compounds like garcinol, xanthones, and hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The one that caught pharmaceutical companies’ eyes is HCA, which has been scientifically proven to stop the production of enzymes connected with fatty acid synthesis.
Hydroxycitric Acid and Weight Loss
Acting as an appetite suppressant is one of the main uses of Garcinia Cambogia in its native country. Back in the day, it was often eaten by travelers in order to ration their food supply. This is where the idea of it being an ideal weight loss supplement came from.
Studies have been conducted concerning the positive effects of HCA on the body and results have been quite promising to say the least. Studies made shown that HCA can affect the appetite of an individual which in itself can help assist those who have difficulty losing weight. But that is not where HCA’s benefits end. Studies have also shown that HCA can help improve cholesterol levels. While this might be enough proof for some, we do have to point out that these tests were conducted using only a few participants and within a short period of time. The exact effects of taking HCA on a prolonged duration have yet to be determined.
Xanthones Benefits
This is another compound that is found in the fruit Garcinia Cambogia. Taking a closer look at xanthones, medical experts discovered that this compound is made up of plant-based polyphenols. With this discovery, experts theorize that xanthones may have anti-cancer properties. Xanthones are seen to promote natural cell death and block cancer cells from spreading. They also have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Research is still ongoing in terms of Garcinia Cambogia as a cancer preventive food.
Garcinol Benefits
Garcinia Cambogia has also been used to treat inflammation. This is thanks to the compound garcinol which is found within Garcinia Cambogia. Not only is garcinol a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, it also shows signs of being high in antioxidants and contains antibacterial properties as well. In fact, several topical ointments contain garcinol. However, as with xanthones, there is still much research needed to be conducted before determining the exact efficiency of garcinol.
Garcinia Cambogia Supplements
As stated earlier, you may have seen several weight loss supplements at your local pharmacy that use Garcinia Cambogia as their base active ingredient. While Garcinia Cambogia has been proven to be relatively safe for intake, it is best to be cautious with new supplements. Always consult with your health professional first before using new forms of medication or supplements no matter how “safe” they are being promoted. This is especially true for individuals who have a current health conditions and are taking prescription medications.
