Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is a small pumpkin-like fruit from an evergreen tree native to southeast Asia and India. The rind of this fruit is rich in hydroxy citric acid (HCA) which has been associated with promoting weight loss, suppressing appetite, and increasing energy levels.

Alternate names for Garcinia Cambogia include: Garcinia kola, bitter kola, Malabar tamarind, and Guttiferae. As well a couple of products standardized for HCA are labeled under the brand names Citrimax and Citrin.

Garcinia Cambogia & Weight Loss

The active chemical in the rind of garcinia cambogia which is believed to promote weight loss is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The claim is high doses of HCA, between 250 and 300mg taken before meals may inhibit the body's ability to convert sugary and starchy foods into fat. In other words HCA in high enough concentrations may inhibit the enzyme citrate lyase, which is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. Secondly high doses of HCA have been associated with appetite suppression and reduced calorie intake.

Two studies have demonstrated the benefits of HCA, one study conducted in 1996 and another in 2000 showed those participants supplementing with HCA lost more weight over those who took a placebo. However, the claim that HCA promotes weight loss isn't without controversy. A 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association failed to show HCA supplementation has any positive weight loss effects. Those critical of this study however point out the low-carb, high-fiber diet the participants were on inhibited the absorption of HCA and therefore its weight loss properties were diminished.

Some researches suggest the benefits of HCA may best be realized after dieters have lost some weight and no longer follow a carbohydrate restricted diet. In such cases HCA may help prevent weight re-gain because of its ability to inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat.

Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe?

The typical dosage of garcinia cambogia is 500mg (standardized for 50% HCA) taken one hour before meals, three times per day. There is little evidence that shows high doses of garcinia cambogia cause significant side effects, perhaps the only side effect may be minor gastrointestinal distress. Garcinia cambogia should be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Diet Pills Containing Garcinia Cambogia

Diet Pill Ingredients

Caffeine - Powerful metabolic stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Calcium - May play a key role in fat storage and breakdown.
Chromium - May help to maintain blood sugar levels & suppress appetite.
Garcinia Cambogia - Rich in hydroxycitric acid, a natural carbohydrate inhibitor.
Green Tea - Packed full of potent anti-oxidants for optimum health.
Guarana - Potent source of caffeine and natural stimulant.
Hoodia Gordonii - The slimming cactus.
L-Tyrosine - Mood enhancing & metabolism boosting amino acid.
L-Carnitine - Essential for increased fat oxidation.
Niacin - Vitamin B3, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Scutellaria Root - Drought hardy perennial native to southwest China.
Thiamin - Vitamin B1, the "brain energizer" vitamin.
White Willow Bark - Traditional pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Yerba Mate - A medium sized evergreen plant native to South America.