Wellness Wire: What Is Garcinia Cambogia?

One of Dr. Oz’s latest features has been on the so-called “miracle weight-loss pill” Garcinia Cambogia. With so many fad diets claiming to cause “miracle” results, it’s hard to believe that now researchers aren’t crying wolf anymore. But, Dr. Oz usually does a pretty accurate job of setting the record straight. So, how exactly does Garcinia Cambogia work?

This small fruit is native to western cultures and typically included in dishes like curry and chutney. According to Dr. Oz, this fruit may make meals more filling. The natural ingredients, called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), can potentially double or triple results of normal weight loss efforts. This is because it helps to block carbohydrates from storing into fat, and also works to suppress appetite by increasing serotonin levels.

Increased serotonin levels, according to a blog on Dr. Oz’s website, can prevent emotional eating because the higher serotonin levels, the more elevated one’s mood is. Not only does Garcinia Cambogia help block fat storage, it helps decrease stubborn belly fat by acting specifically on the fat cells in men and women.  It stops the formation of new fat cells in the body by not allowing fat to pass through. Garcinia Cambogia also contains flavonoids that promote overall health.

Research has also proven that Garcinia Cambogia is truly effective through promising studies. One placebo-controlled study in particular tracked 6 obese persons for eight weeks. On top of restricted diet, exercise and taking 1320 mg/day, the experimental group taking the Garcinia Cambogia lost 14 pounds, on average, compared to six pounds in the placebo group.

Because this fruit has been used for hundreds of years, it is safe to take, but in a controlled amount. This drug can be purchased at health food stores, and is considered safe for everyone unless pregnant or breastfeeding. Because it is natural, some may develop an allergy to the supplement, in which case, they should stop taking it.

Though the Dr. Oz show features this product, they do claim that a regular exercise regimen and healthy diet is the most effective for maintaining health.

What do you think of Garcinia Cambogia and other weight loss pills?

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