What are the benefits of taking garcinia cambogia?

Garcinia cambogia, or Garcinia gummi-gutta, is a sour-tasting tropical fruit. It has recently gained recognition as a weight-loss supplement. In NZ, garcinia cambogia is widely available in capsules or as part of the ingredient mix in a number of diet products.

Facts about the fruit

• Garcinia cambogia is native to Indonesia. It can also be found in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and in some parts of Africa.

• The fruit is usually green or yellow in colour. It looks slightly similar to pumpkins.

• The fruit tastes sour. It can be made into a condiment.

• It has antioxidant and antifungal properties.

• The fruit contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that may help suppress the accumulation of fat in the body.

Health Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia

Here are some of the health benefits that we can get with this wonder fruit.

Reduces appetite. The fruit increases the level of serotonin in the body. This chemical helps curb cravings and appetite. It also regulates bowel movements of the body.

Improves mood. Serotonin affects our emotion. A higher serotonin level improves the mood of an individual. In addition, there are studies suggesting that serotonin can help with depression.

Blocks fat formation. The active ingredient HCA blocks the enzyme that the body uses to form fats. It also decreases the production of bad cholesterol.

Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The fruit can help decrease glucose or blood sugar levels of the body. However, this is not recommended for people who are already diabetic.

Who should avoid taking garcinia cambogia?

• People taking medication for diabetes, including insulin and metformin

• Those with liver problems

• People with kidney problems

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers

If you want to try this supplement but are currently in other forms of medication, ask your doctor first for approval. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea.

Keto Diet and Garcinia Cambogia

When a person is on ketosis, the body uses fat as a fuel or energy source instead of carbohydrates. As a result, the individual is able to burn more fat and lose more weight in the process.

Meanwhile, garcinia cambogia helps block fat formation in the body. Instead, the body now uses the fat as additional fuel.

When you combine the ketogenic diet with the intake of this supplement, the weight-loss effect is assumed to be more effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Garcinia Cambogia

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid as its main component. 

It can help lower blood sugar level in the body. It also suppresses appetite and improves body metabolism. Thus, apple cider vinegar is considered to be an effective tool for weight loss. 

Many believe that combining apple cider vinegar with this fruit will improve weight loss results. However, this assumption has no clinical basis yet.

Good to Know

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit not common in New Zealand. To date, there are only a few clinical studies about its effectiveness in losing weight.

You can purchase garcinia cambogia in capsules, powders, and liquid forms from the Balmoral Pharmacy in Auckland, NZ. Keep in mind that this will work best along with proper diet and exercise.