What is Garcinia? Does it actually help in weight loss

Losing weight and staying in shape is a universal desire, but are you someone who has literally tried everything to stay active and agile? Then here’s a simple tropical fruit, which is an age-old secret to weight loss and is also cultivated in the southern region of India along the Western Ghats. However, this one fruit and its extracts have been used extensively in weight loss supplements. Here’s all you need to know about this fruit.

Garcinia cambogia is also known as Malabar tamarind, which is basically a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, India, and some regions of Africa. This fruit has been an age-old secret for better weight management by accelerating the metabolic rate. In fact, this simple fruit and its extracts have been used globally in creating weight loss supplements and medications. But here’s what happens when you consume this fruit?

The rind of Garcinia Cambogia fruit gained popularity for its potent active compound, like hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that helps in weight loss and it is believed that it can control appetite, block the body's ability to produce fat and lead to faster metabolism.

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the active compound that primarily helps with better insulin management and reduces fat accumulation and may also help in better insulin management. Here are a few more reasons of consuming Garcinia, which may help in better weight loss:

As per some studies it has been found that consuming extracts of Garcinia may help in suppressing appetite and hunger. In fact, studies observed that the presence of HCA may increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can potentially lead to reduced appetite and cravings and result in less calorie intake.

The presence of Hydroxycitric acid is believed to block

an enzyme called Citrate Lyase, which is known for converting carbohydrates into fat by inhibiting this enzyme, which further helps in reducing fat production and this way the body uses up the stored fat.

While it may sound like a miracle potion for weight management, there's a lot more research needed to establish its efficacy in weight loss. However, as per The Food and Drug Administration, it is believed unsafe to consume in excess.

In 2017, the FDA warned everyone to stop using a weight-loss product that contained garcinia cambogia because some people consuming it reported severe stomach discomfort and serious liver issues.

Note: It is best to consult a doctor before introducing this rare fruit and its extract to the daily diet as it may pose certain side effects.