Our modern lifestyle comes  with a mix of both good and bad effects. While the ease of
living would be a positive one, it has compromised our health. Obesity is a good example of this.
Millions of people are affected worldwide due to being over-weight and they are looking for various
options to bring their weight under control. One such option is to have a controlled and a proper diet
to bring down the weight. And Garcinia Cambogia fruit has been in the focus of many people to lose
weight naturally. Let us look into the details of it.

What is Garcinia Cambogia?
Garcinia Cambogia (the scientific name being Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a native fruit of India and
Southeast Asia which has the resemblance of a cross between tomato and pumpkin. Having a green or
yellowish colour, it is used in cooking for years, but not eaten in raw form as it has a sour taste. It is
also called Malabar tamarind in India.

The reason behind the loss in weight:
The skin of this fruit is said to possess a higher amount of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is the key
ingredient for weight loss. This HCA acts as an appetite suppressing compound, due to the increase in
the levels of serotonin in the brain. Moreover, it has been found that HCA blocks an enzyme called
citrate lyase, an important part in the biosynthesis of fatty acids. Overall, this leads to lower blood
triglycerides and cholesterol as fat production gets stopped. A study which was published in 2004
found a reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and increase excretion of fat metabolites in the
urine of people who were taken for study at the end of eight weeks.

Few points to be noted:
Despite studies being underway about the claims made, there have been reports that it might produce
some side effects such as Dizziness, Headaches, Stomach related problems like diarrhoea. Most
studies have found that dosage exceeding 2800 mg of HCA per day leads to shrinking of testicles and
liver damage as observed. And since most of the studies have been carried for an average of twelve
weeks, one must be patient to see the effects of Garcinia Cambogia supplements in action. As there
are so many recommendations on its usage, it is best to follow the instructions on the label along with
advice from the medical expert.

Taking the next step:

Some research also suggests that it enhances athletic ability although long term studies are essential to
support the claims. Garcinia Cambogia has been consumed for centuries and it is a safe fruit to eat but
clinical evidence of its effectiveness as a supplement remains mixed. It is always better to
consult with your doctor before you start using it. Nonetheless following a healthy
lifestyle is essential to maintain our body in a longer run.