Does Garcinia Cambogia Really Work? A Detailed Review
Dieting is never fun. Most of the time, you are hungry and craving all the foods that you shouldn’t have. Worst of all, when you go back to normal eating, your fat comes back and brings some buddies along as well.
That is why a lot of people are looking for that magic weight loss bullet and, for some, Garcinia Cambogia extract fits the bill. Even globally known TV doctors have gone on about its benefits as a weight loss supplement, lauding it as the breakthrough of the century when it comes to weight loss and saying that it worked like magic.
I have not yet met a supplement that I am not willing to take a chance on. I have used a number of the different “wonder” supplements out there, after all, if there is a magic pill for weight loss out there, I want to know about it. I have experimented with countless supplements and, of those, no more than a handful have made it into my day to day life.
Considering all the hype surrounding Garcinia Cambogia, I decided to see whether there really was anything behind it scientifically.
What Is It?
It is nothing more than a plant. The fruit resembles a small, green pumpkin and it makes its way into a number of Asian dishes due to the flavor which is sour. What makes it unique is the high levels of Hydroxycitric Acid found within the skin of the fruit. It is this natural substance that is what promotes weight loss.
Is It Any Good?
As you know, I am never convinced by just anecdotal evidence alone. I have found a number of studies based around Garcinia Cambogia where both humans and animals were tested.
When it comes to rodents, it has been found that it interferes with Citrate Lyase, an enzyme that is necessary to produce fat. This made it harder for the rat’s body to convert carbs into fat. In other rodent trials, increased serotonin levels were picked up. This ostensibly means that cravings and appetite could be reduced as a result.
A number of studies using rodents as test subjects did, in fact, back up the claim that Garcinia Cambogia can make it possible to lose significant amounts of weight.
Just take these studies with a pinch of salt though, human and rat physiology is quite different.
Now For the Human Trials
Fortunately, there are also a number of human trials that have been conducted. Each of these have adhered to the top standard when it comes to human trials.
The largest study took 135 people who were overweight and split them into different groups:
- Those getting the treatment: 3g of the extract delivering 1500 mg of Hydroxycitric Acid, divided into three doses, each taken about half an hour before eating.
- Those getting the placebo: They followed the same protocol but their “medication” was a placebo.
Each group followed the same diet; one high in fiber and restricted in calories. Both groups also went on a high-fiber, low calorie diet. The results were somewhat surprising.
Each of the groups did lose weight. Those taking the extract actually lost about a kilogram less than those taking the placebo did. Then they measured body fat. Again, the group taking the placebo outshone the other. In either event though, there is a possibility that the performance of the control group could be down to chance as the differences cannot be considered significant statistically.
In yet one more study, 89% of the participants were women with weight issues and the results showed that those taking the extract lost on average 1.3 kg more than those who didn’t. Neither group reported to being able to feel the appetite-suppressing benefits.
I looked at another four studies. Two did indeed show some weight loss and the others did not.
Considering the indecisive results and the lack of consistency, I find that I cannot recommend Garcinia Cambogia as the way to end obesity. At best, in terms of a review of several studies, you can expect some mild weight loss in the short term, but the long-term results are not that great.
It Seems Safe
Take note that in all these studies, it is only the average that is reported, not individual results. There are going to be some people who find that they lose weight when using this, even though it is not a good all-rounder.
On the plus side, it would appear that it is safe to use without any dangerous side effects, except for a little tummy upset.
If you’re going to try it, look for one that contains optimal amounts of Hydroxycitric Acid. You will usually need to consume 500mg, a half hour before eating each of your three main meals.
If you still wish to try it out, despite what has been said here, go through Amazon. You will find a range of products to try and also a number of reviews by users to guide you.
If Not Garcinia Cambogia, Then What?
The good news is that there are a number of supplements out there. The bad news is that very few of these do work, I have tried most, if not all, of them. The best you can hope for at this stage is a supplement that helps a little.
There really is no miracle supplement out there, the only way that you are going to change your body shape and size is through healthy eating and exercise.
What We Have Learned
Garcinia Cambogia is not a miracle cure, but rather there to help you along the way on your weight loss journey. It is important to find a product that will actually be effective.
Look for a product with optimal levels of HCA. After thorough investigating, we came across Garcinia Cambogia by Research Verified which seems to be a great option.
It contains ideal amounts of HCA - 95% - and is also manufactured according to industry safety and quality guidelines making it a safe and effective choice.
