Buying guide for Best garcinia cambogia supplements
Garcinia cambogia, also known as Garcinia gummi-gutta, brindle berry, and a host of other names, is a popular tropical fruit similar in appearance to a small, green pumpkin. Native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Africa, the fast-growing tree thrives in humid environments. An extract rendered from the rind of the fruit flavors curries, stews, and sauces as well as serving as an integral ingredient in food preservation.
The fruit rind contains a chemical compound known as hydroxycitric acid (HCA) prized as both a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of intestinal problems and for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect experienced by persons who have rheumatoid arthritis. Recent medical studies also validate hydroxycitric acid's effectiveness at reducing appetite and lowering high cholesterol.
Key considerations
Plant description
A member of the plant family, garcinia cambogia is one of several related species from the plant family Clusiaceae. The fruit presents thin skin and deep vertical lobes. The mature and ripe fruit is yellow-green, sometimes with a reddish tint. When the fruit is harvested and dried, the rinds are dark brown or a blackish orange color.
Medicinal benefits
Studies indicate garcinia cambogia makes it easier for the body to utilize available glucose, which your body requires for energy. Some people who take it daily report a renewed sense of energy. Persons with high triglycerides may also benefit from taking garcinia cambogia, as it is thought to help lower triglycerides.
Traditional natural healing practitioners recommend garcinia cambogia for treating edema, ulcers, dysentery, intestinal parasites, diarrhea, fever, irregular menstruation, and hemorrhoids.
Weight loss
Garcinia cambogia owes its current fame to studies suggesting that the rind extract, taken as a dietary supplement, can “jump start” your diet and speed up weight loss. The HCA in garcinia cambogia may inhibit an enzyme called citrate lyase that helps the body store fat. Research studies further suggest that HCA prevents serotonin reuptake in the brain, an effect similar to that of SSRIs (well-known antidepressants). This antidepressant effect may be responsible for an increase in activity that, in turn, contributes to weight loss.
A research study conducted in Japan explored the effects of garcinia cambogia extract on visceral fat that accumulates around the abdominal cavity and internal organs. Of the 44 participants in the 12-week study, all had significantly reduced subcutaneous and subcutaneous fat loss with no significant side effects reported.
Containing high levels of HCA, garcinia cambogia is believed to stop fat production while decreasing appetite. Garcinia cambogia thwarts the body’s ability to make fat, slams the brakes on appetite, and provides a satisfying sense of fullness.
Studies on the effectiveness of garcinia cambogia are inconclusive when it comes to losing weight, and a placebo effect may have influenced the impressive weight loss results participants in the studies achieved. However, overwhelming anecdotal reviews proclaim that it works.
Cautions and concerns
In medical research studies, mice fed garcinia cambogia maintained lower levels of insulin than mice that did not ingest garcinia cambogia. This is but one more reason, in addition to helping with weight loss, that people with diabetes are interested in the extract of the sour tropical fruit. However, it is important to keep in mind that garcinia cambogia may interfere with prescription medications, including those used to treat persons with clotting disorders, asthma, and diabetes. If you are taking prescription drugs to control your blood sugar and also taking a garcinia cambogia supplement, your glucose levels could plummet to a dangerously low level.
In people with sensitivities, hydroxycitric acid may cause nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, and dry mouth. Many health care professionals advise that taking garcinia cambogia for short periods (90 days or less) is safe. However, it is wise to talk to your physician before adding garcinia cambogia or any other dietary supplement or over-the-counter weight loss medication to your health and wellness regimen. Share with your health care provider a full picture of any integrative or natural health approaches you use to manage your health. This will help ensure that your medications and supplements are coordinated and safe for you to use together.
Did you know?
Garcinia cambogia seeds contain up to 30% fat and are commonly used as a substitute for clarified butter, a common ingredient in Indian food.
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Formula
Garcinia cambogia is available in tea, tablet, tincture, capsule, extract, powder, essential oil, and lotion form. You will find garcinia cambogia for sale as a pure product, and you will also find it mixed with other weight loss or pain relief formulas. HCA concentration varies by product, with the highest-quality products providing 95% pure HCA.
Dosage
Most packages advise you to take 500mg capsules three times a day, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal. However, you should always consult the directions for your particular product before taking it.
Fun flavors
If you’re looking for garcinia cambogia with a fun flavor twist, consider the supplement in powdered form. Powdered garcinia cambodia can be added to any liquid; some people enjoy it in a smoothie. The powder is available in a diverse array of flavors including strawberry, blueberry, grape, and tropical fruit punch.
Garcinia cambogia supplement prices
Budget-friendly garcinia cambogia supplements sell for $9 to $12 for a 30-day supply. Look for bottles with 90 tablets of 500 mg apiece. This breaks down to $0.78 to $0.99 per serving.
In the medium price range, 95% pure garcinia cambogia powders sell for $1 to $1.33 per individually wrapped serving. Bulk powders of the same purity sell for $.89 to $1.50 per serving. Tablets and capsules in this price range sell for $13.25 to $18 for a 30-day supply.
In the highest price range, consumers can expect to pay from $1.75 to $3.25 per serving. These supplements are thought to be highly pure and natural. If you’re concerned about supplement purity, it may be in your best interest to shop in this price tier. Tablets and capsules sell for $19.99 to $35.89 for a 30-day supply of 95% pure HCA.
Tips
Consider tablets if you’re looking to lose weight. Consumers who take garcinia cambogia as a dietary supplement to promote weight loss tend to find tablets to be the most convenient delivery form. You know the exact dosage, the product has a long shelf life, and it’s easy to carry in a briefcase or purse or stash in a desk at the office.
Pay attention to the HCA percentage. Garcinia cambogia fruit contains approximately 30% HCA. The highest-quality garcinia cambogia supplements contain 60% HCA. However, some brands may actually have as little as 20% HCA. Always read the label.
Watch out for preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers. When selecting garcinia cambogia, you may prefer an organic product that is free of preservatives, gluten, artificial flavors, and artificial color.
- Stay hydrated. When taking garcinia cambogia, remember to drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration encourages weight loss.
FAQ
Q. I take blood-thinning drugs. It is safe for me to use garcinia cambogia?
A. Garcinia cambogia may interfere with prescription antidepressants, statins, warfarin (Coumadin), and montelukast (Singulair). Be sure to talk to your doctor before discontinuing any medication or before adding garcinia cambogia as a nutritional supplement.
Q. Are all garcinia cambogia tablets and capsules the same?
A. No. The product may be from an organic source, or it may have fillers or added weight loss ingredients. Read the label of any product you are considering. The typical recommended daily dosage is 1,500 mg, taken as 500 mg three times a day. When comparing prices, look at the cost of the daily dosage. Healthcare providers suggest it is best to avoid supplements with added caffeine or other stimulants when taking garcinia cambogia.
Q. Is it OK to take garcinia cambogia if I think I might be pregnant?
A. Garcinia cambogia is not tested or approved by the FDA. Therefore, it is uncertain if it is safe to use while trying to become pregnant, pregnant, or while breastfeeding. It is best to discontinue the use of garcinia cambogia or other nutritional supplements during these times unless prescribed by your doctor.
