Garcinia Cambogia Supplement: Is It Worth All The Hype?

Hi Lori,

Have you ever heard anything about the fat buster, that supposedly Dr. Oz is recommending called Garcinia Cambogia?

Sincerely,

Seeking 'weight loss' Solutions

Hello Seeking,

Garcinia Cambogia is a plant.  It is also known as the Malabar tamarind.  It grows in India, Myanmar and Indonesia.

Hydroxycitric acid is one component of the fruit and is similar to citric acids from other fruits.  HCA is extracted from the tamarind rind and used to make the supplement known as Garcinia Cambogia.

This supplement, in my opinion, is a product of effective marketing.  The hype is that it is a fat busting, appetite suppressing miracle.  My thoughts: “not so much”.  There is some evidence that it may help block the conversion of sugar and starch into fats and it may increase serotonin levels in the brain, suppressing the appetite, but quite frankly, so does a healthy diet and lifestyle.

I usually am not a fan of extracting components of fruits and veggies.  Fruits and vegetables usually work very well in synergy with all of their naturally occurring compounds.

The body is designed to work perfectly if given the proper diet and lifestyle without exposure to toxins.  A diet heavily weighted in raw organic produce will provide the nutrients your body needs.  The problem with too much fat and an excessive appetite is that people are choosing the wrong foods and are not exercising enough. 

Excessive appetite is usually either a need for nutrients, or a habit of overeating.

Serotonin is produced naturally when you eat healthy, exercise, relax and sleep properly.  Also, it is important to note that processed foods, GM foods, pesticide and herbicide (non-organic) foods all interfere with the healthy natural processes of the body.

It really is that simple.  A quick fix usually turns out to be an expensive disappointment. 

Some Garcinia supplements have added sugars, caffeine and artificial binders or fillers.  Most of them will at least be adding chromium, potassium and calcium which you may think are good for you because they are necessary minerals.  However, minerals are only good for you when they go through a plant.  Plants effectively extract minerals from the soil and transform them into the organic form that our body utilizes properly. 

Also, though some studies have shown some minor results in favor of this ‘fat burning, appetite suppressing’ supplement, others have shown the opposite. 

Remember science is a tricky little thing.  While it has its place, always keep in mind the researcher can manipulate studies to their benefit.

So, the question is, what do I think of Garcinia Cambogia….sorry but, not much.

Best of luck and health,

-Lori