Losing weight is tough! Keeping it off is even tougher. Many of us have some initial great results but struggle to keep the momentum going. Whether it’s lack of time, tiredness or struggling with cravings, we all struggle to keep on track.
This leads a lot of us to consider weight loss supplements. Something to make things easier, and improve our results. We deserve to look and feel great! So anything that helps us do that (safely) is worth a shot.
Enter garcinia cambogia, a popular weight loss product you have likely seen advertised or has been recommended to you.
But does it live up to the hype?
And more importantly, is garcinia cambogia safe?
What is garcinia cambogia extract?
The Garcinia cambogia, also known as garcinia gummi-gutta, is a fruit native to India and Southeast Asia, where it is often used in cooking and as a food preservative. It is very sour, so it is not pleasant to eat on its own.
Garcinia cambogia comes from the fruit peel, which is turned into and sold as a powder, a pill, a drink or as an ingredient in teas. Prices vary widely, but 60 tables usually cost $10-15.
Does garcinia cambogia fruit aid weight loss?
The rind of the garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid, which has been shown in clinical studies to help with weight loss due to its effects on our appetite. Researchers aren’t entirely sure about the mechanism by which garcinia cambogia helps with weight loss.
The most likely explanation is that the hydroxycitric acid simultaneously blocks the enzyme citrate lyase (used to make fat) and increases serotonin levels, reducing our appetite.
However, these studies have found that effects are fairly minimal, and more trials would be required to determine its effectiveness fully.
There is also varying quality within the products on the market, with many supplements containing as little as 20% of the extract. This is unlikely to be enough to produce the desired results.
Is garcinia cambogia safe?
The same study review found that garcinia cambogia use was twice as likely to cause digestive problems when compared with people taking a placebo.
Other reported Garcinia Cambogia side effects to include:
- Skin rashes
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- A dry mouth
Worryingly, some people using garcinia cambogia have developed severe liver problems, which led the FDA to publish a warning in 2017 telling everyone to stop using garcinia cambogia supplements. It is still considered unsafe by the FDA.
Alongside the side effects, the FDA warns that it can interfere with prescription drugs, including:
- Pain medication
- Nausea
- Insulin for diabetics
- Drugs prescribed for those with mental health issues
So we think that answers the question on whether garcinia cambogia fruit is safe!
Sure, some people using it may only experience very mild side effects, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t doing long0term damage. For the possibility of losing an extra pound or two, it really isn’t worth the risk.
What are the alternatives to Garcinia cambogia?
So we’ve persuaded you to avoid garcinia cambogia extracts, but what are the alternatives? We all need a little helping hand to drop body fat!
Fortunately, some safe, FDA-approved ingredients can help speed up your metabolism, burn fat and increase satiety (make you feel full).
Capsimax powder
Capsimax is extracted from chilies and has been shown to support your diet plan without causing digestive issues which are common in many plant-based extracts. It can increase your thermogenic abilities and support our natural fat-burning production.
Chromium picolinate
Chromium picolinate is a mineral supplement used for weight loss and to aid the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. It has been found to reduce cravings for sugary and high-carb foods.
Caffeine
You will definitely have heard of caffeine's ability to support weight loss, and you have likely experienced its energy-boosting effects. Caffeine improves focus, and reaction time increases energy speeds thermogenesis and helps you turn stored fat into fuel.
Nopal cactus
Nopal cactus or cactus fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, and studies have shown that it can reduce fat accumulation by flushing the fat through our digestive system.
L-Carnitine fumarate
We can get L-carnitine through our diet by eating red meat, nuts, and green vegetables, however, taking additional L-carnitine in a supplement can be helpful. It helps us convert our fat stores into energy, helping us lose weight and reducing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
PhenQ - an alternative to taking garcinia cambogia supplement
So does that mean you have to buy separate supplements for nopal cactus, caffeine, capsimax, chromium picolinate and L-carnitine to help drop body weight?
Nope!
Thankfully there is an awesome product that contains all five of these fat-burning products. PhenQ is a natural weight loss aid that targets five key areas of metabolic health to help shed excess fat, crush cravings, and support natural energy.
All of these ingredients are completely safe on their own and in combination with one another. PhenQ has helped over 190,000 people to burn body fat and reach their ideal body goals. We know you are working so hard to achieve your dream body; let us give you a helping hand so that you can LOVE what you see in the mirror.
