Menu

Q&A: Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe And Does It Really Work?

garcg

Q: Is Garcinia cambogia safe and does it really work? – Anonymous

A: Garcinia cambogia extract is found in the rind of the tamarind, a tropical fruit. This is a diet supplement that most users on average lose 4lbs a month. The HCA (hydroxycitric acid) extract from garcinia cambogia aid in weight loss by doing two things : It helps to block fat from being formed in the body and it suppresses your appetite.

Featured on BlackDoctor

HCA blocks fat by shutting off an enzyme that the body needs to make fat from carbohydrates, citrate lyase. Carbohydrates and/or sugars that are not used immediately or stored in other forms are converted into fats. When HCA shuts off the function of citrate lyase, the fat-making process is halted and the production of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides decrease.

HCA suppresses appetite by increasing serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you feel good. Low levels of serotonin may make you feel depressed or anxious and it drives many people into emotional or reactive eating. By increasing serotonin levels, HCA improves mood and suppresses the drive to react to stressful situations with food. As you eat less, your body senses this and it releases stored fat in your fat cells.

When looking for garcinia cambogia extract, look for GCE or the full title. Make certain there are no fillers or artificial ingredients. HCA should be at least 50% and potassium as an active ingredient should be on the label as well. The most you should take is 3000mg per day. It is best when taken on an empty stomach with water. In addition to using this supplement, a healthy diet and regular exercise will allow you to lose triple the amount of usual weight per month.

Long-term safety is unknown, but garcinia is potentially safe for most people when used less than 12 weeks.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Alternative Medicine center for more.

Dr. Renee WHITE COAT HS Frame head only

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.

SHARE
Related Stories
Answer the question below

Gout Survey

People with gout often have sudden, painful flares of joint swelling and redness. How many gout flares have you experienced in the last 12 months?
Have you ever received intravenous medicine for your gout?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

More from BlackDoctor

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >