Description
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a citric acid byproduct, is the main active ingredient in Garcinia cambogia extract.
HCA blocks fat by inhibiting the efforts of citrate lyase, an important metabolic enzyme.
This is one of the reasons that Garcinia is so successful as a weight loss supplement.
Under normal conditions, citrate lyase converts excess sugars and carbohydrates into fatty acids, cholesterol and triglycerides.
What the body cannot use for energy, the body stores as fat.
Most people store this fat in the waist, hips, thighs and buttocks.
By interrupting the metabolic process, hydroxycitric acid slows the conversion of carbohydrates into fats.
It halts fat storage.
This is one of the chief benefits of Garcinia cambogia extract.
Garcinia Cambogia is an Appetite Suppressant
A second important aspect of hydroxycitric acid is its ability to suppress the appetite.
It does this in a couple of ways, by increasing serotonin levels in the body.
Serotonin is an important brain chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter.
It is responsible for a number of regulatory processes that affect appetite and mood.
Elevated levels of serotonin promote weight loss by curbing the appetite and sugar cravings.
This hunger-suppressing quality is another important way that Garcinia cambogia supports weight loss.
Raised serotonin levels also improve mood, and many antidepressants mimic the effects of serotonin.
As depression lifts and anxiety fades, people are less likely to turn to food as a coping mechanism.
This makes Garcinia cambogia particularly helpful for emotional eaters.
Garcinia Cambogia Boosts Metabolism
One of the greatest benefits of Garcinia cambogia is the ability create a more efficient metabolism.
The metabolic process is actually a sequence of chemical reactions that keep the body in a constant state of imbalance.
HCA helps to balance these reactions and make the process more efficient.
As a result, the body uses more energy than it takes in. This causes it to tap the fat stores for fuel.
Garcinia cambogia reduces fat and keeps excess weight down.
Garcinia Cambogia Lowers Blood Cholesterol
As HCA stops the citrate lyase enzyme from transforming sugars into fats, it block fat production and storage.
At the same time, it reduces the amount of lipids in the blood stream.
It lowers production of bad cholesterol and increases the production of good cholesterol.
In addition to keeping cholesterol in check, Garcinia cambogia also lowers blood pressure.
Both cholesterol and blood pressure impact mood, heart, health and quality of life.
Garcinia Cambogia Improves Immune Function
Finally, Garcinia cambogia improves immune system functioning.
Studies indicate that the supplement can improve the body’s response to infections, illness and disease.
This is mainly due to the high concentration of vitamin C in Garcinia cambogia fruit.
The herbal supplement may also shorten the duration of sickness like the flu and common cold.