Garcinia Cambogia is one of the highly successful weight loss supplements available in the market today. For many years, it is being widely used for various culinary needs in India, Africa, and South East Asia. This proves that it is completely safe for human consumption. The extract is made up of hydrotoxic citric acid (HCA) natural chemical that is taken out from the rind of the cambogia fruit. This particular chemical present in it helps in the fat burning procedure. It is indicated that when consumed in proper composition, it can help in weight reduction by up to 3 times the normal rate.
The HCA content has so far been safe when consumed in normal quantity. It helps in mood enhancement due to the fact that it allows the brain to produce an increased amount of serotonin. Serotonin is basically a neurotransmitter present in the human brain that helps in making one feel good. It is widely used as antidepressant medications throughout the world. It has been reported frequently that apart from a faster weight loss, people are also experiencing a better mood and quality of life hence. They are developing a positive attitude towards their life.
This positive thinking is majorly the result of an increased serotonin level that is created by the HCA chemical. A person possessing a low serotonin level is prone to feelings like anxiousness or depression. Depression can lead one to engage in over eating. On consuming the Garcinia Cambogia extract, it has been noticed that the serotonin level increases thereby enhancing one’s mood. Hence, this supplement is safe for human usage.
Safety of Garcinia Cambogia
However, one who is pregnant or is breastfeeding her baby should not consume it. Also, patients having diabetes and hence on insulin or glyburide should consult a doctor before consuming this weight loss supplement, as it can lead to an abrupt reduction in the blood sugar level, lower than the normal one. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s or any other kind of dementia should never consume HCA as that can worsen the condition. People who take the cholesterol reduction drug named statin must use it with utmost precaution as it might have some negative effects like muscle degradation or rhabdomyolysis.
So far various clinical studies confirm that till date no major side effects have been observed excepting some minor issues like gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, headache, common cold, and skin rash. Also, it is still not known whether these problems occurred solely due to the consumption of HCA. Those with existing digestive problem should not take it.
Although it works as a suppressant for appetite but it does not cause a total loss of appetite. It is probably safe for most consumers when taken for 12 weeks or less. Its long term safety is not known yet. Most of the studies that have been carried out on humans were done with small samples and for a shorter period. There is thus quite a little evidence for backing up the actual effectiveness of the supplement in the long term.