Garcinia Cambogia 

FRUIT FIGHTS THE FAT

Appetite curbing drugs can be dangerous.  But HCA (Hydroxycitric Acid), a natural appetite suppressant found in a tropical fruit , is working wonders  in the weight loss war.  Jan Pleshette has the facts.

HCA comes from the rind of a small tropical fruit, Garcinia cambogia, one of the citrus family.  Too acid to eat raw, the rind has been used for centuries to as a spice in Indian and Thai cooking.  Its also been used as a food preservative.

Now HCA is being hailed as a star performer on the weight loss front.  One recent study shows that 22 people lost an average of 11lb each by taking HCA with chromium over eight weeks.  The volunteers in this survey didn't even diet.  There was no calorie counting, they simply ate the same foods as their families.  All reported a decrease in sugary cravings and an increase  in energy.

Bulge Buster

HCA is not a stimulant or appetite-supressing drug.  Such drugs can contain powerful chemicals that act directly on the brain and turn off appetite - but with risks of severe side effects.

Instead HCA  - found by researchers to be non-toxic, acts indirectly.  It both satifies the body's demands for energy and causes the liver to signal to the brain when enough food has been taken.

As well as decreasing appetite, HCA discourages the fat storage and encourages calorie burning.  The result is more energy and less bulk, and while HCA accelerates the breakdown and dispersal of fat already laid down, it also reduces excess cholesterol.  HCA works best combined with chromium, an essential mineral which helps the body to control its blood sugar effectively - cutting sweet cravings.  Often we lack chromium as we get older. FLP Garcinia

Better & Better

HCA doesn't prevent the absorption of essential fatty acids - EFA deficiencies can be responsible for sudden ravenous hunger and other health problems.  HCA continues to be effective with long term use, stopping taking it will not produce a rebound effect with an immediate weight gain.

A hydroxy citrate formula with chromium has been shown to work well for between 50 & 80% of those trying it - however it is less effective with a high fat diet.

Some experts feel it should not be taken by pregnant or breast feeding women or given to young children.  Its also best to avoid HCA if suffering from migraine or, of course, if you are allergic to citrus fruits.  Diabetics should consult their doctor before taking chromium with HCA.

Too good to be true?  No diet, no hunger pangs and 12lb lighter, Jane tells her story.

"I've always found it hard to diet" says Jane, a London reflexologist.  "But its even worse as I get older.  I feel as though I've only got to look at a bar of chocolate to put on a pound!"

Like a lot of people Jane finds long term dieting depressing. 

"Its one thing to discipline yourself for a month or two, whipping off the fat but quite another to stick to it after the thrill has worn off." 

Her exercise class revealed the unpalatable truth.  "We all face a huge horrible mirror along one wall .  At ten and a half stone - not hugely fat, just podgy - I was ashamed of myself.  Now I'm down to nine and three quarters and it makes all the difference".

Jane read about HCA about a year ago.  "I was pleased to learn it wasn't a drug.  I wouldn't want to take anything habit forming with possible side effects.  Instead its been a boon for natural weight loss.  "I can eat what other are eating, but less.  I don't sit down to a lettuce leaf and half a nut!  It cuts down my appetite so I eat less but still feel satisfied."  "The other bonus is it discourages the body from putting down layers of fat, and I've noticed that I don't crave sweets or biscuits like I used to.  I am told this is probably due to the added chromium.

"Amazingly, at Christmas, when most people put on a few pounds, I stayed almost the same size, which was very unusual.  "Of course, if you throw caution to the winds and make a complete pig of yourself it doesn't work so well...."

Jane has found only one disadvantage - which turns out to be a plus.

Timing

"You have to be very organised about taking HCA regularly - half an hour to an hour before food, with a glass of water.  This means that you have to know in advance approximately when you're going to eat.  

If you're out you have to make sure that you take the tablets with you.  "Over the last twelve months I haven't noticed any side effects of HCA and it works just as well now as it did when I started.  I always feel very well and my energy is high.