Supports weight reduction: Garcinia cambogia is famous all around the world as an excellent slimming herbal extract. The results of clinical trials support the view that hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in the fruits of Garcinia supports the reduction of body weight on multiple levels. First of all, it stimulates the usage of already accumulated energy reserves stored in the fat tissue. Moreover, it makes the transportation of fatty acids to mitochondria easier. Then, mitochondria transform these acids into ketone compounds that prolong the feeling of satiation. The HCA influence is, however, not limited to fat metabolism. The hydroxycitric acid is also able to decrease the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestines while simultaneously promoting their reuptake by the organism. In the liver, HCA increases the production of glycogen – a derivative of glucose that is responsible for the feeling of satiation. Furthermore, this feeling’s latency is decreased because HCA has a regulatory influence on the level of serotonin in the brain. All in all, HCA helps to lose the extra pounds even without diet or exercise regime. Although those who incorporated these lifestyle changes experienced further acceleration of weight loss progress.

Benefits the mood: HCA effects are rooted in its ability to increase the level of serotonin – a neurotransmitter dubbed “the happiness hormone”. HCA increases the amount of serotonin by reducing its reuptake in the synaptic clefts. It has been also suggested that HCA stimulates the transcription of genes responsible for production of serotonergic receptors, which results in the increase of those receptors concentration. One of the clinical trials conducted with 30 participants shows that supplementation with garcinia extract led to an increase of blood plasma serotonin by almost 40%. It is also suggested that HCA stimulates the transcription of genes that code serotonin receptors increasing their number.

Supports the cardiovascular system: Many scientific studies have tested the influence of garcinia on the condition of the cardiovascular system. The interpretation of the results can be ambiguous, but many threads suggest the ability of HCA to reduce the level of blood cholesterol. In one of these studies the participants have been supplementing the extract of G. cambogia for 8 weeks. Their total blood cholesterol concentration decreased by 18% and the amount of triglycerides – by 28%. As it turns out, HCA has the ability to activate the receptors of the “bad” fraction of cholesterol – LDL and thereby accelerate the process of its removal from the organism. There is also research evidence that demonstrates the hypotensive properties of HCA – in other words this compound was found to decrease the blood pressure. 

Antioxidant properties: Garcinia is an effective support for detoxification processes that occur in the body. The herb contains numerous active compounds, including garcinol that exhibits strong antioxidant effects. Research indicates that it is even more efficacious against certain kinds of free radicals than vitamin E (tocopherol). There are also reports about garcinol’s anti-inflammatory properties. It has been proven that it can inhibit enzymes that induce inflammation and tumor cell development. There is still a need for more peer-reviewed information about the exact mechanisms thanks to which Garcinia provides those health benefits but the released data is very promising.