Garcinia-an Useful Herb for Weight Loss

Garcinia Cambogia,also known as 'kokum',in India,has been traitionally used as a condiment for curries,especially in the Konkan region of western coast of India. It contains a biologically active compound called hydroxycitrate or hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is known to inhibit the synthesis of lipids and fatty acids and lower the formation of LDL and triglycerides. Its extract also inhibits the conversion of excess calories to body fat. Additionally, appetite is also suppressed by promoting synthesis of glycogen.
Hydroxycitrate also helps in utilization of spare carbohydrate. By inhibiting the body's ability to store excess carbohydrates as fat(these carbohydrates must be oxidized, or burned, by the body-producing extra energy and keeping the fat off)the subsequent result is a lower blood sugar level. By lowering blood sugar levels, hydroxycitric acid also decreases sweet and carbohydrate cravings. Essentially, Garcinia Cambogia naturally balances our blood sugar levels. Besides it also increases serotonin levels in the brain, which help signal the body to stop intake of any more food due to 'feeling of fullness'.
In brief its benefits can be summarised as:
- Helps reduce body's ability to store fat.
- Lowers body weight through appetite control.
- Lowers serum triglycerides.
- Creates a process in the body called thermogenesis,which helps in burning calories.