Garcinia Cambogia,  a tropical fruit also known as the Malabar tamarind, is a popular weight-loss supplement. People say it blocks your body’s ability to make fat and it puts the brakes on your appetite. It could help keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, too. You’ll find it in bottles on the shelf at the store as well as mixed with other ingredients in diet products. Info source webmd.com.

How It Works

The active ingredient in the fruit’s rind, hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, has boosted fat-burning and cut back appetite in studies. It appears to block an enzyme called citrate lyase, which your body uses to make fat. It also raises levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which may make you feel less hungry.

Type 2 Diabetes and High Cholesterol

Garcinia cambogia may make it easier for your body to use glucose, the sugar your cells need for energy. Mice that got garcinia cambogia in one study had lower insulin levels than mice that didn’t. That’s another reason, besides weight loss, that people with diabetes are interested in it. However, if you’re taking garcinia cambogia along with a medication to control your blood sugar, your glucose could get dangerously low.

Some research has found that garcinia cambogia can also improve cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol). But you shouldn’t use it if you’re already on a prescription for your cholesterol.

My Personal Experience: Be careful with this supplement. I have used it with great results. I was not hungry. and I lost weight without a lot of effort. I cut portions, and exercised. My advice would be to start slow, with a minimum dosage, then worked your way up if desired. The suggested daily dosage is from 250-1000 milligrams per day.