What is Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)?

Last Updated on Tue, 16 May 2023 | Dietary Supplement References

The dried rind from Garcinia Cambogia is used to extract Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). Since centuries, it has been used in Southeast Asia to flavor and season food. HCA is gaining popularity in recent years as a weight-loss supplement because of its ability to reduce appetite, boost metabolism and burn fat.

HCA works by blocking citrate lyase enzyme, responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. HCA can help to reduce weight and waist circumference by preventing fat from being produced and stored. HCA is also linked to increased serotonin levels in the brain. This can improve mood and reduce cravings.

Hydroxycitric Acid: Benefits and Uses

The benefits that hydroxycitric acids purport to provide include:

Reduce cravings and suppress appetite
Increase metabolism to burn fat
Serotonin and mood improvement
Reduce body weight, waist circumference and body fat

HCA has been shown to be an effective weight-loss aid in several clinical studies . In one randomized controlled study , participants taking HCA over 12 weeks lost an average 4.4 pounds compared with those not taking HCA. HCA is effective at reducing the waist circumference of obese people, according to a second study .

Views of Experts and Professionals

HCA is considered by many health care professionals to be an effective weight-loss aid. Popular American TV doctor Dr. Oz has recommended HCA to help people lose weight in a natural and safe way. Some experts believe that HCA combined with healthy eating and regular exercise is the most effective way to lose weight.

Some medical professionals warn against taking HCA before consulting with a physician, because it can interact negatively with some medications and cause unwanted side effects. Despite the fact that there are studies to back up HCA's effectiveness, further research is needed to understand all of its benefits and potential risks.

Get Started with Hydroxycitric Acid

Consult your doctor before trying HCA. After you've received their approval, find a product of high quality that contains pure HCA without any fillers or other additives. HCA should be taken in doses of 500mg to 1000mg three times daily before meals.

It's essential to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly when taking HCA. To maximize HCA's weight-loss benefits, it is important to eat a wide variety of foods that are high in nutrients and get at least 30 minutes per day of exercise.

Hydroxycitric Acid: Side effects and drawbacks

HCA can have some side effects. Some of the most common side effects are nausea, headaches and dizziness. HCA can also interact with some medications. It's best to consult your doctor prior to starting any supplementation regimen.

HCA does not work as a magic pill. It will not give you dramatic results. HCA is best taken with a regular diet and exercise to achieve maximum weight loss.

Conclusion

The dried rind from Garcinia Cambogia is used to extract Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). The potential of HCA to reduce appetite, boost metabolism and burn fat has been extensively studied. HCA has been found to be safe by most, but it is important to speak to your doctor first before beginning a new supplement regime.