Garcinia cambogia or also known as gelugur acid is known as one of the natural slimming drugs. In addition to losing weight, this fruit also has various health benefits.
Garcinia cambogia has a shape resembling a pumpkin and is small in size with green or yellow color. This fruit that grows in India and Southeast Asia has long been used in herbal medicine and cooking spices.
The fruit extract has also been widely used to lose weight and maintain a healthy body.
Garcinia cambogia is known to contain various nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, calcium, oxalic acid, potassium, and iron. This fruit also contains various antioxidants and active substances, such as hydroxyctric acid (HCA), which is claimed to reduce weight.
Benefit Garcinia cambogia for Body Health
The following are the various benefits of herbal plants: Garcinia cambogia for health:
1. Lose weight
Garcinia cambogia quite popular to be consumed as a medicine or natural herbal supplement for weight loss. This benefit is due to the HCA substances contained in it.
Some research shows that this plant is also useful for increasing the fat burning process, metabolism, and inhibiting the accumulation of fat in the body.
Unfortunately, the benefits Garcinia cambogia this is still not known for certain. Moreover, the effect of weight loss was not too significant when compared to other methods, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
2. Reducing depressive symptoms
In addition to being useful in losing weight, the HCA content in Garcinia cambogia It can also increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is responsible for managing mood.
Low levels of serotonin in the brain are known to increase the risk of certain psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders and depression.
However, some research also shows that the consumption of this herbal plant can cause dangerous side effects, such as the appearance of symptoms of mania and psychosis, especially if consumed in excess.
3. Lowering blood sugar levels
Garcinia cambogia It is known to lower and control blood sugar levels. In addition, this fruit extract can also prevent insulin resistance and reduce the risk of diabetes.
However, this drug is not recommended to be taken together with blood sugar-lowering drugs or diabetes drugs because it can cause drug interactions and cause certain side effects, such as hypoglycemia.
4. Manage cholesterol levels in the blood
The amount of excess cholesterol in the blood, over time can accumulate and clog blood vessels, triggering atherosclerosis. This disorder can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Therefore, you need to keep cholesterol levels stable in order to avoid various diseases. There are various ways that can be done to prevent high cholesterol, namely by exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and limiting the intake of fatty foods.
You can also lower cholesterol by taking herbal supplements, such as: Garcinia cambogia. Studies say that this fruit can lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol or (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
Apart from the above benefits, Garcinia cambogia It is also believed to relieve inflammation, improve digestion, and relieve symptoms of heartburn.
However, various benefit claims Garcinia cambogia above is still limited to small-scale studies. Until now, the effectiveness and benefits of this herbal plant as a treatment still requires further research.
Things to Pay Attention to Before Consuming Garcinia cambogia
Garcinia cambogia It is known to cause several side effects, including:
- Headache
- dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nauseous
On the other hand, Garcinia cambogia It is also known to cause other dangerous side effects, namely liver damage. These serious side effects are more risky when you take supplements Garcinia cambogia in the long term or in high doses.
Garcinia cambogia It is also not recommended for consumption by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, because information about its clinical safety in these groups is still very limited.
You are also not recommended to consume Garcinia cambogia, if you are undergoing certain medications, because it can cause drug interactions.
Therefore, if you want to use Garcinia cambogia to treat certain conditions or diseases, first consult a doctor to ensure safety.
In addition, choose herbal supplement products with Garcinia cambogia that have been registered with BPOM RI so that their safety is guaranteed.