This tropical fruit is widely used in herbal supplements and as a weight loss aid – but does it work?
In this article we’ll explore what garcinia cambogia is, how it’s used, as well as its benefits, dosage and any side-effects you should be aware of.
What is garcinia cambogia?
Garcinia cambogia fruit
Garcinia cambogia – sometimes called cambogia garcinia – is a tropical fruit, native to South and South-East Asia including Indonesia, parts of India and Sri Lanka.
The small, robust garcinia cambogia fruit resembles miniature yellow or green pumpkins – but are sour and unpleasant when eaten raw.
Extract of garcinia cambogia
Extract of garcinia cambogia is made from the dried fruit rind.
As with most fruits, the rind is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and polyphenols.
Further, the fruit rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) – the active component of garcinia cambogia which is thought to have anti-obesity effects as well as other potential health benefits.
Concentration of HCA in the rind is up to 30%.
What is garcinia cambogia used for?
Cooking
In common use across South and South East Asia, the garcinia cambogia is a popular ingredient in food.
Garcinia cambogia fruits themselves have a sour taste and are unsuitable for consuming raw, but when dried they come into their own as a versatile condiment and spice, similar to tamarind.
Dried garcinia cambogia is used in food preparation to enhance dishes such as curries, fish and soup, and it’s believed they can make dishes more filling.
Herbal supplements
If garcinia cambogia isn’t familiar to you as a cooking ingredient, you might recognise it as a key ingredient in popular weight loss aids.
Since the 1960’s, garcinia cambogia has been used widely throughout the world as a weight-loss supplement.
This is usually in the form of garcinia cambogia pills containing the herbal compound in powdered form, but garcinia cambogia teas, lotions and extracts are also available.
It is the rind of the garcinia cambogia fruits that is used in herbal supplements. This is because it contains the highest concentration of hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
Summary
Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit with a strong, sour taste
The dried flesh is used in cooking, and the rind is used in herbal supplements
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the active ingredient in garcinia cambogia, which is responsible for most of its benefits
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