What is HCA in Garcinia Cambogia Extract?
The short answer…
HCA = Hydroxycitric Acid
The long answer and why understanding HCA is important
Staying in shape is a struggle for everyone. Contrary to what TV and media may portray, no one is naturally gifted with a perfect body that is always healthy. Rather, it takes effort on our parts, and a willingness to stay fit. For many, being fit and dieting isn’t enough to stop weight gain. That is when dietary supplements come into play.
The number one reason why people do not take dietary supplements are because of the chemicals used in them. Even those products listed as “all natural” are not always all natural due to the lax regulation of the industry. As a result, it is left to you and I to sort through these hard to pronounce and even harder to understand chemicals to see what is healthy and what can be dangerous. The answer, as it should be noted, is usually more complex then just healthy or harmful.
Of all the dietary supplements currently on the market, garcinia cambogia extract is among the best known. Featured on numerous syndicated television shows, including Dr. Oz, Garcinia Cambogia has made a name for itself. However, little information exists on what comprises each weight loss capsule. Even less research exists on what it may do to your body, both in the short and long term. So lets take a quick look and figure it out.
Breaking down the science
In any pill of Garcinia Cambogia, there is supposed to be 60% of the active ingredient, which is HCA, otherwise known as hydroxycitric acid. “Garcinia Cambogia” is in parentheses because of the number of knock off brands that exist. The formula for their pills differ dramatically, with some not even including HCA at all. As a result, some reported side effects of taking Garcinia Cambogia pills result from the other chemicals used to fill the capsule, as opposed to the active ingredient HCA. These include nausea, fatigue, cramps, and head-aches.
Looking at HCA directly
When looking only at HCA, there is a single side effect that can occur either from over use over a prolonged period of time, or use along with alcohol. This is known as Hepatotoxity in the science world. What we know it as is Toxin induced hepatitis, drug induced liver damage, toxin induced liver disease, and toxic liver disease. That’s right, the primary active ingredient HCA can cause liver damage.
What does this mean?
So, why aren’t all bottle being recalled and the distributers being sued? Well, there was a recall on products a little while because of HCA. The main reason there isn’t a recall is that only a few people get Hepatotoxicity. These people usually have liver damage already, or weakened immune systems.
So, what is HCA?
HCA is, like most medications, a blessing and a curse. It helps regulate weight, but can have a negative side effect for those already experiencing liver related issues. The best thing you can do is consult a doctor before use. Regardless, stay safe and good luck.
HCA = Hydroxycitric Acid
The long answer and why understanding HCA is important
Staying in shape is a struggle for everyone. Contrary to what TV and media may portray, no one is naturally gifted with a perfect body that is always healthy. Rather, it takes effort on our parts, and a willingness to stay fit. For many, being fit and dieting isn’t enough to stop weight gain. That is when dietary supplements come into play.
The number one reason why people do not take dietary supplements are because of the chemicals used in them. Even those products listed as “all natural” are not always all natural due to the lax regulation of the industry. As a result, it is left to you and I to sort through these hard to pronounce and even harder to understand chemicals to see what is healthy and what can be dangerous. The answer, as it should be noted, is usually more complex then just healthy or harmful.
Of all the dietary supplements currently on the market, garcinia cambogia extract is among the best known. Featured on numerous syndicated television shows, including Dr. Oz, Garcinia Cambogia has made a name for itself. However, little information exists on what comprises each weight loss capsule. Even less research exists on what it may do to your body, both in the short and long term. So lets take a quick look and figure it out.
Breaking down the science
In any pill of Garcinia Cambogia, there is supposed to be 60% of the active ingredient, which is HCA, otherwise known as hydroxycitric acid. “Garcinia Cambogia” is in parentheses because of the number of knock off brands that exist. The formula for their pills differ dramatically, with some not even including HCA at all. As a result, some reported side effects of taking Garcinia Cambogia pills result from the other chemicals used to fill the capsule, as opposed to the active ingredient HCA. These include nausea, fatigue, cramps, and head-aches.
Looking at HCA directly
When looking only at HCA, there is a single side effect that can occur either from over use over a prolonged period of time, or use along with alcohol. This is known as Hepatotoxity in the science world. What we know it as is Toxin induced hepatitis, drug induced liver damage, toxin induced liver disease, and toxic liver disease. That’s right, the primary active ingredient HCA can cause liver damage.
What does this mean?
So, why aren’t all bottle being recalled and the distributers being sued? Well, there was a recall on products a little while because of HCA. The main reason there isn’t a recall is that only a few people get Hepatotoxicity. These people usually have liver damage already, or weakened immune systems.
So, what is HCA?
HCA is, like most medications, a blessing and a curse. It helps regulate weight, but can have a negative side effect for those already experiencing liver related issues. The best thing you can do is consult a doctor before use. Regardless, stay safe and good luck.
