Whether we may agree or not, there is no doubt that obesity and overweight problems are real challenges for many of us.
In fact, even the 19th century was considered to be the century of viruses and bacteria, the 20th and 21st centuries are easily centuries of lifestyle diseases.
Our material comforts have increased manifolds but it has certainly come with a price.
Our overall health and wellbeing has become a big question market. Obesity and overweight problems have started impacting youngsters and even children.
In such a worrisome and disturbing situation, there is no denying the fact that choosing the right weight management regimen is important.
The conventional approach of workouts, exercises and careful management of calorie intake continues to be the cornerstones around which obesity and overweight problems can be handled.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for weight management supplements.
Garcinia cambogia is one such weight management supplements that are catching the attention of thousands of weight-conscious people across the world.
What Is Special About Garcinia Cambogia
Before getting into the reasons for the growing popularity of garcinia cambogia, we need to have some basic understanding about it.
This is basically a fruit originating from the South East Asian region.
It resembles a small sized pumpkin but is green in color. It has been used by the natives of South East for its medicinal properties.
It is known to be a rich source of antioxidants. It belongs to the citrus fruit category and therefore is rich in Vitamins and minerals that are required for improving the overall immune capacity of the power.
How Does It Work For Obesity & Overweight Problems
Garcinia cambogia is one of the richest sources of HCA or hydroxycitric acid.
Almost all citrus fruits have this and as mentioned above it is the highest in garcinia cambogia or GC as it is often referred to. This substance is known to increase metabolic rate in the body.
It also could play a role in masking hunger and reduce appetite and craving for food.
Further, it also inhibits the production and use of hormones that convert carbohydrates into fat so that it does not get stored in the body.
Additionally it also has other benefits such as detoxification properties and improved mood and feeling of overall well being.
How Is It Used
For the best benefits, GC has to be used in the form of an extract. It is a complicated process and requires the use of the best of technology to make this possible.
The process should be able to extract only the best compositions of HCA so that it could have the desired impact in fighting obesity and overweight problems.
It can be taken in the form of capsules, pills and also as drops and in the form of liquid tincture. The dosage is clearly mentioned in the supplements.
Like all food supplements, it has to be taken long term for the best of results.
Is It Free From Side Effects?
This certainly is a common question that comes to the mind of those who are planning to use garcinia cambogia for handling their overweight and obesity issues.
According to studies, based on feedbacks from customers and also taking into account the assurances of manufacturers, there are reasons to believe that garcinia cambogia, on the whole is safe.
It is well tolerated and free from any major side effects. However, this does not mean it is totally free from side effects.
There are quite a few of them and we are mentioning a few in the next few lines for the benefit of our readers.
Light digestive problems, vomiting and nausea, headache, digestive tract discomfort, liver problems, renal toxicity and also increased levels of blood pressure are some of the possible side effects as far as garcinia cambogia use is concerned.
The chances of having these side effects increase if food supplements with GC are used for long periods of time without a break.
There are also users who believe that it could cause damage to fertility both in men and women. This is the area that we will be focusing.
We will try and find out if garcinia cambogia can be used by men and women of the reproductive age.
We also will try and learn whether the information surrounding the possible negative impact on fertility on use of GC is true or it is more of a myth than anything else.
It Is Not Recommended For Pregnant Women
If there are women who are trying to get pregnant, then even the best proponents of garcinia cambogia would advise them to stay away from the use of this weight management supplement.
This is because pregnancy is a complicated and highly sensitive and delicate process.
The use of over the counter pain killers and even weight management and other food supplements should be taken with lot of care.
Hence, as a preventive measure, doctors always insist women to stay away from any type of weight management supplements.
It Is More Of A Safety Measure
Since garcinia cambogia also falls under this category, it is quite obvious that it also falls under the category of food supplements.
It is fact that the best quality garcinia supplements are made from high quality and naturally occurring and plant based HCA and other substances.
But there is no doubt that nobody would like to take even the slightest of chances and risks as far as child birth and pregnancy is concerned.
Therefore, as safety measure, the general practice has been to stay away from garcinia cambogia before, during and immediately after pregnancy.
Apart from this, there are hardly any authenticated materials to prove that there are ingredients in GC that could harm an unborn child or its mother.
What About Men?
As far as men are concerned, there are no valuable, trustworthy and reliable information that point to the possible side effects related to men’s fertility when they are on long term use of garcinia cambogia.
Thousands of men are using this weight loss supplement for years at length. Most of them have had healthy sex lives and their libido or fertility levels have not been put under question.
However, there could be a few cases of male-infertility where GC may have had a small to role to play. But these are again unsubstantiated claims and there is more myth surrounding it than anything else.
On the whole, given the above facts it is quite obvious that garcinia cambogia is quite safe both for men and women who belong to the reproductive age.
Of course, during pregnancy, it would be advisable for women to stay away from any sort of weight management supplements that includes garcinia cambogia.
Some Interesting Questions
Why pregnant women are asked to stay away from garcinia cambogia?
It is quite obvious that childbirth is naturally associated with normal weight gain.
Under such situations, putting a woman on a weight reduction regimen with the use of garcinia cambogia would not be recommended to say the least.
It could have unexplained side effects on the unborn child and could also impede the secretion of certain important hormones as far as the mother is concerned.
What about other compounds in garcinia cambogia supplements?
There are also other compounds in garcinia cambogia and caffeine is one such compound that is often used.
As an end user you have to be careful about it and try and avoid using brands that use synthetic caffeine.
There is no problem if they stick to garcinia cambogia with a combination of green tea or pure coffee berry extract where the concentration of caffeine is very low to say the least.
Why should I take an okay from my doctor?
Your personal physician is the best person who knows about your body. Hence, if you are keen on starting a weight management program using GC as one of the options, you would do better to check it out with him or her.
They will be able to suggest the best way forward taking into account your medical history, existing illnesses, genetic predispositions and so on.
Look At Some Brands Of Garcinia Cambogia
We will now try and have a look at a few brands of garcinia cambogia as they are advertised and promoted on Amazon.com.
We believe that it will be a good source of information and knowledge to our readers.
1. Ultra Premium Garcinia Cambogia
It is from the house of Ultra Premium and is extra strong in terms of HCA concentration. It has a special weight loss prevention package.
It is enriched with potassium, calcium, and chromium. It is considered to be one of the safest and surest way of losing weight.
2. Schwartz – Garcinia Cambogia
This is considered to be the purest form of garcinia cambogia from Schwartz with 95% of pure HCA extracts.
It is highly popular and has received many positive customer reviews.
3. TN Vitamins – Garcinia Cambogia
From TN Vitamins, this pack of garcinia cambogia is often considered to be made from an advanced formula.
Though it has around 50% of HCA, it is considered to be quite effective and offers the best value for money. It is a good choice for those who are looking for a low-cost, high performing GC food supplement.
Conclusion
Given the facts above, there are reasons to believe that there are no proven connection between infertility and the use of garcinia cambogia.
It is true both for men and women but as a general precaution and as a proactive decision, most manufacturers request pregnant women to stay away from garcinia cambogia, before, during and after pregnancy.
On the whole, it is a safe and time tested weight management supplement which is safe and offers proven results.
Diana Paul is a certified nutritionist who writes for leading health blogs. She is a master herbalist, yoga teacher, forager, and wild-crafting writer She is focused on helping people transform life blocks to opportunities. Based in NYC, she often holds health seminars and lectures.