Garcinia: properties, uses and contraindications

The garcinia or malabar tamarind (Garcinia cambogia L.) is a tree native to southern India and probably Malaysia and Indonesia, which is also cultivated in other countries in Southeast Asia and tropical Africa.

of the garcinia the ripe pulp of the fruit is used and to a lesser extent also the bark. The fruit is green or yellowish, with a thick and hard rind, and on the outside it looks like a small pumpkin. The pulp, divided into segments, contains numerous seeds in its central part. The bark, made into powdersis also used as a cooking seasoning in India and as an astringent.

The fruit is marketed in the form of juice, but it has a somewhat bland taste. Its main use is medicinal.

Garcinia properties

Garcinia contains hydroxycitric acid, hydroxycitric lactones, anthocyanosides, mucilage, tannins, and vitamin C.

He hydroxycitric acid It has the ability to partially block the synthesis of fatty acids, inhibiting the action of ATP –the adenosine triphosphate molecule, in which energy is stored and from which it is distributed to all the cells of our body– and of citrate lyase levels in the body. It has various effects:

Reduces the transformation of sugars into fats.Increases hepatic neoglucogenesis Decreases accumulation of fatty acids in adipose tissueBring a sensation of gastric fullness that does not invite you to continue eating.

It is also believed that hydroxycitric acid could reduce serotonin levels in the brain, which would lead to a reduced need to eat, so that eating would no longer be as pleasant.

For all of them, garcinia is attributed slimming, satiating, digestive, lipid-lowering, antibacterial, vasoprotective, antioxidant, antiparasitic and astringent (the bark).

What is garcinia used for?

Garcinia or malabar tamarind is one of the most celebrated natural and herbal remedies for promote weight loss, in overweight people and as support in case of obesity.

Its benefits also include helping optimize the burning of fats and sugars in special diets for athletes professionals and amateurs, and to help in the treatment of cholesterol.

hydroxycitric acid reduces the presence of fats, in the form of LDL cholesterol, in the bloodstream. It is a good resource to support diets that help us lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Prevents the appearance of vascular disorders.

In India, garcinia or malabar tamarind is a traditional remedy to ease the expulsion of intestinal parasiteslike worms.

How to take garcinia

The usual way to find garcinia is in capsules, with densities between 350 and 800 mg. Depending on the case, it is recommended to take one or two capsules before the two main meals.

It is also in the form of tablets.

Another possibility is to use the garcinia bark powder, which is used as a digestive and astringent. It is found for import (Kerala) on the internet.

It won’t be easy to find raw or juiced garcinia fruit.

Garcinia extract is incorporated into some lipolytic creams and ointmentswhich are applied in massage on fatty areas.

contraindications

Garcinia is basically a safe plant. However, it can be consumed in moderate doses.

If you are following a drug treatment for cholesterol, obesity or diabetesIt is advisable to consult with your doctor before starting to take garcinia.

Is it bad for the liver?

Some scientific studies have indicated that an over consumption of garcinia could cause liver damage. Due to high consumption, digestive problems have also been reported, such as diarrhea, as well as headaches, nausea and dry mouth. However, more clinical studies are required to confirm or rule out such unwanted effects.

By Jordi Cebrián, journalist specializing in phytotherapy