Obesity in America has reached epidemic proportions and is now considered a public health crisis. In fact, 67% of Americans are considered obese. That’s compared to 25% of Europeans and 32% of people in Japan.
For those who are obese, dieting is the simplest way to lose weight. Unfortunately, most people who go on a diet subsequently gain back the weight they shed, and it’s usually a lot more than they went on in the first place. That’s what makes weight loss so difficult.
When you’re looking to lose weight, diets don’t work, and weight-loss drugs aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to shed the extra pounds, you might consider trying an antioxidant supplement like Advocare’s Garcinia Cambogia. This natural extract from citrifolia plants helps inhibit an enzyme that decomposes fat. In other words, it stops fat from being decomposed in the first place, preventing weight gain.
Key Facts About Advocare
Advocare is a global health company that was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in New York City. It primarily manufactures and markets over-the-counter and health food supplements. Its products include:
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Chamomile Flower Extract
- Grapefruit
- Cranberry
- White Willow Bark Extract
- Chamomile Flower Extract
The FDA has approved Garcinia Cambogia for use as a weight-loss aid. As a result, Advocare has seen significant growth in the past few years, with revenues increasing from $25 million to $44.9 million between 2016 and 2018. For comparison, its 2014 revenues were $32.8 million. It is expected to hit $61 million in 2021.
Garcinia Cambogia: What Is It?
Garcinia Cambogia (officially known as Garcinia cambogia) is a tropical fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. The fruit is a small pumpkin-like shape with a pale yellow flesh. It contains a hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which, when digested, breaks down to form two substances: citric acid and hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
The HCA in this product breaks down fat cells and blocks an enzyme, citrate lyase, which converts carbohydrates into fats. That stops fat from being manufactured, and thus helps to keep foods low in fat. Because of its unique ability to reduce fats without causing hunger, many people have touted Garcinia cambogia as the Holy Grail of nutrition.
In general, the fruit’s fruit acids, including citric acid and HCA, have a wide range of health benefits. It’s been shown to help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, protect the liver, and even fight cancer. The fruit’s primary compound, garcinia acid, has been declared to have “a significant role to play in the reversal of chronic kidney disease”.
How Does It Work?
Like a magic bean, Garcinia cambogia simply makes food taste better. When you eat food rich in vitamins and antioxidants, these molecules work together to form a substance known as ‘advanced glycation end-products’’ (AGEs). The AGEs then bind to ‘receptors’’ on immune cells, causing them to become less reactive and thus more efficient in their job of fighting off infections. As a result, the food just tastes that little bit better!
That alone might not sound like much, but you have to remember that foods rich in AGEs contribute to many diseases. The polyphenols in tea, for example, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
While the science behind AGEs is still being researched, a lot of people have already started to experience the benefits of Garcinia Cambogia. In one clinical trial, participants were split into two groups. The first group took a placebo, while the second group took a daily dose of Garcinia Cambogia. At the end of the trial, those who took the medicine had lost more weight than those who took the placebo. That’s not all the participants had lost weight, but it is still an indication of the fruit’s potential as a weight-loss aid.
Where Can I Buy It?
Garcinia cambogia is available to buy online from a number of reputable and experienced vendors, including Vitacost.com, Amazon.com, and Nuwber.com. It is also available to purchase at some health stores and nutrition boutiques. You might want to visit a local store to try out different products with the help of a salesperson, however, the majority of online vendors offer a money back guarantee if you try out their product for a month. This way, you have nothing to lose by trying out the supplement and may potentially gain a lot from it.
Is It Safe?
Garcinia cambogia is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by the medical community. The side effects associated with this product are mild and transient. The most common complaints are some digestive issues and skin irritations, which are typical with any new dietary supplement. These side effects should not, however, discourage people from trying out this or any other weight-loss product.
Price And Availability
The price of Garcinia cambogia depends on a number of variables, including where you live. You can buy it online for around $60 per month or $600 per year. That’s fairly expensive compared to the $14.98 price tag for a year’s supply of Chia Pet powder (yes, the cute little fuzzy creatures are made from flax seeds). It is also significantly more expensive than the $5.99 price per month for a bottle of Metformin, a drug commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. You may want to consult your physician or look into other weight-loss programs that may be available to you.