In addition to increasing the rate of glycogen absorption, HCA also binds to left over glycogen in the bloodstream, slowing down the rate at which glycogen is converted to fat. The result is a natural approach to glucose control without side-effects.

HCA (especially in combination with Chromium) makes the body more receptive to insulin. People with Type II diabetes usually have enough insulin in their bloodstream, but the muscles won't allow it to be used. When that happens, they overeat until there is so much glycogen and insulin in their bloodstream that the body is forced to use it. It is the body's inability to use insulin effectively that makes so many Type II diabetics overweight.

More than ten years of research–animal and human–prove the effectiveness of HCA for weight loss.

In study after study dieters have consistently lost an average of 11 pounds in eight weeks–even when they didn't consciously make any other changes in their eating habits.

 

What is HCA?

In 1991 Citrin was introduced to the health food industry as the first all-natural plant extract standardized for Hydroxycitric acid. This unique extract comes from premium hand harvested Garcinia Cambogia fruits grown in selected regions of southern India. The active principle of Citrin, Hydroxycitric acid, is in the rind of Garcinia Cambogia.

Hoffman-LaRoche, an international pharmaceutical company and Brandeis University researchers began investigating HCA in the early 1970's. They found that the (-) form of HCA was a potent and competitive inhibitor of citrate lyase, an enzyme found primarily in the liver which is vital in regulating fat metabolism.

How does HCA work?

Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and lipids. At the cellular level, (-)HCA molecules "trick" the citrate lypase enzyme. The receptor sites of citrate lyase enzymes are filled with (-)HCA. This means fewer fatty acids are synthesized, making less fat available for cellular storage. This results in less body fat build-up in the liver and adipose (fat) tissue. Increased amounts of energy at the cellular level are then available to more rapidly degrade free fatty acids.

Additionally, (-)HCA suppresses appetite thus reducing food intake. When you consume food the body begins breaking down carbohydrates into glucose (a necessary form of sugar). The liver functions to ensure that the blood continually has adequate glucose to fuel the brain with energy. Excess glucose molecules would normally break down into fat or cholesterol. However (-) HCA temporarily inhibits the citrate lyase enzyme and excess glucose is converted to glycogen in the liver. When glucose and glycogen reach a certain level, the brain gets a signal of "fullness," suppressing appetite and reducing the desire for more food. The benefits of Citrin are two-fold 1) inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver, and 2) it promotes an increased availability of glycogen in the liver, thus sending a "full" signal to the brain sooner.

The benefits of Chromium

Studies examining chromium alone have shown that it:

The most exciting chromium study of all was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutritional Research Center. They gave a total daily dose of 1,000 micrograms to a large population of Type II diabetics in China. After four months, the group was tested and found to have reduced blood glucose levels to normal or near normal. Another group that was given 200 micrograms per day of the mineral had significant but less dramatic benefit.

Working in tandem

HCA and chromium increase energy without giving you the jitters. Because both medications improve the availability of glucose you are less likely to have hypoglycemic attacks that are so common in people with diabetes.

HCA and chromium battle Syndrome X. While HCA lowers blood fats, chromium works in tandem with it to increase insulin sensitivity. The result is a rapid change in the way you feel because your body is getting more of he glucose that it needs, when it needs it.

Historically, the medical profession's treatment of diabetes has been aimed at treating the symptoms of the disease and not its cause with a variety of synthetic drugs. But, says, Dr. Vern Cherewatenko, co-author of "The Diabetes Cure," "By not increasing insulin sensitivity, drugs alone will not win the war–they will only help you fight a losing battle."

Studies of HCA as reported in "The Diabetes Cure" by Vern S. Cherewatenko, M.D. and Paul Perry:

Average weight loss of 11 pounds

In an eight-week double blind study, 50 obese volunteers were placed on a low-fat diet. Twenty-nine of the patients were given HCA before each meal while the rest were given a placebo. The HCA group lost an average of 11 pounds per person, while the placebo group lost only four pounds per person. The reason given for the added weight loss was greater appetite suppression caused by increased insulin sensitivity.

Lifestyle changes easier

An eight-week study examined 54 people. Twenty two of these subjects took HCA before each meal, and the remainder was given a placebo. After eight weeks, the study group had lost an average of 11.1 pounds per person while the placebo group lost 4.2 pounds per person.

The HCA group had an easier time making recommended lifestyle changes, including eating a diet low in fat and following a daily regimen of sensible exercise probably because the HCA left them feeling "full" after eating less food.

The HCA group also had a marked decrease in serum cholesterol and triglycerides. They also reported a higher level of energy, possibly caused by an increase in insulin sensitivity.

Better than diet drugs alone

Three medications were tested on 128 patients over an eight-week period. Two of the groups were given two different diet drugs that did not contain HCA. The third group was given a medication containing HCA. The 29 subjects in the HCA group lost an average of 11.48 pounds per person, while the other two groups lost 9.52 and 6.65 pounds per person respectively.

Hunger levels were significantly lower in the HCA group, as were lipid levels. Energy levels were higher, however.

For men and women

Volunteers were given HCA for eight weeks to discover its effects on obesity.

The study group consisted of 60 women and 15 men who weighed from 135 to 253 pounds and varied in age from 21 to 65 years of age.

The 250 milligrams daily dosage of HCA, taken 30 minutes before each meal was supplemented with 100 micrograms of chromium Picolinate before each meal. The 42 patients who completed the study lost an average of 10.8 pounds per person.

Increased energy, Decreased inches

In a study published in June 1998 supplements containing HCA and chromium were given before meals with water. A non-restricted diet regimen was used, which meant that the study subjects could continue with their usual diet.

Overall weight losses ranged from 10 pounds to 26 pounds during the 10-week study period. Measurement of inches lost ranged from 4.25 to 26.25 inches during the study period. All participants increased energy levels. The study concluded that HCA is a viable form of weight-management intervention.