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Posted on Dec 7th 2009 4:15PM by Deborah DunhamHydroxycut is a diet supplement which contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) -- an ingredient found in the fruit rind of the Garcinia cambogia tree from Southeast Asia.
People have used Garcinia for centuries in Asia as a flavor-enhancer and food preservative. It is also known for making food feel more filling. Research in the 1970s documented that large quantities of HCA added to the diets of mice caused them to eat less. Shortly after that, American manufacturers began to offer HCA as a weight-loss supplement in several diet products, including Hydroxycut.
HCA works to help slow down the enzyme that makes fatty acids out of carbs. It also stimulates the liver to release glucose (sugar) into the blood. These higher sugar levels are thought to suppress appetite.
While it can be effective in helping to lose weight, Hydroxycut comes with some serious risks. Clinical associate professor of nutrition at Boston University and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Joan Salge Blake warns against Hydroxycut and other diet supplements. "Consumers should speak with their healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter supplements, and those who are looking to lose excess weight, should consult with a registered dietitian, who is trained in this specialized area of medical nutrition therapy."
Due to reports of serious health problems such as liver damage, jaundice, high levels of liver enzymes and liver failure, Blake reminds us that the FDA warned consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products in May 2009. Hydroxycut products have reportedly been recalled from the market.
Want to curb your hunger? Continue reading to find healthy -- and safe -- natural appetite suppressants.
People have used Garcinia for centuries in Asia as a flavor-enhancer and food preservative. It is also known for making food feel more filling. Research in the 1970s documented that large quantities of HCA added to the diets of mice caused them to eat less. Shortly after that, American manufacturers began to offer HCA as a weight-loss supplement in several diet products, including Hydroxycut.
HCA works to help slow down the enzyme that makes fatty acids out of carbs. It also stimulates the liver to release glucose (sugar) into the blood. These higher sugar levels are thought to suppress appetite.
While it can be effective in helping to lose weight, Hydroxycut comes with some serious risks. Clinical associate professor of nutrition at Boston University and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Joan Salge Blake warns against Hydroxycut and other diet supplements. "Consumers should speak with their healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter supplements, and those who are looking to lose excess weight, should consult with a registered dietitian, who is trained in this specialized area of medical nutrition therapy."
Due to reports of serious health problems such as liver damage, jaundice, high levels of liver enzymes and liver failure, Blake reminds us that the FDA warned consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products in May 2009. Hydroxycut products have reportedly been recalled from the market.
Want to curb your hunger? Continue reading to find healthy -- and safe -- natural appetite suppressants.
