Tag: Garcinia cambogia

With over 90,000 different products, supplements generate billions of dollars every year in the United States. But, are they worth the cost?

Many people take these supplements with the idea of a “healthy lifestyle” in mind. Sanford’s Director of Nutrition Services, Linda Bartholomay, says that this may have to do with people surfing the web for answers.

“There’s a lot of information out on the internet that people hear and they get ideas about something might be beneficial to take and so they seek out that particular vitamin mineral supplement or other supplement,” says Bartholomay.

But these supplements can be more harmful than we think.

“Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so there’s very dangerous supplements out there on the internet that people are purchasing and they have no idea what’s in them,” says Bartholomay.

When it comes to mixing supplements with other prescriptions, be cautious. Bartholomay warns that this could put you even more at risk, “products that contain garcinia cambogia, which is a really popular supplement for weight loss, if people are on antidepressants that can actually be dangerous and interfere with your serotonin levels.”

Supplements also shouldn’t be used as a way to get nutrients. Instead, focus on a well rounded diet.

“Definitely taking supplements doesn’t replace a poor quality diet that’s for sure. There’s a lot of other factors in foods called antioxidants and other things, fiber, that kind of thing that you can’t replace in a supplement form.”

Bartholomay says the only way you can get those health benefits is having a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. However, not all supplements are bad. B-12, Multivitamins, Vitamin D and Omega-3’s are generally safe to take and are often recommended.

But, before taking any supplements, it’s advised to speak with a doctor or dietitian.

Bartholomay also encourages to take a good look at the labels. Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, you should look for supplements that have been verified by a third party, like the USP verification. This indicates that someone has checked the supplements for both purity and accuracy.

Lowdown On Eight Popular Herbal Supplements

“The FDA specifies that supplements, unlike drugs should and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat/cure diseases and hence should avoid making such claims”

Quick Fixes And Supplements

According to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, a dietary ingredient can be defined as a mineral, herb, vitamin, amino acid or other dietary substances that is used as a supplement in the diet to increase total dietary intake.

The FDA specifies that supplements, unlike drugs should and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat/cure diseases and hence should avoid making such claims. However, ‘quick fixes’ is the latest mantra to suit the busy lifestyles we all lead. Most of us, therefore prefer popping a pill than doing something as strenuous as eating right!

Initially diets were supported with vitamins and minerals supplements only to realize that we are barely meeting our protein needs, which led us to start a protein trial until now and suddenly, we have been made aware of herbal supplements.

The Different Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements or botanicals were discovered long ago. But with the rise of inflammatory and non-communicable disorders, awareness regarding health supplements has equally surged. Hence, here is a glance at the popular, yet lesser known properties and research findings of some herbal supplements.

Acai Berries

These red and purple coloured berries are native to Central and South America. Its use in the United States drastically increased as it was marketed as a weight loss supplement. Though there has not been substantial research on acai berries and its weight loss properties these berries have significant antioxidant potential through the presence ot anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and a few other flavonoids that may have anti-cancerous properties along with being anti-inflammatory.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko leaf extract was earlier used to treat lung related disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Its role in cognitive development through memory enhancement has also been studied. There are conflicting results with gingko supplements, but many studies have found stabilization and/or slower decline in cognition function and behavior, especially in patients suffering from Alzheimer and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Ginseng

Ginseng has a variety of types, depending on its native growth habitat. It has been believed to improve immunity, treat infections and illnesses and improve sexual and cognitive function. Asian ginseng native to China and Korea, contains active chemical components called ginsenosides that are responsible for its health claims. Though research has been inconclusive, its role in immune function and cognitive health is widely studied.

Garcinia Cambogia

Hydroxydtric acid (HCA) is the acid found in this tree fruit. HCA blocks the enzyme citrate lyase which is responsible for carbohydrates being stored as fat. It also helps insuppressing appetite by providing a feeling of fullness. Nevertheless, it is important that only morbidly obese individuals consider this supplement, as weight loss in healthy individuals can be brought about by proper diet and lifestyle modifications.

Saw Palmetto

This small palm tree is native to eastern United States. It had been earlier used to treat urinary disorders and prostate disorders. Also, research has showed that saw palmetto supplements may be beneficial in treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. And research on its effects on prostate cancer cells are underway, to understand if saw palmetto supplementation can prevent the development of prostate cancer.

Milk Thistle

This is a flowering herb, mostly used in liver disorders including liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and gall bladder. Milk thistle is known to protect liver cells and inhibit inflammation. Many studies have also been conducted on the effects of milk thistle for its properties of lowering blood lipid and blood sugar.

Yohimbe

The Yohimbe tree, native to Africa contains a chemical component called yohimbine. It has found its use as an aphrodisiac (to increase sexual desire). Today it is used as a remedy to treat erectile dysfunction in men and other sexual disorders. However, research in studying the effects of yohimbe has been grim.

Astragalus

This herb is most often used in Chinese medicine and is used for enhancing the immune system functions, as well as fighting colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Evidence to support the above functions Is however limited.

Cautionary Note

Though you may find quick fixes, to provide you with quicker results, but just remember, everything quick and easy has always been temporary. Hence, do not self-medicate. Visit a physician and/or dietitian to find out if you need any herbal supplement. A balanced diet and lifestyle modifications Is the key to long-term good health.

It’s not uncommon for scammers to use celebrity faces and false endorsements to sell their products on social media. 

And it seems not even royals are immune to it, with Princess Mary of Denmark said to be the latest embroiled in a scam.

A number of publications have reported that the Danish royal’s name has been falsely linked to a number of ‘dangerous’ diet pills labelled ‘Pure Cambogia Ultra’ and ‘Pure Life Cleanse.’

Targeted: Princess Mary’s name has reportedly been falsely linked to a number of ‘dangerous’ diet pills labelled ‘Pure Cambogia Ultra’ and ‘Pure Life Cleanse’

False: According to Woman’s Day, the ad about Princess Mary claimed that the she turned to the weight loss product to help her lose weight after giving birth to her twins, now five

Many scammers have been selling weight loss products they claim contain Garcinia Cambogia, a ‘metabolism boosting’ citrus fruit that grows in Southeast Asia, for years. 

To do so, celebrity names like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Khloe Kardashian have been used to endorse the pills without permission. 

According to Woman’s Day, the ad about Princess Mary claimed that she turned to the weight loss product to help her lose weight after giving birth to her twins, now five.

• Does this mean alcohol is GOOD for you? From goji berries… From banning ‘best friends’ to outlawing high fives because… ‘I think she’s a bit baffled that you know!’ The… Sexual betrayal, feeling under-appreciated and too much…

Not the only one: Scammers have been selling weight loss products they claim contain Garcinia Cambogia for years (pictured using Khloe Kardashian and a stolen Women’s Health logo to sell the products)

Bizarre: ‘When she was at her heaviest she weighed 86kg and after exercising without success, she got depressed and her life fell apart,’ the ad reportedly read

‘My body fat simply melted away like butter’: They also falsely quoted the royal as saying she endorsed the product

‘When she was at her heaviest she weighed 86kg and after exercising without success, she got depressed and her life fell apart,’ the ad reportedly read. 

They also falsely quoted the royal as saying she endorsed the product. 

‘I did not even have to change my diet or exercise, my body fat simply melted away like butter!’ 

Woman’s Day writes that the royal court of Denmark has demanded these false ads be recalled and confirmed that they were not true. 

WHAT IS GARCINIA CAMBOGIA? 

Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit also known as the Malabar tamarind, is a popular weight-loss supplement. 

People say it blocks your body’s ability to make fat and it puts the brakes on your appetite. It could help keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check, too.  

In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration warned everyone to stop using a weight-loss product that contained garcinia cambogia because some people taking it got serious problems. 

The product had other ingredients, too, so it’s not clear that garcinia cambogia was to blame. While some research suggests the supplement is safe for your liver, other research says no.

Source: WebMD 

No truth to it: Woman’s Day writes that the royal court of Denmark has demanded these false ads be recalled and confirmed that they were not true

Scandal: The Princess’ scam also made the cover of Danish magazine Her Nu

According to New Idea, ‘insiders’ say Princess Mary is ‘furious’ and ‘horrified that girls and women think she is endorsing controversial diet products’ as she is a patron of the World Health Organisation and a strong advocate for a healthy, active lifestyle. 

Another issue is that those purchasing the pills as a result of the endorsement often have no clue what they are buying or who they are truly buying them from. 

The story also made the cover of Danish magazine Her Nu.

Princess Mary is just one of many celebrities who have found themselves being used to promote the product, with celebrity doctor, Dr Oz, also a target. 

One of many: Princess Mary is just one of many celebrities who have found themselves being used to promote the product, with celebrity doctor, Dr Oz, also a target

In 2013, Dr Oz promoted the Garcinia Cambogia products on a show in which it was called a ‘revolutionary fat buster’ and a weight loss ‘breakthrough.’ 

As a result, his words have been used to sell countless ‘dodgy’ products and he was mentioned in the ad featuring Princess Mary where it was falsely claimed that he ‘introduced’ her to the product. 

In February, Dr Oz was sued for promoting Garcinia Cambogia, which ‘all credible scientific evidence’ proves doesn’t work, despite not naming any brands. 

A representative for The Dr Oz Show has since said the lawsuit is an attack on free speech.

‘As we have always explained to our viewers, The Dr Oz Show does not sell these products nor does he have any financial ties to these companies,’ they told TMZ. 

Dangerous? A number of celebrity photos have been stolen to sell the supplements 

Khloe Kardashian is also being used to sell the controversial product in an ad almost identical to the one Princess Mary was named in. 

‘Khloe Kardashian, who wore a size 18 then, watched the pounds melt away. At her heaviest she weighed 237 pounds, after trying everything possible without any success, she fell into depression and her life almost fell apart,’ it reads.

‘She didn’t want surgery and didn’t know what to do next, until she saw Doctor Oz talk about Garcinia Pure Select and Vital Cleanse Complete.

Not proven: Garcinia Cambogia is a ‘metabolism boosting’ citrus fruit that grows in Southeast Asia

‘Khloe decided to give it a try, considering she had nothing to lose. That day changed her life forever. Now others are following her lead.’

Women’s Health Magazine has also been targeted by the scammers, who often use their logo to sell the products.

‘Women’s Health does not endorse African Mango Diet Pills, Garcinia Cambogia Extract, Wholemega Diet Pills, or Green Coffee Bean Extract, or Raspberry Ketone Diet,’ they said in a statement.