What does hydroxycitric acid do to your body?

If you’re like me, the first time you heard “hydroxycitric acid,” your brain immediately went into panic mode. Was it a deadly virus? A secret government weapon? A new brand of energy drink guaranteed to give you wings AND abs (with only 20 grams of sugar per serving)?

Fear not – hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is actually just a naturally occurring chemical compound found in certain fruits, most notably Garcinia cambogia. And while HCA won’t turn you into Superman or curse you with werewolf powers during full moons, it does have some interesting effects on the body. So let’s dive in and take a look!

The Basics: What Is Hydroxycitric Acid?

Before we start talking about what HCA does specifically, it helps to know exactly what it is. As mentioned before, HCA is a compound that comes from fruit – namely, the rind of Garcinia cambogia, which grows primarily in Southeast Asia and India. It belongs to a class of compounds called citrate lyase inhibitors (CLIs), which basically means they interfere with the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates into fat.

Sounds pretty good so far, right? But wait – there’s more!

Appetite Suppression

One of the reasons HCA has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement is its alleged ability to suppress appetite. According to some studies, ingesting HCA can increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and appetite. Basically, when your serotonin levels are low,/you’re more likely to crave carbs and sweets(slash)– but when they’re high,/you’ll feel fuller for longer periods of time and be less tempted by junk food(slash).

Of course , not all studies have agreed on this point – some research has found that HCA may not significantly affect appetite at all. But the idea of a natural appetite suppressant is certainly intriguing, particularly for people who struggle with overeating and portion control.

Fat Blocker

Another way HCA supposedly helps with weight loss is its ability to block fat production. As we mentioned earlier, HCA inhibits citrate lyase, an enzyme that turns carbohydrates into stored fat. Essentially, by taking an HCA supplement, you can decrease the amount of new fat your body creates from the food you eat.

To be clear , though, this doesn’t mean that taking an HCA pill allows you to eat unlimited bags of potato chips without consequence(comma) or that it’s a magic bullet for weight loss(period) Calories still count; if you consume more than your body needs in a day, those excess calories will get stored as fat regardless

Have Fun while Losing Weight

Ok ok enough about weight loss(exclamation mark) Maybe I’ve been conditioned by our society’s obsession with thinness (or maybe I’m just really hungry), but there are other interesting things HCA might do to the human body beyond helping us drop pounds like Kanye drops lyrics(asterisk) For example :

Boost Athletic Performance?

One small study showed that athletes who took an HCA supplement experienced increased endurance during workouts compared to those who didn’t take it^(1). Of course , one study isn’t exactly definitive proof , but if true , it could be exciting news for anyone looking to improve their exercise performance naturally(uncommon terminology)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lower Cholesterol?

Animal studies suggest eating fruits high in hydroxycitric acid may lower cholesterol levels In rats when injected intraperitoneally[2](reference?) However, again ,(comma)more human research would be needed before we take this as gospel.

Improve Mood?

Remember how Garcinia cambogia‘s HCA can increase serotonin levels in the brain? Well, that same neurotransmitter has also been linked to improved mood and stress relief^(3). So who knows – maybe your daily dose of HCA could help you feel happier and calmer throughout the day(comma) even if it doesn’t shrink your waistline.

Potential Side Effects

As with any supplement or medication, hydroxycitric acid does come with potential side effects to be aware of. Here are a few:

  • Upset stomach: Some people experience nausea or diarrhea after taking HCA
  • Headache: This may occur due to changes in serotonin levels
  • Liver damage: In rare cases, high doses of HCA have been associated with liver toxicity
  • Interactions with medication: HCA may interfere with certain medications, particularly those used to treat diabetes and cholesterol issues

Again , it’s important/vital for anyone considering taking an HCA supplement(however) don’t let these side effects scare you away from trying something new! Just make sure to talk to your doctor first , especially if you’re currently taking any medications or dealing other health concerns .


So there you have it – a rundown on what hydroxycitric acid does (and doesn’t do) for the body. While its exact benefits are still somewhat up for debate, one thing is clear : Garcinia cambogia remains an interesting plant worth studying thoroughly . Whether you’re looking for weight loss aids(slash) waysto boost mood during stressful times, give garcinia cambogia extract a chance(exclamation mark).

1.) Preuss HG et al., “Effects Of A Natural Extract Of (-)-Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA-SX) And A Combination Of HCA-SX Plus Niacin-Bound Chromium And Gymnema sylvestre Extract On Weight Loss” Diabetes Obes Metab. 2004 May;6(3):171-80.
3.) Oryan S, Akbari Javar H, Naghdi M[i] & al] . The Effect of Hydroxycitric Acid on Serum Lipids and Oxidation Indices in Rats with Different High-Fat Diet-Induced Pre-diabetic Conditions Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Volume 24, Issue Links”][20191030];Page: 81-91[/i]

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