Caralluma fimbriata for Weight Loss

	By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor Monday, January 7, 2013

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As we all search for the magic pill for weight loss, it's important to remember the best ideas may already be out there. In the case of Caralluma fimbriata, an edible cactus known for its weight loss properties, necessity was certainly the mother of invention. This cactus became a mainstay for tribal populations in India who needed a way to fight off hunger and thirst during travels and famine.

With published research now confirming the weight loss effects of Caralluma fimbriata, it's time to take a closer look at this weight loss aide that's getting major attention.

What Is Caralluma fimbriata?
Caralluma fimbriata is a type of edible cactus native to India. Grown both in rural and urban areas (often considered a roadside shrub), this type of cactus has been used for centuries as a food source. It's also consumed regularly by travelers and hunters, having demonstrated appetite and thirst-suppressing properties in times of food shortage. This cactus was also consumed to increase energy for greater endurance.

Weight Loss Effects
As previously mentioned, the main action of Caralluma fimbriata that contributes to weight loss is the suppression of appetite. This prevents overeating during meals as well as snacking in between meals, allowing you to decrease your daily caloric intake for weight loss. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Caralluma fimbriata contains several active photochemical constituents, like glycosides, bitters principles and saponins, that contribute to these effects. In particular, researchers at the Western Geriatric Research Institute in Los Angeles found pregnane glycosides block the fat-forming enzyme citrate lyase, supporting the development of lean muscle mass, which burns more fat at rest. These glycosides also suppress the hunger sensory mechanism found within the hypothalamus.

A 2003 study conducted at St. John's Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore, India showed the supplement was not only well tolerated but also contributed to weight loss. The eight-week study involved 50 obese adults, 25 of which took the supplement and 25 who took a placebo. Participants weren't asked to change their diet in any way, but were required to walk for 30 minutes daily. The only reported side effects were mild digestive discomfort, which subsided after the first week of the study and were later attributed to the particular capsule the extract was encased in.

How to Take It
As with all weight loss supplements, especially those without added stimulants like Caralluma fimbriata, maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is essential for weight loss success. In India, the diet consists of mainly vegetables, fruits and grains as well as some fresh meat. They limit fat intake as well as the use of salt, relying heavily on herbs and spices, like turmeric, to flavor foods, which also have anti-inflammatory and other health benefits of their own. Walking is also a part of daily life in India, making exercise the other crucial component of this and all weight loss programs.

The recommended dosage of Caralluma fimbriata extract is between 500 mg and 800 mg, taken up to twice daily. As with all supplements, it's important to speak with your physician before adding Caralluma fimbriata to your routine, especially if you're being treated for a medical condition. While this supplement was well tolerated in published reports, natural extracts can effect people differently and studies continue to determine its effectiveness.

Could Caralluma fimbriata be your way to shed the unwanted pounds in time for swimsuit season this year? Give it a shot at eVitamins and let us know how it goes!

Solaray Caralluma  Why you may like this product? Adding Caralluma fimbriata extract to your daily routine can help you consume less calories and lose weight. This supplement from Solaray provides 500 mg of caralluma extract in each capsule, guaranteed to provide 125 mg of pregnane glycosides per serving. You only need to take it once a day to support healthy weight loss and management. Now Foods Slimaluma Plus 250 mg  Why you may like this product? Not only does this product from Now contain 500 mg of caralluma extract, but also provides 200 mg of green tea extract and 200 mg of yerba mate extract. This combination controls appetite, burns fat and boosts energy to help you take control of your weight quickly.

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