Since TV’s most famous doctor mentioned Garcinia Cambogia as a natural weight loss supplement, it really shot to prominence as a supplement everywhere. This gem squash like looking fruit, known as the tamarind plant, is indigenous to India and south-east Asia where it has been known for its healing properties for centuries. Today, there are many variations of the Garcinia Cambogia supplement available, but not all of them are equal. The one under review today is called simply Garcinia Cambogia and it is manufactured by Nature’s Design.
The active ingredient of garcinia resides in the rind. This compound is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA stops fat cells from forming by blocking the enzyme responsible for this process. It also helps to boost levels of the feel-good neurotransmitter, serotonin. As a result, HCA is often credited with helping you feel more alert, focused and energized as well. In turn, this helps you to increase your activity levels, which will help you burn fat even faster.
Nature’s Design brands their product as having the highest possible concentration of HCA (95% of the general garcinia extract), killing food cravings and being able to burn excess fat very rapidly.
Ingredients
There are 60 capsules in a bottle, with each capsule being 1 serving. Each serving contains:
- 700 mg Garcinia Cambogia (95% HCA extract)
- 35 mg Potassium
- 35 mg Calcium
- 140 mcg Chromium
The 95% HCA extract is high and is on a par with other high levels. While it is the highest possible extraction, it does not follow that this is the highest concentration per serving overall in mg. Our research has led us to other supplements with 1600 mg per serving, with an HCA concentration of 95%.
Potassium and calcium are both compounds that help the body absorb garcinia. The capsules are therefore highly bioavailable. Chromium helps the active ingredient, HCA, in executing its fat-blocking mission.
Dosage
Take 1 capsule before each main meal up to three times a day. Your stomach should be as empty as possible, so 30 minutes to 60 minutes before the meal is ideal. Always take the supplement with a full glass of water. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or a child under 18, get medical clearance first.
It may be tempting to see garcinia as a wonder ‘drug’, but you should not overdose on it. Safety has only been established in certain consumption ranges. Side effects include headaches and digestive upset; however, liver complaints have also been reported.
Price
At the time of compiling this review, one bottle of 60 capsules was retailing for $22.88, down from the normal price of $33.77. One bottle could last you 60 days or 20 days, depending on how much you use.
Guarantee
The brand takes its customer service seriously – this much is evident from the returns policy. Clearly, the manufacturer backs its product with pride and confidence. The window in which you can return your bottle is 60 days in order to invoke your money-back guarantee. The only thing to note though is that the return is worded in the singular – it refers to returning one bottle only. It may be wise to find out how many bottles are covered by this policy if you plan to make a bulk purchase.
Conclusion – Nature’s Design Garcinia Cambogia
We love the levels of bioavailability of this product, ensuring you get the maximum benefit of the 95% HCA contained in each serving. There are no artificial binders or fillers so the capsules should be allergen free and safe for everyone. If you take the 3-a-day dosage, all indications are that indeed your food cravings should greatly diminish.
We do not agree however with the positioning of this product as a radical fat burner – this is simply not the way garcinia works. Realistically, the effects are more gradual and while you absolutely can burn fat very quickly, it will not be due to the garcinia alone. It will be because you are following a cleaner diet along with the supplement, and have used the mood enhancing effects to spur you to exercise. We have seen products containing 1500 mg and 1600 mg garcinia (with 95% HCA extract) and with such high mg volumes, only 1 capsule or serving a day would be needed. Do a cost-benefit analysis before making any Garcinia Cambogia purchases.