Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a compound that occurs naturally in a kind of Asian fruit called malabar tamarind. The chemical makeup of HCA is very like the chemical makeup of citric acid, which is the acid found in fruits like lemons and oranges.
Though much research is still needed in this area, early studies have shown that HCA could be very successful in helping people control their weight. Laboratory testing (though no human clinical trials) found that HCA inhibits the process that turns carbohydrates into fat by slowing specific enzyme reactions.
HCA is rare. Only a few plants manufacture it, with the best source being Garcinia cambogia, or malabar tamarind, which is a gourd-like plant indigenous to the Asia Pacific region. Malabar tamarind is prepared in condiment dishes. Its rind is very rich in HCA.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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