As a very weight-absorbed culture, we are always looking for the latest, greatest and quickest way to shed some pounds. There is no shortage of weight loss products on the market today. From hoodia to green tea, the new wave of weight loss products come from nature rather than being manufactured in a sterile lab by a team of white-coated researchers.
One such product that has been picking up steam is Caralluma Fimbriata. While hoodia hails from Africa, Caralluma grows in India. In fact, it shares a lot of similarities to hoodia such as also being a succulent-based plant and it has been eaten as a vegetable by natives for hundreds of years to stave off hunger on long journeys or through bouts of food shortages.
How Does it Work?
Caralluma is believed to work its magic by blocking the opportunity for fat cells to form and forcing fat stores to be used as primary fuel. It is also believed to act on the brain, particularly, the part of the brain that controls hunger. Caralluma acts like an “off” switch telling our brains that we’re full even if we’re not. Therefore, fewer calories will be consumed and the pounds will start to come off, or so it is hoped.
What are the Side Effects?
So far, the few research studies that have been done on Caralluma have shown very little or no adverse side effects. One trial revealed that bloating was a side effect of the extract version of Caralluma, but according to the Indian medical system, Ayurveda, no adverse effects or toxicity are associated with taking Caralluma Fimbriata. It is not known whether these Ayurvedic experts are referring to the actual plant form of Caralluma or the concentrated extract form.
Where Can I Get It?
While Indians consume Caralluma raw, cooked with spices or pickled, weight loss products carry the form of this cactus plant in its extract form. Two such current products on the market are Caralluma Burn and Slimaluma. Slimaluma also contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) from green tea which is also supposed to suppress and control appetite.
If you’re curious about Caralluma, talk to your doctor first, especially if you are currently taking any medication. Your doctor may have access to far more advanced and more up-to-date research on the benefits and risks of Caralluma than what you are able to dig up on the Internet.