What Is Garcinia Fruit Rind?

The fruit of the garcinia tree is popular in Indian cuisine for its distinctive sour taste and is often used as a condiment to flavor curry. Garcinia fruit rind has also demonstrated numerous health benefits, from easing stomach trouble to assisting with weight loss.

Origin

• Garcinia is a citrus fruit tree found in India, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. It yields small, oval-shaped yellow fruit no larger than a peach. The fruit's rinds are dried and powdered for their medicinal benefits.

Benefits

• Garcinia fruit rind contains high concentrations of hydroxycitric acid, which may be helpful in weight loss due to its effects on metabolism and its ability to suppress appetite.

Function

• The hydroxycitric acid in garcinia fruit rind is believed to interfere with the body's ability to convert carbohydrates into fat, resulting in reduced fat production and storage. This causes the body to burn calories at an accelerated rate and leads to weight loss.

Uses

• Garcinia fruit rind is found in many modern weight-loss supplements. In India, garcinia fruit rind has long been used to treat edema, constipation, intestinal parasites, rheumatoid arthritis, gastric ulcers and general bowel complaints. Garcinol, an active ingredient in the rind, reduces stomach acid and protects the gastrointestinal tract.

Considerations

• If taken in large doses, garcinia fruit rind may cause upset stomach, diarrhea and headaches.