Caigua & Weight Loss

Caigua is a vine native to South America that bears a small, hollow fruit resembling a cucumber. Most commonly found in Peru, some sources claim that caigua can be used to treat obesity and the health and cosmetic issues with which it is associated, such as high cholesterol, cellulite and hypertension.

While caigua is widely available today as a weight-loss supplement -- generally in capsule form -- no significant, verified scientific studies have proven its effectiveness in controlling weight or promoting weight loss. However, some promising research indicates that along with a balanced diet, caigua may be an effective treatment for lowering high cholesterol levels.

Types

• Today, caigua is found in a variety of forms, particularly in Peru, where almost every part of the plant is used to treat a particular health ailment. However, it's important to understand that no substantial scientific studies have confirmed caigua effective for any of these uses, aside from lowering cholesterol.

  Caigua is not traditionally used as a weight-loss aid, though many of the ailments traditionally treated by caigua are associated with obesity.

  Some Peruvians make tea from the fruit's seeds to lower blood pressure. When the seeds are dried and crushed, they are sometimes taken to treat intestinal parasites and gastrointestinal disorders.

  Others attribute healing properties to the leaves of the caigua plant, which allegedly can be brewed and ingested as a diabetes treatment.

  The juice of the caigua is said to be particularly potent, and is taken to treat high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, diabetes and circulatory problems.

  Today, caigua is widely marketed as a weight-loss aid, usually in capsule form.

Research

• In 1946, researchers discovered ancient ceramic sculptures depicting caigua on the north Peruvian coast, indicating that this plant has been present in Peru -- and likely used as a food -- for centuries. However, whether ancient Peruvians used caigua as a weight-loss aid is unknown.

  While no significant research has concluded that caigua is an effective supplement for weight management, it may be helpful in lowering high cholesterol levels. In several studies, Peruvian researchers have studied the effect of dehydrated caigua juice in capsule form on cholesterol levels. Each of three studies concluded that this supplement helped lower cholesterol levels and that caigua did not have any harmful side effects or interactions with other drugs.

Warning

• Caigua is widely available for purchase online in a capsule form for the purpose of promoting weight loss. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved caigua for this purpose, and some websites make false claims about the effectiveness of this supplement.

  While caigua may be effective in treating cholesterol, it's not a proven weight loss aid. Consumers should be wary of sites that claim otherwise. Caigua is not a miracle drug; it does not "melt away" or "absorb" fat cells, as some sources claim.

Facts and Figures

• Caigua supplements are widely available for purchase online, most commonly in either a 300 milligram- or 500 milligram-strength capsule. It is also available for purchase as a powder.

  In terms of dosage, retailers commonly recommend up to six capsules a day, or in powdered form, up to three teaspoons daily.

  Prices for caigua vary greatly, from $20 to more than $100 a bottle.

Considerations

• While caigua herbal supplements are generally considered safe, and usually made of all-natural ingredients, they have not been tested or approved by the FDA. If you are on any medications and you're considering taking caigua for weight loss, it's important to speak to your doctor about potential interactions or risks.

  If you're overweight and looking for a weight-loss supplement, speak to your doctor about your options. There are safe, FDA-approved drugs that aid in weight loss, but there are no miracle cures. All weight-loss supplements should be combined with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise to be effective.