Complete Review of Irvingia Gabonensis
What is Irvingia gabonensis?
Irvingia gabonensis is fast becoming one of the most popular ingredients in the supplement industry because more and more studies are showing the benefits of Irvingia when it comes to weight loss, high cholesterol and elevated blood glucose levels. Irvingia gabonensis is a West and Central African tree also known as the wild mango or bush mango. The tree is valued for its dika nuts in addition to producing a yellow edible fruit. The soluble fiber in the seeds is being regularly studied to determine the validity of claims that Irvingia gabonensis aids with weight loss. Irvingia is high in fat, similar to other nuts and seeds, and contains 14% fiber.
The History of Irvingia gabonensis
Irvingia gabonensis has played an important role in the nutrition, economy and traditional medical branches in western and southwestern tropical Africa from Nigeria to Angola. Through the help of the United Nations, a number of researchers have been made available to enhance the production and commercial use of Irvingia. Irvingia's benefits helped keep the Benin Army fit through several wars during the early 1800s according to reports from Nigeria. The first official studies conducted on Irvingia's benefits as a weight loss aid were not completed until just a few years ago after researchers and scientists started realizing the possible benefits of this African tree, but all signs and studies completed since indicate Irvingia helps with weight management, high cholesterol and lowering blood glucose levels.
Results of Studies conducted on Irvingia gabonensis
10 Week Double Blind Placebo Control Study Conducted on 120 Subjects
In this 10-week, double blind, placebo controlled study 120 individuals were divided into two groups; a placebo group and an Irvingia gabonensis group, which received 150 mg of Irvingia gabonensis extract twice daily.
Individuals in the Irvingia gabonensis group averaged 28.1 lbs in weight loss compared to just 1.5 lbs in the placebo group. In the Irvingia gabonensis group, body fat was lowered by 6.3% compared to 1.9% in the placebo group. Total and LDL cholesterol levels dropped dramatically more in the Irvingia group (27%) than the placebo group (4.8%)
Single Month Study Conducted on Benefits of Irvingia
As one of the initial Irvingia gabonensis studies, this study was conducted as a double blind, randomized study on 40 individuals with a mean age of 42.4 years. While 28 of the individuals received Irvingia gabonensis, 1.05 g three times a day for one month, the other 12 were on placebo and the same schedule. During the month-long study period all individuals were on a norm-caloric diet and evaluated every week by a dietetic record book. After the month was over, the mean body weight of the Irvingia group was dropped by an average of 11.7 lbs and that of the placebo group by 2.9 lbs. The obese patients taking Irvingia gabonensis as part of the study also had a significant decrease of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase of HDL-cholesterol. On the other hand, the placebo group did not show significant changes in blood lipid components.
Benefits of Irvingia gabonensis
Though research and further studies on the benefits of Irvingia gabonensis are continuing to be conducted, early indications are Irvingia gabonensis can provide significant benefits when it comes to weight loss. The soluble fiber found in the Irvingia seed is similar to other fibers and works as a bulk-forming laxative which also suppresses the appetite.
Irvingia can also delay stomach emptying, which leads to greater absorption of dietary sugars. In this way, Irvingia reduces blood sugar levels after a meal. Irvingia can provide benefits to help lower bad LDL cholesterol, while raising good HDL cholesterol levels. By binding to bile acids, Irvingia carries cholesterol from the body and helps lower cholesterol levels and other blood lipids. The high fiber content removes cholesterol from the body.
Side Effects of Irvingia gabonensis
Irvingia gabonensis is considered 100% safe for adults when taken as a crude seed extract daily. The only known side effects are minor, but some people have reported flatulence, headaches and trouble sleeping.
Conclusion
As new as Irvingia is in the weight loss industry, more and more people are interested in discovering the validity of Irvingia's benefits when it comes to weight loss. Current studies indicate Irvingia is completely safe and extremely beneficial as a weight loss ingredient when supplemented up to a few grams daily. Studies have also indicated Irvingia can be beneficial for overall health by lowering and balancing cholesterol levels and helping maintain blood sugar levels. By all indications, Irvingia is a great ingredient to facilitate weight loss.