The Truth About Irvingia
What Exactly is Irvingia gabonensis?
Irvingia gabonensis, also known as the wild mango tree or bush mango, is a West African tree used for centuries for its wood, fruit and nuts. Recently Irvingia is getting attention for the value of its seeds.
Several studies in the past 5 years have concluded that Irvingia gabonensis can be used as a weight loss ingredient and helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, especially beneficially for diabetics. The weight loss benefits come from the soluble fiber found in the seeds. Irvingia seeds are rich in healthy fats and high in water-soluble fiber.
The History Behind Irvingia
More than 200 hundred years ago the Nigerian Benin Army was feed Irvingia gabonensis regularly to keep fit while they fought battle after battle in the early 1800s. Even before soldiers were benefitting from the rich nutritional fruits, nuts and seeds of the Irvingia tree, the tree was highly valued for numerous other nutritional, economical and traditional medical benefits all over the African continent, especially in the tropical countries from Nigeria to Angola.
Only in recent years, with the United Nation's help, Irvingia has been brought into western cultures. The UN allowed and helped numerous research groups develop the commercial production and use of Irvingia. After the tremendous benefits were discovered, more and more studies have been conducted on whether or not Irvingia has any real value related to weight loss.
Irvingia's Benefits
The benefits of Irvingia had been known to the soldiers 2 centuries ago, and western medicine is finally realizing Irvingia's potential. Early studies have concluded Irvingia aids in weight loss, high cholesterol and high blood lipid levels. The water-soluble fiber in Irvingia is similar to other fibers as a bulk forming laxative that helps suppress the appetite and delays gastric emptying.
By delaying stomach emptying, Irvingia allows the body greater absorption of dietary sugars to reduce blood glucose levels after a meal. Irvingia has also helped lower overall cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and, in many cases, raised HDL cholesterol levels. The high fiber content binds with bile acids similar to other water-soluble fibers and carries unnecessary cholesterol from the body.
Irvingia's Side Effects
Irvingia can be considered safe when taken as a crude extract form up to a few grams daily for adults looking for a weight loss and cholesterol management solution. Minor side effects of Irvingia include flatulence, headaches and sleep problems.
The Latest Studies Conducted on Irvingia
Single Month Study Conducted on Benefits of Irvingia
In a 2005 study on the benefits of Irvingia, 40 obese men were randomly separated into different groups in a double blind clinical trial. Before the study, 28 men received 1.05 grams of Irvingia gabonensis three times daily for 30 days. The men were also evaluated weekly by a dietetic record book during the entire month and placed on a norm-caloric diet.
The Irvingia group lost weight by an average of 11.7 lbs while the placebo group lost an average of 2.9 lbs during the month. The obese men in the Irvingia gabonensis group also lowered total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, while HDL-cholesterol rose in those individuals. The placebo group showed no substantial changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Conducted over 10 Weeks
Patients in the Irvingia gabonensis group, who took 150mg of Irvingia twice a day for 10 weeks, lost 28.1 lbs over 10 weeks compared to 1.5 lbs lost by patients in the placebo group. Irvingia gabonensis patients also lowered body fat by an average of 6.3% compared to 1.9% in the placebo group. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were also affected and fell by 27% compared to the placebo group, which fell by 4.8%.
Overall Impression of Irvingia gabonensis
As a one of the newest ingredients to hit the weight loss industry, caution remains when it comes to using Irvingia gabonensis. However, Irvingia has been substantially studied and concluded to be a safe weight loss ingredient that can also aid in overall health. By supplementing with a few grams daily, Irvingia gabonensis can benefit weight loss efforts and balance cholesterol levels. It is still important to be wary of Irvingia supplements, and make sure you are getting clinically proven amounts in the supplements that are available.