What is Irvingia gabonensis?
Irvingia gabonensis has been used for its nutritional value for more than 2 centuries in western and central Africa. Only recently has Irvingia risen in popularity in western cultures. Irvingia is a West African tree which is more commonly known as the wild mango tree or the bush mango. Irvingia has risen in popularity because recent studies have shown it has significant benefits when it comes to weight loss, high cholesterol and elevate blood sugar levels. The tree has always been valued for its dika nuts and yellow edible fruit similar to popular mangoes. However, it’s the Irvingia’s seeds extract that is getting the most attention as of late. The soluble fiber in the seeds is believed to aid with weight loss and benefit overall health. Like other nuts and seeds, Irvingia is high in healthy fats, and contains a high volume of fiber.
The History of Irvingia gabonensis
It has been reported that Irvingia was a key to keeping Nigeria’s Benin Army fit over the course of battle during several wars during the early 1800s. Since before that time, Irvingia gabonensis has been valued for the nutritional, economical and traditional medical benefits from Nigeria to Angola. It’s only been recently, and with the aid of the United Nations, that Irvingia has been introduced in western cultures for its many possible benefits. The United Nations opened the possibility of bringing Irvingia west by allowing a number of researchers into west and central Africa to help enhance the production and commercial use of Irvingia. This allowed for further research and clinical studies to be conducted on the possible benefits of Irvingia.
Benefits of Irvingia gabonensis
Every early indication on the benefits of Irvingia has been that it is a powerful weight loss aid. Further research and clinical trials will continue to be conducted, but scientists and researchers aren’t expecting to find any significant differences than those that have already been determined about Irvingia. As a soluble fiber, Irvingia is similar to other fibers as a bulking forming laxative that has the capability to suppress the appetite and help with weight loss.
By helping delay stomach emptying, Irvingia also helps the body when it comes to the absorption of dietary sugars to reduce blood sugar or blood glucose levels after a meal. Irvingia has been shown to also help lower LDL cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels, and raise HDL cholesterol levels in many cases. Irvingia’s high fiber content works similar to other water-soluble fibers by binding with bile acid and carrying cholesterol from the body.
Results of Studies conducted on Irvingia gabonensis
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Conducted over 10 Weeks on 120 Subjects
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled 10-week study, 120 subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups; the Irvingia gabonensis group received 150 mg of Irvingia gabonensis extract twice daily while the placebo group followed the same routine with a placebo.
On average, subjects in the Irvingia gabonensis group lost 28.1 lbs over 10 weeks compared to 1.5 lbs lost during the same time in the placebo group. In addition, the Irvingia gabonensis subjects, body fat was lowered by an average of 6.3% compared to 1.9% in the placebo group. And finally total and LDL cholesterol levels fell substantially more in the Irvingia group, by 27%, than the placebo group, by 4.8%.
Single Month Study Conducted on Benefits of Irvingia
In one of the earliest official Irvingia gabonensis studies, 40 obese patients were separated into separate groups in a double blind, randomized study. In the study, 28 of the subjects received 1.05 grams of Irvingia gabonensis three times daily for a full month, the others in the study were on placed on a placebo and the same schedule. All subjects were placed on a norm-caloric diet and evaluated every week by a dietetic record book during the entire month. The mean body weight of the Irvingia group dropped by an average of 11.7 lbs compared to the placebo group which dropped by 2.9 lbs. As part of the study, the obese patients in the Irvingia gabonensis also saw a drop in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol rise whereas the placebo group showed no significant changes in these areas.
Side Effects of Irvingia gabonensis
Irvingia gabonensis is all-natural and there have been no known serious side effects during clinically trials. It can be considered safe for adults when taken as a crude seed extract daily to aid with weight loss and cholesterol management. There have been some indications of minor side effects such as flatulence, headaches and sleep problems.
Conclusion
Irvingia gabonensis may be the exact ingredient millions are looking for to help them lose the weight they have struggled to lose for years. As a relatively new ingredient, there remains caution in the weight loss industry when it comes to Irvingia, but that’s the case with most new ingredients. By all indications, however, Irvingia is a safe ingredient that can aid with weight management and help overall health as well. When supplemented in up to a few grams daily, Irvingia can be beneficial in several ways. And of course with a new ingredient comes new weight loss products, so it is important to be aware of the actual Irvingia content, and find a product with clinically proven amounts to see the kind of benefits you should see when taking Irvingia.