The active ingredient in Olympian Labs HCA is a natural compound called (-) hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which may curb the appetite, inhibit fat and cholesterol production and increase energy levels. HCA is an organic acid that is similar to citric acid, the common acid found in fruits such as lemons and oranges. Unlike citric acid, which is found in abundance throughout the plant kingdom, HCA is limited to only a few plant species native to Southern Asia called Garcinia. The fruit of this plant has been used for years in native food preparation as a spice and to make meals more “filling”. HCA is extracted from the fruit rind of the Garcinia plant. The (-) negative form of HCA indicates a particular molecular configuration and is a naturally occurring form which exhibits potent weight loss properties. HCA may Enhance curb the appetite and inhibit fat production. Here´s how it works. Normally, calories not used immediately are stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen, a special type of starch. Excess calories are always stored as fat, no matter if they begin as carbohydrates, proteins or fats. However, for carbohydrates to be stored as fat, a key enzyme called ATP-citrate lyase must be present to facilitate this process. HCA works by interfering with the function of this enzyme, by imitating another chemical that binds to the enzyme, rendering it ineffective. In the absence of fat production, HCA uses another biochemical process to promote glycogen production. When glycogen stores rise, special receptors in the liver send a signal to the brain that says “I’m full” therefore suppressing appetite and reducing food intake. HCA works without chemical stimulants. Dieters often resort to over-the-counter stimulants to boost their metabolic rate and decrease their appetite. Unfortunately, most appetite suppressants stimulate the central nervous system which often leads to side effects such as nervousness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure and Disturbance in sleep. These side effects can wreak havoc on those taking needed prescription medicines such as anti-hypertensives and heart medications such as beta blockers. HCA won´t cause any of these side effects because it doesn´t work on the central nervous system, it works via peripheral mechanisms in the liver and elsewhere to influence the metabolism of calories. HCA Enhances you drop excess pounds without causing you to lose fat-burning lean muscle tissue. HCA also has been shown to increase the production of serotonin which enhances mood and decreases food intake.