Hoodia: Health Fact or Fiction?

Hoodia Gordonii is a plant, native to the regions of South Africa including Botswana and the Kalahari Desert, that has arisen in popularity over the last several years for its purported weight loss and energy providing capabilites.

The popular supplement was introduced to the US health food market in mid 2004, but has been used by the South African San tribe for thousands of years to provide energy and suppress hunger for extended hunting activities. 

As the supplement's popularity has grown in the Western world, there are many who question its touted abilities to promote weight loss, increase energy, and even improve sexual performance in men.

Recent lab studies have begun to shed some light on Hoodia's properties and what effects they generate in the human body.  Research has shown that Hoodia causes signals to be sent to the brain that fool the brain into believing that the stomach is full, even when it is not. These signals are thought to be a thousand times stronger than the same signals that sugar sends to fool the brain into thinking the stomach is empty.  Lab experiments have shown that a molecule in the plant, P57, is the driver for this ability to suppress appetite, increase energy levels and help with weight loss.

Simply put, if used correctly, Hoodia can generate significant weight loss results.

When used in conjunction with a regimen of regular exercise and a healthy diet, Hoodia can contribute to significant changes in body composition.

Food cravings are the main culprit in the failure of most diet plans.  Studies have also shown that Hoodia can help to control these cravings and allow men and women to stick to a weight loss regimen.

Warning!

It is important that one adhere to the recommended dosages found on any Hoodia product packaging, as excessive intake of Hoodia can, as with most stimulants, lead to irregular heartbeat issues, anxiety, and other disorders.  Hoodia is not for everyone, and it is advisable to check with your doctor before embarking on any weight loss program that includes the supplement.

** I have been using Hoodia off and on for the last year or so.  After experimenting with a couple of brands, I have settled on a Hoodia supplement provided by Hoodia Gordonii Plus.   They are active members of the Natural Products Association and their product has been proven to be reliable and accurate in its potency representations (unlike this brand).  **