Hoodia Species

A History of Hoodia Research

2008-03-16T09:12:00.001-07:00

The research that has gone into the Hoodia plant and the products surrounding it over the years has been incredible, and it is really important to understand about the origin of the Hoodia plant as well as about the different Hoodia research that has been completed over the years, in order to get a better and more informed understanding on this subject matter overall.

Where Hoodia Comes From

The Hoodia Gordonii plant is one which derives from South Africa, and it has actually been used for centuries by the Xhomani Sans Bushmen of Southern Africa’s Kalahari Desert, to suppress the appetite during long hunting trips. Although it has obviously then been around for quite some time, it has only really come around in the United States and other parts of the world over the past few years, and only recently has it become the popular new craze in the diet world.

How Hoodia Works

The way in which Hoodia works is actually quite simple; even though there are actually about 20 different species in the family, the Gordonii is the only one that contains the natural appetite suppressant, and thus the only one that is able to work for weight loss. What happened was that when South African scientists were tested the Hoodia plant, they discovered that the plant contained a previously unrecognized molecule, one which is similar to glucose, and which is thus able to trick the brain into thinking that the body is full when really it is not.

What Hoodia Research has Accomplished

There is much that Hoodia research has accomplished, the most major conclusion which has been found through this Hoodia research is the fact that Hoodia is an extremely potent and powerful nutritional supplement that is used for suppressing the appetite and thus can be used for weight loss, even on those people who have tried various other methods all to no avail.

Millions of dollars are constantly being spent on Hoodia research these days, as scientists and people in general want to know more about it and be able to understand how it is so incredibly powerful and effective. This research will be incredibly valuable, as by better understanding about something such as the Hoodia plant, there will be more knowledge gained on the issue of weight loss solutions in general, and perhaps even more incredibly potent weight loss products can be created.

That it why the continuing research of this plant and of the products that it is already in is so incredibly important overall.

A Guide to Hoodia Saftey

2008-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Although there is really not much that you have to worry about when it comes to Hoodia and all of the different products which include Hoodia as a main ingredient, there are still some sensible points that you are going to want to take into consideration, just to make sure that you are aware that although with the sensible dosage Hoodia is completely safe, if you are irresponsible and take too much of it, there are serious side effects that are possible.

Hoodia Safety Tips

Hoodia safety is something which is crucial to have consideration for, especially considering the positive benefits and effectiveness that every Hoodia product has to offer. After all, the Hoodia weight loss products that are available on the market today, most of them have been classified as having worked when nothing else would, and as well for the most part they have no negative side effects, thus showing how much all Hoodia products should be respected.

There is a recommended dose which is listed on each Hoodia product however if you were to be careless and go over that Hoodia safety recommendation, for instance perhaps you think that by taking even more you will be able to lose even more weight quicker, than you are putting yourself at serious risk.

After all, the main ingredient in the Hoodia weight loss products is the Hoodia Gordonii plant, which, although all natural, is an incredibly powerful weight loss suppressant. It works by tricking your brain into thinking the body is already full when really you have not eaten at all, thus making you less hungry though the day and reducing your caloric intake overall.

However if you go over that Hoodia safety recommended dose, then you are putting too much of the product in your body and there is a possibility of you dying from starvation, that is how serious it really is. After all, just because it is acceptable for your body to be tricked into thinking it is full here and there so that you can start eating less and let your stomach shrink down to a more minimal size, you certainly do still have to eat something, and this will basically not be possible if you take too much of the product.

Another Hoodia safety concern is in regards to how many people are worried about buying a weight loss product that advertises as having Hoodia as an ingredient but which in fact does not have authentic Hoodia in it at all. There are ways that you can avoid traps such as these however, and the simplest and most effective way is to read the ingredient label, as companies are bound by law to have to be truthful in listing the ingredients that make up their product.

Are You Informed? Information About Hoodia Side Effects

2007-10-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Obesity in America is, as has been stated repeatedly in studies and the media, at epidemic proportions. Many people are willing to do anything in order to lose weight. As a result, the diet and supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar juggernaut that shows no signs of slowing.

Recently, a new supplement has come to the market that is making many confident claims about its ability to suppress appetite and help desperate dieters in their battle against unwanted fat. Hoodia is the latest sensation out of gate. This rare herbal supplement has become the plant du jour of the weight loss and supplement industry. The question that should be asked of any drug is whether claims are valid based on empirical data and whether it is safe for consumption. Thus, hoodia must be viewed with some skepticism due to lack of study on effectiveness and scant information about hoodia side effects

Widespread counterfeits are advertised on internet and television with low costs and high promises. But, can they deliver? How informed are you concerning this supplement and do you have enough information about hoodia side effects?

Truth, Science And Consequences

The fact is, there is little scientific information about hoodia side effects. The claims of this product are based primarily on one unpublished study of seven obese patients. While this study indicates some effectiveness, it by no means meets the requirements for scientific certainty nor does it provide adequate information about hoodia side effects. Hoodia is a long way from FDA approval.

While the studies so far have shown no significant side effects from using hoodia, there are some possible side effects that are sited repeatedly. The first one is mild upset stomach. Persons who take the supplement take up to 1000mg per day. If a person takes the dose on an empty stomach and does not eat a healthy diet, it increases the likelihood of stomach upset.

Second, and most serious, there is a possibility of liver damage. Like many drugs and supplements, hoodia is processed through the liver to the rest of the body. Prolonged use may cause liver damage in obese persons, particularly those who are already suffering from liver conditions and have previous damage.

Erring On The Side Of Caution

It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before starting any weight loss regimen. This is particularly true in the case of unproven supplements like hoodia. Until more information about hoodia side effects is available one should always be careful. After all, weight loss means nothing if it costs a person his life.

Oprah And Hoodia: Affecting Millions

2007-08-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Since the media and people’s obsession about hoodia, even the multi-media mogul Oprah talks about hoodia on her magazine, “O”. And since Oprah Winfrey is very influential not just to the Americans but also to the whole world, the marketing and advertising of the diet pills always connect Oprah and hoodia.

We all know that Oprah’s credibility to the people is ultimate; everything that has been mentioned by Oprah becomes a hit instantly. Books that were mentioned on her shows and magazines become a bestseller right away so it is no wonder why Oprah and hoodia becomes a new way to publicly promote the product.

Oprah And Hoodia In “O”

In the published article of “O”, it tackled many tips and guidelines when buying an authentic product that has hoodia. It says there that you have to make sure that every hoodia product you buy is one hundred percent natural and stimulant free. Also, you have to be wary of the amount of hoodia does the product has (750 mg is the recommended amount). Make sure that you will buy a hoodia dietary supplement only to suppliers that could provide you with a verifiable independent lab analysis since most of the products should have a certification of its authenticity. You must also know that the plant hoodia could only grow in South Africa; therefore, you should not buy substitutes from other countries like China, Mexico, etc.

Lastly, stay away from suppliers that gives out false claims that may sound too good to be true by giving you more than ninety capsules in one bottle for only $30 since hoodia is known to be expensive due to its complex processing.

Oprah And Hoodia And Then Some

The review on hoodia in “O” magazine came out last July of 2005 and it has created a tremendous impact to its readers and to the general public, making hoodia more popular as a dietary supplement for weight loss. The article tackled informative facts and other issues concerning the “miracle plant”. In the article entitled, “Diet Pills, the Next Generation”, the article dwelt on the hoodia diet pills that are being sold on the market and the benefits that we could get from taking it. The first article was authored by Tom Mangold which in turn made hoodia famous in Europe. After which, 60 Minutes, ran a program that includes interviews from the people behind the “invention” of hoodia and its effects on people who have used it.

Thus, this made Oprah and hoodia closely related especially when it people across America and the whole world listen and look up to Oprah. Oprah’s opinion insinuated that hoodia works for many people when it comes to weight loss and management.

Lose Weight With Hoodia: The Real Deal

2007-07-12T06:23:00.003-07:00

Hoodia has been used thousands of years ago by South African natvies when they are in their long hunting expedition or in any of their extensive journeys to help ward off their hunger and thirst. The hoodia plant grows in the deserts of Kalahari and in some parts of Angola and Namibia. It was also used by South African people to help aid in small infections and indigestion.

With its popularity nowadays, we may see supplementary diet products that proclaim to help us lose weight with hoodia.

Lose Weight With Hoodia: Now And Then

The hoodia plant looks very much like a cactus and it has a spiky tubular form which is shaped like a cucumber. The name “Gordonii” which is usually associated with hoodia is the name of the exact plant of the more than twenty known species under hoodia. Last 1977, the Britain-based pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm, patented and licensed the active ingredient in hoodia known to be P57. They collaborated with Pfizer to isolate and synthesize the form of P57 to be used as an appetite suppressant. Since then, companies make campaigns that proclaim their products help lose weight with hoodia.

Not only do companies assert that their products could help people to lose weight with hoodia, but also there have been false claims that say it could lower their blood pressure and reduce the appetite of the people who are taking it. The makers of Trimspa paid more than one million dollars to settle FTC allegations since their claims were insubstantial and misleading to the true benefit hoodia may give.

What It Really Is

Since there are many products of hoodia available in the market today, it is essential that we know what the effects of hoodia in our body are. P57 is the name of the isolated and active ingredient in the hoodia gordonii plant and it affects mainly our hypothalamus, the part of the brain that is responsible in making us think if we are already full or not. It tricks the hypothalamus to make us think that we have already eaten enough. The results are plain and simple; we lose weight with hoodia because we eat less because the P57 triggers the hypothalamus to shut down the hungry feeling.

Though there may be a significant benefit that hoodia gordinii can give us, it is always best to lose weight naturally by observing the way we live through proper diet and exercise.

Pure Hoodia Suppresses The Appetite

2007-07-12T06:23:00.001-07:00

Pure Hoodia has become very popular with those who are intent on losing weight. The elements found in pure Hoodia are extracted from plants that grow in a specific area in South Africa. Pure Hoodia has not been tested with strict research methods or by expert medical professionals however here have been some tests on the efficiency of pure Hoodia and these might present some evidence. Although there are no research results to substantiate the effects of pure Hoodia, there have been many stories from people who have found positive results from pure Hoodia.

Pure Hoodia comes from these plants that are grown in South Africa. These plants are succulents that are somewhat like cacti with flowers. The people where the plants are grown have used these plants for many years because of the medicinal qualities. The substances in these plants that can be used as an effective appetite suppressant have been protected by patent laws for many years. The people from the area receive revenues from the use of these plants. One major drug company has worked to supply the ingredients in several forms that suppress the appetite. The plants are protected so any pure Hoodia should be labeled or certified to be from South Africa.

The Success Of Pure Hoodia Continues To Increase

Pure Hoodia has become a successful product because of the effectiveness that people have had with this product. The addition of Hoodia to the diet makes people feel that they are full and this feeling remains for a substantial period of time. Those people who have used Hoodia have not reported any adverse side effects. Several prominent television programs have presented information on the success of Hoodia. As the news has spread about Hoodia, the product has become more difficult to find. There is no artificial Hoodia available so the product must come from the limited number of plants grown in South Africa.

The plants grow slowly, and the government of South Africa has strict controls on the production of the plants. The government of South Africa has also made sure that the product will be certified as it leaves South Africa. Some companies in China have tried to market a product similar to Hoodia, but these products from China are not pure Hoodia. The officials of South Africa have carefully monitored the system for certifying Hoodia so the official government certificate will identify the genuine product. Dieters should consider the use of Hoodia to help them lose unwanted pounds.

Understanding Liquid Hoodia: Its Purpose And Advantages

2007-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

There are two major forms of Hoodia weight loss products: tablet and liquid form. Although the Hoodia weight loss pills are incredibly respected and smiled upon, there are many advantages that come from taking the liquid Hoodia as well, and you should be aware of these advantages before deciding on any specific Hoodia product for yourself, so that you will be able to make the best possible decision for you.

About Liquid Hoodia

Whereas with pills and tablets you will usually absorb anywhere from 2% to 20% of the nutritional value, and, for most people, your body has to go through the process of breaking down and absorbing the supplements as pills, with liquid Hoodia the Hoodia is able to be absorbed immediately, and the majority of people will experience its effects in just a few minutes after swallowing it.

The Advantages Of Liquid Hoodia

One of the most major advantages of the liquid Hoodia is that it is able to provide you with the same or even better results than the pill or tablet form can, and even at a lower dosage amount at that. This is because the Hoodia in the liquid form has a much higher absorption rate than the pill form does.

Other advantages include: the liquid form is much easier to swallow, while capsules and tablets can be difficult for children and older adults alike; the liquid absorption of active elements is generally between a high rate of 95% to 98%, while the absorption rate for pills and tablets is only around 2% to 20%; and the liquid form travels immediately into your blood stream, which in turn, works by helping you feel its effect almost instantly, whereas capsules and tablets can take many hours to effect the body even minimally.

Speaking To Your Doctor First

Although speaking with your doctor is certainly not necessary in a case such as this, as Hoodia is all natural and has no known negative side effects, it is still not going to hurt, and besides that, you will be able to get a lot more information regarding Hoodia from your doctor, and if for some reason there is a doubt in terms of it being a good idea for you to take the product, then at least you will be able to know beforehand.

Taking a couple minutes to talk to your doctor is not going to hurt anything, and if it is going to make you feel safer and more comfortable about taking the product, then it is worth it.

The Real Deal: South African Hoodia

2007-06-15T20:39:00.001-07:00

There are several species of hoodia plant, but the only species that has shown any promise in appetite suppression is hoodia gordonii, a rare and endangered succulent grown only in the Kalahari Desert in and around South Africa. Thus, only South African Hoodia is known to produce the desired effect.

Cost Cutting: Bypassing South African Hoodia

Pure South African hoodia requires a special permit for harvesting. In addition, the Sans tribe must be paid a percentage of the profits. This makes supplying hoodia in mass quantities a fairly expensive proposition. If manufacturers are to make a profit, something must be done to cultivate hoodia outside of its natural habitat. Unfortunately to date, the results have been less than positive.

Hoodia gordonii is a very difficult plant to grow. As it is a desert plant, its growth is very slow. It takes anywhere from two to seven years to produce a mature plant. As a result, supplies are low and those plants cultivated in China and the United States produce low or no amounts of P57, the chemical that causes appetite suppression. This means that only South African hoodia is even remotely effective.

This has not stopped companies from buying the cheaper and ineffective hoodia. In order to profit, they mislabel their products particularly the amount of hoodia in each capsule. They use filler ingredients to supplement the small amounts of hoodia they provide and they buy the inferior cultivated products and pass them off as the real South African hoodia.

Buyer Beware

If a person is looking for the genuine product, he needs to make sure that what he is getting is South African hoodia. One must read labels carefully and research companies through the Better Business Bureau and other industry watchdog groups. The information is available to aware consumers and it could make a difference in the wallet and in one’s health.

Also, if a company is found to be selling a fraudulent product, the proper agencies need to be informed. There are thousands of email scams that promise free samples, deeply discounted prices and highly inflated claims of effectiveness. It is probably good to remember that if something looks too good to be true it probably is.

Most people are desperate to lose weight in a society that pays attention to appearances. But buying products that may jeopardize one’s health only encourages fraud by those who can operate under the radar in an industry that has little regulation and a product that has yet to be verified as effective scientifically. If one is ready to take a risk, the best thing to do is get the safest product available and pay the extra for peace of mind. Making sure the product is South African hoodia is worth the price in the long run.

What Is Hoodia? Can It Help In The Battle To Lose Weight?

2007-06-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

You’ve probably asked yourself that question if you’ve ever stood in the diet section of your local grocery store. Nearly every diet pill, drink and food has hoodia in it. You see it advertised everywhere. “Lose weight with Hoodia,” and, “Hoodia is the answer to those unwanted pounds.” But what exactly is Hoodia and how can it help in the struggle to lose weight, one of the hardest things you’ll probably ever attempt to do?

It Comes From South Africa

Hoodia is a plant that grows naturally in South Africa. It looks much like a cactus but isn’t a member of the cactus family. For thousands of years, South African natives have ingested hoodia to help with indigestion and small infections. However, in 1977, scientists isolated an active ingredient in hoodia that acts as an appetite suppressant. This ingredient is what the hoodia we know of today is comprised of, and it’s what many use in their attempts to lose weight.

How Does It Work?

Hoodia is what is known as a natural appetite suppressant, leaving you feeling fuller, longer. You will be able to go the entire day only eating what you need to either lose weight or maintain your weight and you won’t be tempted to snack, as many dieters find themselves. Dieting is very difficult and one of the most difficult aspects of it is the willpower required to keep from binging. After a few days of cutting calories, you might be tempted to go your local buffet and set up camp. With hoodia, you won’t have that craving and you can focus on eating right and exercising, the true keys to losing weight.

Hoodia actually regulates your blood sugar, which makes you feel as though you have enough energy to do what needs to be done. When you feel hungry, you are actually feeling a drop in your blood sugar, your body’s way of telling you that you need some energy. When your blood sugar is regulated by hoodia, you only feel hungry when you really need to eat. So, what is Hoodia? Hoodia is your key to not overeating, a staple in any diet regimen.

There are some that claim that hoodia has side effects, but there are no conclusive studies on the subject. Still, it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor before using hoodia to ensure no negative effects. Now that you know what hoodia is, you can use it to help you lose weight. Just make sure that you accompany it with a clean diet and regular exercise program so that you can maximize the results in your search for a newer, leaner you.