Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia Gordonii was as per history in use by the San Bushmen, Hoodia Gordonii. It naturally suppresses appetite and controls feeling of hunger even as it helps increase results of weight loss. Basically an extract from a cactus-like plant, Hoodia is found largely in the desert areas of South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Botswana. Hoodia has been in use since thousands of years. The San Bushmen from the Kalahi Desert traditionally used Hoodia to suppress thirst and appetite when going on long hunting trips. However, in the modern times, Hoodia can be had in various forms and claims to provide many health benefits to the user.
Hoodia Gordonii - How does it work?
Even though Hoodia Gordonii is a plant, it is now available in numerous forms, for instance liquid, capsule, tea or powder. It can be got from various drug stores and health food stores. It has been shown in research that Hoodia disrupts energy molecules that effect hunger signals in the brain. A study conducted in 2004 on 18 human consumers, showed that after the consumption of Hoodia users experienced a reduction food intake of about 1,000 calories a day, as compared to a placebo group.
Hoodia Gordonii - Benefits
It is claimed that Hoodia reduces the appetite. Users of Hoodia also disclose the following advantages:
There is no need for the users to alter their diet schedule or exercise regimen to experience the benefits of weight loss, though following this will enhance weight loss.
As Hoodia reduces appetite, users do not experience severe hunger or starvation
Users report reduction in carving for food, therefore resulting in reduction for of junk food
Hoodia is completely natural and is reported to enhance in energy levels without the use of chemicals, for instance like caffeine
Hoodia is free from stimulants and the users do not state feeling sleepless or restless
Hoodia is derived naturally from plant and is regarded to be a completely natural and herbal supplement
Hoodia Gordonii – Possible Side Effects
Although Hoodia Gordonii is a drug that has the reputation of causing no side effects, the published research and studies on this drug is insufficient to endorse this claim. Even though Hoodia has been used by the San Bushman for thousands of years, the inference of Hoodia has not been long term in North America, so the possible side effects, safety concerns and drug interactions have been by and large unnoticed.
The following are the negative aspects of this supplement:
It has not been approved by the FDA
There are no reports or studies on the possible drug interactions and implications
Possible variations in blood sugar
Can result in dehydration due to suppression of thirst
Additionally, as per recent studies people with diabetes should be extra careful when using Hoodia as the drug tricks the brain into believing the body has ingested sufficient blood sugar. Therefore, consuming Hoodia can cause the blood sugar levels drop to severely low levels that could result in grave implications for people with diabetes.
Hoodia Gordonii – What products are to be used?
Even though a wide range of Hoodia supplements and brands are available in the markets, consumers should evaluate buyer guides to make sure that they are buying pure Hoodia. According to recent reports, approximately 80% of Hoodia products available in the markets are either impure or sham. Hence, the only certain way to verify the reliability of a Hoodia brand is to ensure the company selling the product a CITES certification. This certification signifies that the Hoodia is legally and genuinely got from the deserts of Kalahari.
