Saturday, February 21, 2009

How Does Hoodia Work For Weight Loss?

By Carol Johnson

There is a common misconception that Hoodia Gordonii is an herb, Hoodia Gordonii is actually a plant. It is part of the cactus family of succulents. Part of the perception that it is an herb is because the supplement is commonly sold in stores that sell herbal supplements.

While Hoodia can be found all over the world, the Hoodia that really works for appetite suppressant is from South Africa. It contains the molecule P57 and this is the molecule that aids in appetite suppression. Because there is only one plant that has the P57 molecule Ute to make sure you get your Hoodia from South Africa.

You will also find that there are some manufacturers that makes pure South African Hoodia with other products to keep the cost down. Because of its rare qualities the plant is expensive and you need to keep an eye out and seek pure Hoodia extract. Again, if you want something that works well you need to get 100% pure South African Hoodia.

Hoodia is all natural with no known side effects. To date, no study conducted has found the cactus to have any harmful side effects. We know from history that the bushmen have taken it for centuries. They also have not had any harmful side effects. This is a definite advantage that it has over other recent supplements. The fact that Hoodia has no known harmful side effects makes it appealing to dieters.

When starting on the Hoodia program it may take up to two weeks to work. Sometimes there are people that say that the effects happen quicker, but for most people the active ingredient affects you more gradually. Again allow about 14 days to feel the full effect.

This is a powerful appetite suppressant that has received lots of media attention lately. Here we've compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding hoodia for weight loss.

Hoodia is a plant called a succulent. Resembling a cactus, it grows over a foot tall and features large blossoms that are unpleasant in odor. There are many different types of the succulent, however only hoodia gordonii has been proven to assist in weight loss.

The active ingredient works by affecting your hypothalamus. It makes your brain think that you are not hungry. While many take glucose to try to gain the same affect, Hoodia has been shown to be significantly more effective in controlling the hunger signal in the hypothalamus.

It takes an average of five years for the plant to mature. Once the plants pale purple flower is mature, it is then that it can be harvested.

Even though Western culture has suddenly discovered the Hoodia plant, the San bushmen have been using it for centuries. These bushmen which to Hoodia to ward off hunger when they went on nomadic hunting trips. Another noted side benefit of Hoodia is that it helps with hemorrhoids, indigestion, diabetes, hypertension and abdominal cramps.

It was a Dutch anthropologist who noted that the bushmen were using the Hoodia to suppress their appetite. But it wasn't for 30 years until scientists started studying the Hoodia plant. And, it was much years later that the Hoodia plant became used or available widely for diet and appetite suppression. - 16004

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