Hoodia Gordonii
0.0Historically used by the San Bushmen, Hoodia Gordonii is an all natural appetite suppressant that controls hunger while increasing weight loss results. Originally derived from a cactus-like plant that grows most popularly in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola, Hoodia has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally, the San Bushmen of the Kalahi Desert relied on Hoodia to suppress appetite and thirst while on long hunting trips. Today, the modern-day version, available in various forms, boasts many beneficial health results.
How does it Work?
Although originally a plant, Hoodia Gordonii is available in various forms, including capsule, liquid, powder, or tea, and is available in various health food and drug stores. In these forms, research shows that Hoodia interrupts energy molecules that impact hunger signals in the brain. In a 2004 study of 18 human consumers, users found that the consumption of Hoodia resulted in a reduced food intake of approximately 1,000 calories per day, when compared to a placebo group.
Potential Benefits of Hoodia
As Hoodia claims to reduce appetite, consumers also reveal the following positive benefits:
- Users do not need to alter diet or exercise to gain results, although implementing these will increase weight loss
- Since Hoodia decreases appetite, consumers do not feel painfully hungry or starved
- Consumers report a decrease in food cravings, making the desire for poor food choices less strong
- As a natural drug, Hoodia is known to increase energy without chemicals such as caffeine
- Hoodia is stimulant free, and users do not report any feelings of restlessness or sleeplessness
- As a natural plant derivative, Hoodia is considered to be an all natural herbal supplement
Potential Side Effects
While Hoodia Gordonii is a drug that carries a reputation of no side effects, there is a lack of published studies on the drug. While the San Bushman used the Hoodia plant for thousands of years, the implications of the drug have not been long-term in North America, so potential drug interactions, side effects, and safety concerns have been generally overlooked. Recent reports suggest the following negative traits:
- Not yet approved by the FDA
- No studies of drug-related interactions and implications
- Potential blood sugar variations
- Suppression of thirst resulting in dehydration
In addition to this, recent reports suggest that people with diabetes should use Hoodia with extra caution, as the drug works by tricking the brain into believe that the body has ingested enough blood sugar. Using Hoodia, it is possible that one’s blood sugar could drop to dangerously low levels, which can result in serious implications for individuals with diabetes.
Which Hoodia Gordonii Product Should I Use?
While there are a wide variety of Hoodia supplements and brands, users should review buyer guides to ensure that they are purchasing pure Hoodia. Recently, reports reveal that approximately 80% of Hoodia products on the market were either contaminated or counterfeit; therefore, the only way to verify that a Hoodia brand is reliable is by ensuring that the company has a CITES certification, which indicates that the Hoodia is genuinely and legally derived from the Kalahari desert.