Hoodia - The Latest Rock Star Supplement

Hoodia is more popular than ever. If diet supplements could have “rock stars” hoodia would be it. Hoodia gordonii has been featured in television reports on 60 minutes, on CCN, and the BBC. It also got rave reviews when covered by the Oprah Winfrey publication “O” Magazine.

So what is this hoodia thing?

Hoodia gordonii is a succulent, a cactus like plant that grows only in the southern desert regions of Africa . Quite the stubborn plant, hoodia gordonii is known to take as long as five years to produce its purple blossom and reach a stage where it can be usefully harvested. Often referred to by other names like xhoob, Ghaap, and khoba, there are over 20 varieties of hoodia plant, but only one that produces hunger controlling effects. That on is the hoodia gordonii.

What does it do?

Hoodia gordonii has been the trade secret of local tribesmen for hundreds of years. They use it on long journeys or hunts as a means of controlling hunger and thirst. As scientists began taking a closer look at foods that Bushmen eat, they discovered the effects of hoodia and the rest, they say, is history.

Scientists believe they have isolated that part of the plant which gives it its appetite suppressing qualities. They have patented the discovery and named it p57. The p57 molecule is many times stronger than glucose. You see, our brains keep track of our glucose levels in order to measure when we need to eat. When our blood sugar is low, the brain kicks in the hunger mechanism which urges us to eat until we are full, or until the brain recognizes that our glucose levels are restored. Because the brain thinks p57 is glucose, it essentially is “tricked” into thinking our glucose levels are fine and refrains from making us want to eat.

When buying hoodia…

Because of its popularity, manufacturers have tried to ensure the uniqueness of their hoodia product by offering a wide variety of supplements and confections. You can buy hoodia gordonii in powder form, as a capsule, a liquid, or in “diet” bars, milkshakes, lollipops, and even a patch.

The best thing to do when choosing a hoodia product is look for 100% hoodia gordonii. Often, manufacturers will combine hoodia with other weight loss supplements believed to increase metabolism like ginseng, green tea, or caffeine. For best results purchase pure hoodia gordonii.