More About Hoodia Gordonii

Often confused with a cactus, hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant called a succulent. Native to South Africa , the hoodia gordonii plant has long been used by local tribesman as a way of controlling their hunger and thirst on long journeys. There are many known varieties of hoodia, but only the hoodia gordonii plant has the appetite suppressing ability that has made it such a sought after commodity.

Scientists believe that they have isolated the active ingredient that gives hoodia its amazing ability. They have named this ingredient the p57 molecule. Our brains cannot distinguish p57 from glucose produced by our bodies. It uses our glucose levels to help determine if we need to eat. As such, when we take hoodia gordonii, the presence of the p57 molecule makes our brain think that we our glucose levels are fine and that we don't need to eat.

Manufacturers of weight loss supplements have been quick to capitalize on hoodia's ability to control hunger. Because it is not known to cause any hazardous side effects, and thanks to media coverage on shows like 60 minutes and Oprah, hoodia gordonii has exploded in popularity. Not only is hoodia popular in its own right, but it is increasingly being used as an added ingredient in “diet” candy, shakes, and health bars.

Because hoodia is a food and not a chemical or stimulant it does not have the same potentially harmful side effects on your heart, blood pressure, liver, or nervous system. However, as you shop for hoodia gordonii products, keep in mind that some manufacturers have started combining hoodia and stimulants in their products. Stimulants like Green Tea, ginseng, and caffeine are thought to increase your metabolism which might seem like perfect partners with hoodia's appetite control powers. However, if you are sensitive to stimulants you should purchase and use products that contain only 100% pure hoodia gordonii.

Like any other weight loss products, hoodia gordonii affects different people at different rates. There is no standard for how much hoodia a person can consume, and some have found that they can benefit from small amounts of hoodia (like 500 milligrams) while others feel that they need more (closer to 1,000 milligrams). In addition, some users claim to have felt the benefit of hoodia right away, while others have said that it's taken as long as two weeks of consistent use before noticing an effect.