What Are The Effects Of Hoodia?

The hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant found in regions of South Africa where Local San Bushmen have known about its appetite suppressing characteristics for centuries. While not their food of choice, the tribesmen are known to consume the plant while on long treks or hunts where they expect food to be in short supply. Since the announcement of hoodia gordonii's amazing qualities it has become a popular ingredient in weight loss products.

Hoodia works by affecting that part of the brain that monitors our glucose levels that indicate when we need to eat. In effect, it makes you feel full and eat less. Unlike “fat burners” or products that aim to increase metabolism, hoodia gordonii does not cause increased blood pressure, and heart rate, nor does affect your liver. However, some manufacturers have started combining hoodia with other weight loss supplements such as green tea, ginseng, or caffeine. If you are sensitive to stimulants like these then you should stick with products that contain 100% hoodia gordonii as a standalone ingredient.

In a European study on the effects of hoodia it was shown that people who participants who took hoodia consistently for a two week period began to consume approximately 1,000 fewer calories per day than participants who were given a placebo. Like any other weight loss supplement, hoodia affects different people at different rates. When taken thirty minutes to an hour before a meal, some users claimed to have felt the effects almost immediately while others said they had to use the product for as long as two weeks before feeling any effects.

In addition, some people claim to benefit from smaller doses of hoodia (approximately 500 milligrams) while others need larger doses (1,000 milligrams or more). Because hoodia is a food, it is not precisely known what limit, if any, there might be on how much hoodia a person can consume. That said, users need to be careful when using hoodia. After all, we do need to eat in order to stay healthy.

As with any diet or weight loss supplement, you should talk to your doctor before using any hoodia gordonii product. People who have special dietary needs, such as diabetics or women who are pregnant, should refrain from using hoodia products. For best results, look for products that contain pure hoodia gordonii, and consider whether you want  to use products that might contain additional stimulants.