Go On And Say The Word Who Who Hoodia

What is it?

No, It's not a new song by Phil Collins but the latest and supposed greatest of the weight loss wonder drugs. Not a drug really but a plant extract made from the Hoodia "Cactus" well it looks like a cactus, but it's actually a succulent from the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. It seems Bushmen from the area have been using Hoodia for centuries chewing on this "cactus" to alleviate hunger and thirst on long hunts where prey is tracked over hundreds of miles.

Why is Hoodia so expensive?

It only grows in a very specific environment, mainly South Africa. Because of this the demand for Hoodia products has far out paced the production of Hoodia cactus. Which of course has not only driven prices up but also created a whole underground market of fake and/or very low dosage Hoodia products. Many products advertise Hoodia extract but read the label and look for a product that is made from pure South African Hoodia Gordonii. Many Hoodia producers dilute their supplements in order to create a lower cost, and therefore make a lower grade product. The bottle must say 100% Pure South African Gordonii, accept no substitutes.

Can I get cheaper synthetic Hoodia like a synthetic vitamin C or a drug? Hoodia Gordonii is entirely natural; it is not a drug. The drug companies, however, on the lookout for the next "wonder" drug - read "Cash Cow" like Viagra, are already hard at work trying to isolate the appetite-suppressing molecule in Hoodia to create a patented diet drug to "help" the approximately fifty million Americans that are attempting to slim down. For now quality Hoodia is either pure Hoodia, or Hoodia in a formula, from the Kalahari Desert areas of South Africa. Hoodia from Texas, Mexico or China has not been shown in clinical trials to suppress appetite and aid in weight loss.

How does Hoodia perform its diet supporting function? We all know that the key to losing weight is to eat less and exercise more, but that is easier said than done. It seems Hoodia tricks the brain into thinking you've eaten, and makes you feel full. There is a part of your brain, the hypothalamus, where there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar. When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food; these cells start firing and cause you to feel full. What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose. It goes to the same mid-brain cells and actually makes them fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to. Rats when fed the cactus stopped eating completely.

How Quickly Will Hoodia Work? Hoodia may work right away, or may take several weeks. Some people report that Hoodia works for them immediately, suppressing appetite within 20 to 30 minutes after taking the capsules. Generally, though, people typically need up to two weeks of regularly taking Hoodia before they begin to notice the effects, which include: A reduced interest in food. A delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again. Feeling full more quickly. A General feeling of well being. Hoodia Gordonii is not a stimulant, and has no known side effects. Hoodia appears to be safe for most people.

How to Take Hoodia? Prescription drugs containing Hoodia or its synthetic derivative are years away from being on the market. But natural Hoodia supplements are currently available. You need to be particularly careful that you take a Hoodia that contains the actual plant-some brands out there claim to contain Hoodia, and have been tested to show they have no Hoodia whatsoever.

Bottom line. No one can promise you that Hoodia is some sort of miracle diet pill. You can't just pop a few Hoodia every day, eat all you want, and lose weight. It just doesn't work like that.

Reality Sets In. The reality is that for many people in order to lose weight, you have to cut some calories, focus on eating enough good fats (but limit the saturated fats), eat enough healthy protein, eat good carbs (high fiber vegetables and some fruits), avoid the high-glycemic simple carbohydrates (like sugar, flour, and rice), drink sufficient water, and ensure that you are doing things-like aerobic and weight bearing exercise.

Another Option: If you are like me and don't have the time, training or inclination to try every new diet fad that comes along on a daily basis - take a look at this "Fat Loss For Idiots". No I don't think you're an Idiot (remember the Yellow Idiot's Guide to "Whatever" Books) but this unique software produces and personalizes just for you a simple and logical plan that may be more workable (and less expensive) than the latest and greatest wonder weight loss supplement.

P.S. - I do like the word "Hoodia" though - where do they come up with this stuff.

Steve Ingram

P.S. - Please feel free to use this article for any purpose AS LONG AS the links remain intact!

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