There may be a misunderstanding that Hoodia Gordonii is an herb. In actuality, Hoodia Gordonii is actually a plant. It is a succulent, or part of the cactus family. Because hoodia is often sold in the herbal supplements department of the store, that may be where the misunderstanding comes from.
There around 30 types of Hoodia plants in the world, these plants are very common in Mexico. The Hoodia that is native to South Africa is the only variety that contains the molecule P57, this is the active ingredient that controls appetite. There are some companies selling Hoodia products who use the plant from other parts of the world. These products are inferior in quality and will not give you the results you are looking for.
You will also find that there are some manufacturers that makes pure South African Hoodia with other products to keep the cost down. Because of its rare qualities the plant is expensive and you need to keep an eye out and seek pure Hoodia extract. Again, if you want something that works well you need to get 100% pure South African Hoodia.
This cactus plan is attractive because it is all natural and currently shows no known side effects. Looking at recent studies, and looking back into history, the African bushmen have used a plan for centuries with no side effects. This fact makes Hoodia very attractive to consumers.
When you start on the Hoodia program, know that it may take up to 14 days to work. Occasionally there are some users that report quick effects, the average is that the effect is gradual. Again, expect that it may take up to two weeks to really feel the full effect of the product.
Because the appetite suppressant and Hoodia has gotten so much attention, there are usually many questions. Here are some facts about Hoodia and may answer some of those questions.
The cactus plant grows over a foot tall. It has large blossoms and actually release an unpleasant odor. With over 30 varieties, only the South African Hoodia gordonii works for weight loss.
Hoodia gordonii works by affecting the hypothalamus, which is located at the base of the brain and regulates certain bodily functions, such as hunger. It makes your brain think you’re full, even if you aren’t. Glucose works in much the same way, but hoodia has been discovered to be thousands of times more effective than glucose in controlling the hunger signal.
It takes an average of five years for the plant to mature. Once the plants pale purple flower is mature, it is then that it can be harvested.
Even though Western culture has suddenly discovered the Hoodia plant, the San bushmen have been using it for centuries. These bushmen which to Hoodia to ward off hunger when they went on nomadic hunting trips. Another noted side benefit of Hoodia is that it helps with hemorrhoids, indigestion, diabetes, hypertension and abdominal cramps.
In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia to suppress appetite. But it wasn’t until 1963 when scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s national laboratory, began studying hoodia. Initial results were promising — lab animals lost weight after taking the test samples.
