Hoodia gordonii is being discussed everywhere these days. Women looking for a natural and safe weight loss formula have been turning to unique hoodia formulas ever since ephedra was banned from the market. While hoodia is still not widely known, as more and more people discover it, its reputation is growing fast.
Hoodia was first discovered back in 1937 when an anthropologist noted that African bushmen in the Kalahari Desert ingested it before they set out on long journeys to stave off hunger. Finally, in 1963, the South African government funded an independent study of this African plant. Initial studies by the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) showed that hoodia did act as an appetite suppressant in laboratory mice.
Together with a British company, the South African government lab discovered the active ingredient in hoodia. Called simply P57, it is technically called a steriodile glycoside.
Hoodia remained unknown outside of pharmaceutical circles until a 60 Minutes correspondent went to Africa and tried it herself. She reported that after ingesting a small portion of the plant, she lost the desire to eat or drink for the rest of that day. Since then, the public has been clamoring for it.
To this day, the way that hoodia works is still something of a mystery to scientists. Laboratory tests have shown that it works on animals and anecdotal evidence strongly supports the claim that it is an effective appetite suppressant, but scientists are divided on how it works neurologically.
There are no known side effects to this substance. Because it suppresses thirst as well as hunger, users are cautioned to remind themselves to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Other than that, some scientists have cautioned that diabetics should not take it because it may indirectly lower one's blood sugar levels.
The word of mouth evidence for the effectiveness of hoodia as an appetite suppressant is the strongest available evidence. Those who use hoodia products that contain a reasonable dose of pure hoodia have no doubt that it works to suppress hunger and thus help users lose weight. Because of its popularity, however, there are some companies who market products they contain very small dosages of hoodia. On occasion, some products have contained none at all.
Finding a unique hoodia product that contains an effective level of hoodia gordonii is the biggest challenge to consumers. Before choosing one, research it carefully. There is plenty of information about it online, so if you do your homework, you should be able to find a genuine hoodia product that you will be satisfied with.
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