Hoodia for Weight Loss

I. What is Hoodia?

 Hoodia is a cactus plant growing in South Africa. This plant is originally used by the South African natives to ease hunger during long hunting periods. People who seek the benefits of hoodia weight loss should be aware of what it is made of.

The hoodia plant is composed of different types of hoodia plant species. Only one of these, the hoodia gordinii is said to contain the molecules that suppresses one’s appetite causing one to consume lesscalories than usual .

II.Hoodia Weight Loss

The main active ingredient, which is responsible for hoodia weight loss effects, is the molecule P57. This is found in the heart part of the cactus. This chemical is said to work on the brain, telling the body that it is full. According to Dr. Richard Dixey, the chief of Phytopharm, hoodia gardonii works in the hypothalamus. It gets this signal as an indication that enough food is taken. In return, it stunts the appetite. Also, this molecule is said to be 10,ooo times stronger than any of the body’s chemicals like glucose.

Moreover, this P57 molecule is licensed to Phytopharm, a British-based pharmaceutical company. Together with Uniliver, a company that owns “SlimFast line of weight loss products”, they own its patent rights. These companies are said to continue conducting more studies about the efficacy and safety of these products with P57 molecule.

III. Forms of hoodia weight loss products

Hoodia weight loss products in the market come in many forms:

·         Hoodia weight loss pill and tablet

·         Hoodia weight loss gum

·         Hoodia weight loss patch

Hoodia weight loss pills and tablets require digestion and may take several hours to yield its effects. Like any other forms, it contains organic ingredients that are known to suppress appetite but increases energy level resulting to weight loss.  Hoodoba Pure and Unique Hoodia  offer these kind of products, to name a few.

On the other hand, hoodia weight loss gum also requires digestion. It is best chewed to cure night eating where it can stave off eating when the metabolism is at the lowest.  Over time, natural cravings go away and weight loss is achieved. Zoft Hoodia Gum is one example of this product.

Hoodia weight loss patches are bandage-type of products applied on the skin. The ingredients in the hoodia weight loss patch are directly absorbed by the skin. This causes one to reduce food consumption and eventually to lose weight. Slimming Aid Hoodia Patch and the Pink Patch are some of the examples of this kind of products.

The hoodia weight loss products are still evolving in the market with the rise of other forms like powder and even extracts that are taken orally. Not all products may best suite someone’s condition.

IV. Possible Side Effects

Companies who market hoodia weight loss products claims that there are no side effects because hoodia has been used by the native of the Kalahari Dessert in Africa for years. However, this must be subjected to “safety tests” to answer safety concerns for the health. Until “safer formulations” are done, people should be wary of using it.