Hoodia Gordonii

A Natural Appetite Suppressant

Hoodia gordonii is a plant native to South Africa and has been used for centuries by natives of the area for a variety of medicinal purposes.

Hoodia is a succulent that looks like a cactus and is similar to cucumber when eaten raw. However, hoodia isn't eaten for its taste. For years, the plant has been a mainstay for hunters on long trips, helping them ward off pain, hunger and thirst.

Scientific interest in hoodia began in the 1960's. Testing revealed that hoodia contains a substance called P 57 that seems an active ingredient in appetite suppression. The P 57 molecule is estimated to be up to 10,000 stronger than glucose in convincing your brain that the body is sated, or in other words, not hungry.

Why hoodia suppresses appetite is not fully understood. It appears that the active ingredient stimulates a sector in your brain, called the hypothalamus, that helps regulate hunger. It tricks the brain into thinking that you are full, and thus you don't want to eat. It works by mimicking the effect that glucose has on the nerve cells in your brain, thus curbing your appetite.

It also has been reported that people eating hoodia noted an immediate improvement of their mood. So, hoodia might have some other positive benefits beyond appetite suppression.

Limited human studies have been done, but in both animal and human trials, hoodia was able to substantially decrease the amount of calories ingested, thus leading to weight reduction.

In one 2001, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of overweight, but otherwise healthy volunteers using hoodia, larger doses of of the plant caused a statistically significant reduction in the average daily calorie intake. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in body fat content was also observed compared to the placebo group after two weeks.

Some people who take hoodia notice their appetite is suppressed within 20 to 30 mintues, and it may last for several hours. They have a diminished interest in food, a full feeling, a delay in the onset of hunger and in some cases an increased sense of well-being.

In others, it may take up to 2 to 3 weeks to achieve its maximum effect. Hoodia is not a stimulant, so it has not been reported to make people jittery or anxious. In fact, there have been very few side effects reported with hoodia use.

Since hoodia is only native to South Africa, the supply is somewhat limited, and the cost is significant. Additionally, its success and publicity as an effective, safe appetite suppressant has brought many unscrupulous suppliers to the market.

It is extremely important to know what you are buying and from whom you're buying, because the dosage and ingredients are very critical to success.

Cardiovascular's Hoodia Extract is a 20:1 extract obtained entirely from South African hoodia gordonii plants.

This means the active ingredients are extracted and fully present in the capsule, allowing each capsule to be more potent, safe and effective.

Anybody who's ever been on a diet know that it's the cravings and feelings of hunger that usually do the diet in. Hoodia has been proven effective in controlling those cravings, increasing the probability that you can stick with your weight loss program.

The recommended dosage is two capsules 30 to 60 minutes before eating. This can be safely increased to three capsules if you are not responding to the lower dose. Once the hoodia takes effect, you can reduce the dosage.

Then eat a healthy meal and start or keep up an exercise regime. You should quickly notice a drop in weight as you eat less and feel sated at the same time.

Hoodia is yet another weapon to help those of us who need to keep off weight.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.