About Hodia Gordonii:
If you want to loose weight you have likely already heard the praise being given to the latest in natural cures - Hoodia Gordonii. So, is it as good as they say? How does it work? And most importantly - will it help you loose weight?
STUDY SHOWED HUNGER PAINS TURNED OFF
The most frequently reported study to promote Hoodia Gordonii as a weight loss supplement was conducted with obese individuals who were given Hoodia Gordonii and left in a room with little to distract them except TV, reading and eating. This group consumed on average 1000 less calories a day than the control group given a placebo.
The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii appears to tell the brain that the stomach is full. No hunger pains could mean less eating, which would naturally cause a loss of weight.
AFRICAN BUSHMAN USED HOODIA TO STAVE OFF HUNGER FOR LONG TRIPS
Hoodia Gordonii is an African cactus that grows naturally only in the Kalahari desert. For thousands of years the bushman of this region have eaten Hoodia Gordonii with no apparent ill side effects, like the racing heart experience of Ephedra or other supplements.
In fact, the only known side effect seems to be an overall good feeling. However, the bushman used the Hoodia Gordonii sparingly and further studies are required to examine the possible side effects of regular doses over a long period of time.
WILL THE Hoodia Gordonii HELP YOU LOOSE WEIGHT?
The molecule that has been linked to the appetite suppressing abilities of Hoodia Gordonii, now called P.57, appears to affect both humans and animals. One study showed a decrease in appetite by 30-40%. There are documented personal experiences showing the immediate effects of eating Hoodia Gordonii.
Hoodia Gordonii has been used for generations by South African tribesmen to starve off hunger and thirst during long hunting expeditions. Hoodia is difficult to grow and requires just the right amount of water, sun light, and temperature. It takes five years for Hoodia to grow to full maturity.
To test the Hoodia, morbidly obese people from Leicester, England, were kept in a place as close to prison as it gets. All the volunteers could do was read papers and watch television and eat. Half the group was given Hoodia Gordonii and half was given a placebo. At the end of 15 days, the group on Hoodia had reduced their food intake by 1000 calories a day. Given the average daily diet is around 2200 calories, this was a remarkable success! Another clinical study performed in 18 overweight but healthy males provided statistical evidence that the Hoodia Gordonii extract reduced the average daily calorie intake and reduced body-fat over the 2 week clinical trial period.
In addition to eliminating hunger and suppressing the appetite Hoodia also seems to boost energy levels and counteract depression, some folks even report aphrodisiac-like qualities. The efficacy of Hoodia Gordonii has been established with a profound weight loss and a good emergent safety profile.
South African scientists have been testing Hoodia since 1996 when they discovered the plant contained a previously unknown molecule that replicates the effect glucose has on nerve cells in the brain fooling the body into thinking it is full, even when it is not. Hoodia-s appetite suppressing molecule is said to be almost 10,000 times stronger than glucose. A U.S. pharmaceutical company spent over 400 million dollars researching this molecule.
It is important to note that the molecule isolated in Hoodia Gordonii does not necessarily affect the appetite when eating high carbohydrate or sugar diets or when hunger is caused by physical exercise. While P.57 can signal to the brain that the body is full, the sugar drops and physical requirement for nourishment can counteract these effects.
As with any weight loss program it is necessary to adapt diet and lifestyle to experience the most profound changes. Suppressing the appetite should not be a replacement for good nutrition and healthy living. It is also important to note that further testing of the safety and effects of Hoodia Gordonii are sure to continue and not all products that are advertised to contain Hoodia Gordonii are prepared equally. The active ingredient in many products is not enough to produce the desired effects and should be chosen wisely.
