Hoodia

Winfried Bruenken (Amrum), CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

In a study published in the journal Appetite, hoodia   Click to listen highlighted text! hoodia was shown to help people eat less and lose weight. In the study, overweight women were given hoodia or a placebo. The women who took the herb ate 1,000 calories per day less than the placebo group.

Hoodia supplements have been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight.

The proper scientific name is Hoodia gordonii. Its active ingredient is believed to be a steroidal glycoside called P57. This chemical fools the brain by making you feel full, even if you have not eaten.

If you are looking for a natural way to lose weight, hoodia may be worth trying. Be sure to look for supplements that contain 100% pure hoodia Gordonii extract.

How Hoodia works on Weight Loss:

The plant contains a molecule, similar to the active ingredient in other weight loss products, that tricks the brain into thinking that the person is full, even when they have not eaten. This false sense of fullness leads to a reduction in overall food intake, and subsequently, weight loss.

The Plant:

The cactus is known as a succulent that is native to the Kalahari Desert in Africa. For centuries, the San Bushmen have used it to stave off hunger during long journeys.

Research & Study of Hoodia:

Phytopharm had spent more than $20 million on research by late 2004, including clinical trials with obese volunteers that have yielded promising results. These volunteers ended up eating about 1,000 calories a day less than those in the control group. Consider that the average American man consumes about 2,600 calories a day and woman about 1,900 calories, and it’s easy to see how hoodia could produce significant weight loss over time.

Dosage:

Most supplements come in capsules or tablets. It is recommended to take 400-650mg of hoodia per day, 30 minutes before meals.

Precautions / Possible Side Effects

The most common side effect is stomach upset. Other possible side effects include headache, dizziness, and nausea. It is generally considered safe for most people. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not recommended.

Other herbs that may offer similar benefits include Garcinia cambogia, green tea extract, and glucomannan. Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit that contains hydroxycitric acid, which has been shown to promote weight loss. Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with increased fat burning and weight loss. Glucomannan is a soluble fiber that absorbs water and creates a feeling of fullness, leading to reduced food intake. Like hoodia, these herbs are generally considered safe for most people.

Note: Many products claiming to contain hoodia only have minute amounts of the active ingredient. Be sure to look for supplements that contain 100% pure hoodia Gordonii extract.

FAQ – at a Glance

1. What is hoodia?
It is an herbal natural alternative to weight loss pills.

2. What are the benefits?
The benefits include weight loss, appetite suppression, and reduced calorie intake.

3. How does it work?
It works by tricking the brain into thinking that the person is full, even when they have not eaten.

4. How much should I take?
Most of the supplements come in capsules or tablets. It is recommended to take 400-650mg of hoodia per day, 30 minutes before meals.

5. Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect is stomach upset. Other possible side effects include headache, dizziness, and nausea. It is generally considered safe for most people. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not recommended.

Resources:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com

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