I have to tell you that with 15 pounds to loose, I was becoming discouraged. Then, I saw the Oprah Winfrey show in which the topic of Hoodia and weight loss came up. Intrigued by information, I conducted a ton of information to see if this was a genuine option for losing weight. Hoodia, officially known as Hoodia Gordonii is actually a type of cactus coming out of the deserts of South Africa.
Natives living in South Africa have been chewing on the plant for years, as a means of curbing appetite. This cactus somehow has the ability to suppress appetite, thus promoting weight loss. Today, you can purchase Hoodia in a number of forms to include powder, tea, liquid, and capsule. In addition to being sold in health food stores and some pharmacies, you can also purchase this product online.
The Hoodia cactus grows in green upright clumps and although people refer to it as a “cactus”, it is actually a succulent. For the soft purple flowers to grow, a time when the plant can be harvested, takes approximately five years. Keep in mind that more than 20 unique types of Hoodia exist. Therefore, when buying, you want to make sure you choose a product that is 100% Hoodia Gordonii and nothing else.
Again, the natives have been using Hoodia for many years but it has just recently been introduced to the United States. In addition to helping the natives handle hunger and thirst during long hunting trips, this plant is also said to help ease painful stomach cramps, as well as help with tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, hypertension, diabetes, and hypertension. Even so, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to taking or depending on Hoodia in these instances.
By the late 1930s, an anthropologist discovered the use of Hoodia. However, it was not for another 27 years before a national laboratory in South Africa started an intense study of the plant. Using lab animals for experimentation, weight loss resulted. With this, the scientists began to work with a British company, trying to find a way of isolating the active ingredient found in Hoodia. In all, some $20 million was spent on research. When Pfizer Pharmaceuticals heard about Hoodia, they secured a sub-license to obtain the rights.
Today, Hoodia is still not widely understood, which is why additional research is underway. However, I can tell you that I purchased a bottle of 100% Hoodia capsules and I did in fact lose weight. What I liked about this natural product was that I did not feel jittery, hyped up, or strange in any way, something you often get from appetite suppressants. The only change I noticed was that I was not as hungry.