What Is Hoodia Gordonii - Hoodia FAQ

Hoodia is the most discussed, most popular and most misunderstood genus of diet pill in the weight loss industry.

It is estimated that over a quarter of all diet pills purchased from the non prescription diet pill marketplace have an association with Hoodia to some degree.

A surprising and startling fact is that a high number of consumers will purchase a Hoodia based diet pill without understanding what it is and what is does.

Before purchasing a diet pill of any description it is highly important to understand what you are introducing into your body.

What is Hoodia and Where Does It Come From

Hoodia is plant that is often mistakenly referred to as a cactus. It is cactus like in appearance but actually a succulent.

The Hoodia plant is native to Southern Africa and in particular the Kalahari Dessert Region, where a dozen species of the plant thrive and co exist in the arid climate.

It is only one variety of the plant, Hoodia Gordonii that has any appetite suppressing and consequential weight loss properties.

Hoodia Gordonii is often misspelled; Gordoni, Gordini and Gardini being the popular erroneous spellings. Nowadays it is common for manufacturers and product marketeers to refer to Hoodia Gordonii as simply Hoodia.

Is Hoodia A Recent Find

As far as the western world is concerned the appetite suppressing benefits of the plant began to emerge around the turn of the century (1999-2000).

Several journalists from the United States, UK and Europe broke stories to the media that an ugly looking plant from the third world could hold the key to the obesity problem experienced in the wealthier west.

It has been well documented since that the tribes people of the Kalahari have been using the hoodia plant for generations to help quash feelings of hunger while away on hunting trips.

It is ironic that a natural plant indigenous to a region where food is scarce and suppressing hunger is essential for survival could be used to suppress overindulgence where food in abundance.

How Does Hoodia Aid Weight Loss

The Hoodia Gordonii plant is made up of around a dozen substances. One of the substances now known as the p57 molecule has been found to contain appetite suppressing properties. It has been thoroughly tested on human beings and has a decade of consistent clinical data.

Consuming the p57 substance when hungry will diminish and decrease the feeling of hunger. This causes both a physical and mental reaction - you will eat smaller portions because your stomach will be full, your brain will not crave food and so negate the need for snacks between meals.

In 9 out of 10 cases of obesity the cause is overindulgence (overeating) - tackle the cause and you will solve the problem.

Suppressing appetite is the most natural and most effective method for reducing body fat, body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)

Using an appetite suppressant in most cases will contribute to permenant weight loss and least likely to produce a weight loss yoyo effect.

Does Hoodia Cause Side Effects

Pure raw Hoodia powder (that contains the (p57 molecule) does not pose a risk to human health. It is non addictive and will not result in any short or long term health conditions.

Not all side effects are negative, one effect that is associated with Hoodia is a slight feeling of sexual arousal. Although uncommon this should not be a reason to introduce Hoodia into your system.

How Long Can I Take For Hoodia For

There is no set timescale. If you feel you have your appetite and cravings under control stop taking gradually by reducing the dosage. As described previously Hoodia is a non addictive natural substance.

Is Hoodia Suitable For Vegetarians

Hoodia is suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Are All Hoodia Diet Pills The Same

This is the biggest problem the Hoodia industry faces. It is estimated that 80% of Hoodia branded weight loss products and diet aids do not contain pure raw Hoodia powder.

Synthetically (man made) Hoodia is being produced and populating the Hoodia marketplace. To acompany the synthically produced, Hoodia extract is now being marketed by several manufactuers - this is cheaper to produce and one tenth as potent.

There are genuine Hoodia products and not so genuine products.

Genuine Hoodia - How To Tell

Genuine raw powdered Hoodia will have a CITES Certificate to prove its authencity.

The acronym CITES (or C.I.T.E.S) stands for Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora. The application process involved can be long, bureaucratic and costly. It is often a process that some Hoodia Gordonii manufacturers choose to either ignore or worse, falsify.

Genuine Hoodia is also not associated with the word cheap. Raw Hoodia powder is failrly expensive to produce and so retains a value. Advertisements offering cheap Hoodia should be avoided. 

The levels of genuine Hoodia are running low - so enjoy it while you can.