Lose Weight With Hoodia
The Herb to Reduce Appetite
Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic and many individuals struggle to reach and remain a healthy weight, due to disorders such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, genetics or lifestyle choices. There is no magic pill to lose weight, but the hoodia supplement may help curb an unhealthy appetite without feeling the hunger pangs and without the potentially dangerous side effects of other diet pills.
Discovered thousands of years ago by the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant that thrives in the hot, dry climates of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Considered a protected plant, in danger of over-harvesting and extinction, the fifteen species of hoodia can grow up to a meter high and have large flowers. Common local names for this hoodia include ‘Queen of the Namin’ and ‘Bushman’s Hat.’
The Bushmen of the Kalahari, or San people as they are known today, are one of the oldest existing tribal peoples in the world. They have used the herb to cope with hunger and thirst in the harsh desert environments for generations. While hunting, traveling or when food was in short supply, the San would chew on a stem of the plant. The hoodia was able to elevate energy levels and reduce hunger until they returned home to their villages.
How Does Hoodia Work?
Medical research on hoodia carried out by the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) discovered a molecule in the hoodia plant which they called P57. This molecule is thought to be responsible for how hoodia reduces hunger: by telling the brain that the body is not hungry. By taking this herb, the brain is sent a message from the digestive tract, that it is full and that the blood’s glucose levels are up. These messages are sent to the brain’s hypothalamus (a control center for the body), which then suppresses hunger signals.
How Will Hoodia Make Me Feel?
Hoodia helps to control hunger and curbs cravings for unhealthy food and excessive eating. However, that does not mean that you will not want to eat at all. The body still needs nutrition and smaller, balanced meals, however feeling ravenous for no reason, excessive eating and unhealthy food cravings will be diminished. Not eating all the necessary vitamins and minerals will obviously always be harmful for the body's health. But eating less and in a more balanced way will improve health and energy levels.
As in all diet regiments, the body will have faster, healthier and long term results if hoodia is taken with a daily exercise and nutrition plan, see this article about why you should exercise. Weight loss with hoodia and the time it takes, varies in different individuals. Some may notice results quickly while others need to wait for four weeks or more.
Is Hoodia Safe?
There are no known side effects of hoodia, though medical testing is still in the early stages and more study by independent research teams is needed. The hoodia herb is for adult use only and should not be used without consulting a physician or herbalist. Diabetics and individuals with existing illnesses must consult their doctor before trying hoodia or any other weightloss program. Pregnant or nursing women should not use hoodia and it should never be consumed with other diet pills or medications. And as with any supplement or prescription medication, correct dosage amounts must be followed for safe, healthy results.
hoodia
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles