The Scientific Jargon About Hoodia
The Scientific Jargon About Hoodia
The Hoodia species is a member of the Asclepiadaceous family and has from 10 to 20 species that come from the southwestern part of Africa. Some of the species include;
- Hoodia bainii
- Hoodia currorii
- Hoodia delaetiana
- Hoodia dregei
- Hoodia flava
- Hoodia gordonii
- Hoodia husabensis
- Hoodia juttae
- Hoodia lugardii
- Hoodia macranta
- Hoodia officinale
- Hoodia parviflora
- Hoodia pedicellata
- Hoodia pilifera
- Hoodia pretnar
- Hoodia rosea
- Hoodia ruschii
- Hoodia triebneri
Those are the scientific names some of the Hoodia species. The only species that has the molecule that suppresses the appetite is the Hoodia gordonii grown in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. The plant forms clumps of stems that grow upright and at many angles. The cactus-like plant has spines and will sometimes grow to over six feet tall. The plant is often called Ghaap, or Xhopa. It takes about five years for the Hoodia gordonii plant to reach maturity. It normally will have light purple flowers but sometimes the flowers may be darker.
Hoodia is found in many forms including the fresh stem, powder, alcohol and dehydrated Hoodia extracts. It can be bought in the form of pills, liquids, shakes, teas, and chocolate chews! Traditionally the San tribe in South Africa used the Hoodia gordonii as an appetite suppressant before going on long hunting trips, to give them more energy, to replace any mineral or nutrient deficiency, a thirst suppressant, and for weight reduction. The molecule found in the Hoodia gordonii plant is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than glucose when sending a signal to the brain the body is full. It works the same as a sugar product by telling the brain it is satisfied but without calories. It fools the brain and won’t even let it think about food. It has nothing in it except pure Hoodia gordonii with no artificial stimulants or ingredients and have no known short-term side effects.
The Hoodia gordonii plant gave the South African Bushmen energy to go on their long hunting trips without carrying food or using any of their gathered food. They could wait and share their hunting spoils with the rest of the tribe. The Hoodia gordonii also has other nutritional content that may provide several nutrients in each serving. A typical serving of Hoodia would be 35g extracted from a 250g portion of the entire plant. A recommended dose is from 400-800 mg each day.
Scientists believe that Hoodia is a natural appetite suppressant but that has not been proven. They also believe that Hoodia has no short-term effects, but no research has been conducted to decide if there are any long-term side effects. There are no studies to prove that people with other chronic illnesses will not have side effects from taking Hoodia gordonii with their prescribed medicines. Anyone considering Hoodia gordonii as a weight loss supplement should contact a medical professional before taking the pills. As with any weight loss supplement, it takes more than a pill to lose weight. All agree that diet supplements including Hoodia gordonii should be used with a proper diet and sufficient physical exercise.
