Let me start by saying that anytime a person considers taking a product, whether manufactured or natural, they should talk to their doctor to make sure it is safe. After all, even natural products can be dangerous or even deadly if taken with the wrong things. For me, I did talk to my doctor and he supported my use of Hoodia. While the results have not been dramatic, I have lost some weight and do not have as much of an appetite.
This succulent, sometimes called a cactus, grows in the desert of South Africa. The people of this land have been chewing and sucking on the flower portion for years, finding that it helps relieve hunger and thirst while on long hunting trips. In 1937, Hoodia was discovered by British researchers, eventually making its way to the United States.
Although Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company has been working with Hoodia since 1998, it was not until the television show “60 Minutes” with Leslie Stahl aired in which a story was covered with a trip to South Africa where Hoodia was tried. Leslie actually chewed on the Hoodia and discovered that it did indeed suppress appetite. In addition, Leslie stated that she felt no ill effects of the Hoodia and promoted it on TV.
Of course, as this was aired, people went crazy, eager to know more and to try the product for themselves. New studies are needed to understand Hoodia better but from researchers have told us is that this natural product is capable of reducing calorie intake by 30% to 50%. However, one of the challenges associated with Hoodia is that accurate information is difficult to find. With this being so new, many feel enough information is not available at this time.
The other thing to consider is that in all more than 20 different types of Hoodia exist. The only one that suppresses appetite is Hoodia Gordonii, which comes in capsule, powder, and liquid form. When you buy, you want to make sure you choose the right product and make sure the ingredients are 100% Hoodia Gordonii. Finally, while weight loss results appear to be optimistic so far, the price of Hoodia at this time is a little steep. Because it is difficult to grow and it takes up to five years for the purple flower to grow, harvesting is expensive, thus the cost is high.