Hoodia Gordonii - Does It Really Cause Weight Loss?
Historical Usage of Hoodia Gordonii
African Bushmen of the Kalahari have reportedly eaten hoodia gordonii for hundreds of centuries without ill effects. These Bushmen preferred communal dining, and used the plant to suppress their appetites for several days during long hunting trips. Otherwise they would have consumed much of their prey during the trip itself. Much of this anecdotal evidence needs to be confirmed by modern scientific studies. Long term effects and side effects are of special interest.
Some Studies Have Been Done
One particular study is frequently quoted to confirm the appetite suppressing qualities of hoodia gordonii. In this study, obese volunteers consumed fixed quantities of hoodia gordonii. The conditions were apparently set up to discourage exercise by the test subjects. On average, the obese test subjects ate 1,000 fewer calories daily than a control group which received a placebo.
Weight Loss Potential Appears Promising
The secret of hoodia gordonii is an active ingredient called P-57. P-57 seems to fool the brain into thinking an empty stomach is full. Those eating hoodia gordonii would therefore not eat as much and the natural result would be weight loss. An American reporter who traveled to South Africa ate hoodia gordonii and reported no hunger or thirst for an entire day. Even animals which eat the plant are said to lose weight.
Hoodia gordonii only appears to suppress natural hunger pangs, and not those caused by diets high in sugar and carbohydrates. At this time it also does not appear to suppress exercise-related hunger. The body's requirement for excess nutrition after exercise and the presence of excess blood glucose levels can apparently counteract the effects of hoodia gordonii.
It Is Not A Magic Pill
The most effective weight loss combines a healthy diet with an exercise plan. Long-term fasting because the appetite is continually suppressed by hoodia gordonii is not a healthy substitute. Furthermore, many weight loss products claim to contain hoodia gordonii when they do not, or they contain too little to have a significant effect. The companies developing hoodia gordonii weight loss supplements will continue to test and track the effects of the plant. Hoodia gordonii appears to be a promising part of a successful weight loss plan, but not the total solution.
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