Hoodia

If you haven't heard about the supplement hoodia Gordonii, there's no doubt you will very soon. Hoodia, a natural appetite suppressant, is earning attention as a potentially powerful weapon in the war against obesity and the American focus on losing weight. Hoodia supplements were just introduced to the U.S. market in early 2004.

Here are some key points about hoodia that you need to know:

- Hoodia Gordonii looks like a cactus, but it's actually a succulent from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Bushmen from the area have been using hoodia for centuries to help ward off hunger during long trips in the desert.

- Hoodia Gordonii is entirely natural -- it is not a drug. Pharmaceutical companies find it so promising, however, that they are trying to isolate the appetite-suppressing molecule, P57, to create a patented diet drug in the future.

- Only the Gordonii variation of hoodia has appetite suppressant abilities.

- Hoodia tricks the brain into thinking you've eaten, and makes you feel full.

- Hoodia may work right away, or may take several weeks.

- Key results of hoodia reported include a reduced interest in food, delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again, feeling full more quickly, and a general feeling of well-being

- Hoodia Gordonii is not a stimulant, and has no known side effects.

- Hoodia appears to be safe for most people.

- I've been taking hoodia periodically since early 2004 and find it can be a help in an overall weight loss effort.

For more in-depth details on hoodia, see my detailed report Desert Plant -- Hoodia Gordonii-- May Be an Effective Aid in Weight Loss.