What you need to know about Hoodia extracts

Products to control weight are numerous and every week there seems to be yet another 'quick fix' solution although the ‘Hoodia' plant could be the exception; many people are hoping this will be the answer to their ongoing problem. As soon as the word spread amongst the weight loss industry, Hoodia weight loss products started to be promoted heavily; each year the number of people becoming overweight is increasing so the market for this plant is huge. But, do you know why this strange plant is in such demand or even where it comes from?

Well it is actually a cactus-like plant with 13 species. One species in particular, Hoodia Gordonii, is being investigated for use as an appetite suppressant. It grows in the Namib and Kalahari deserts in South Africa, having the unique attribute of reducing or even eliminating appetite. In fact, this cactus is so good at reducing the appetite that it is considered, by medical science, as the most effective appetite inhibitor on the planet. This is probably why it is in great demand.

Scientists actually researched the cactus plant in depth over a period of years using volunteers to test its effectiveness. One particular experiment included a team of people from the BBC who were only given a single Hoodia leaf to eat. The entire team wanted nothing else to eat or drink for the rest of the day.

The best part about using Hoodia weight loss products is there is little or no chance of any side effect and so far none have been found. On the other hand, regular weight loss products have been shown to cause irregular heartbeats and digestive conditions. Another benefit of using products containing extracts of this plant, is that users claim they do not feel tired even though they are not eating, as it provides a normal energy levels for the entire day.

Nevertheless, whilst it is being taken, the user should still drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. The purpose of the Hoodia weight loss pill is not to starve yourself but to control unnatural and unnecessary food cravings; however, just because a person doesn't feel hungry, they still need to eat, otherwise their health will suffer. Large numbers of people are now seeing the health and other benefits of using Hoodia extracts.

Be prepared to pay a premium for any weight loss products that use real extracts as the production costs involved are high. You can find many companies selling Hoodia weight loss products online but be aware that if they are cheap, they are probably not genuine. Buying cheap Hoodia extracts is not only false economy as you cannot produce this product cheaply, but you do not actually know what is being used as the substitute.