Hoodia Gordonii: Finding The Right Product For You…

On Dietivity, we do a lot of posts warning about all the various products and scams out there, while promoting natural methods of losing weight, primarily healthy dieting and exercise. But because we are human too, we know that on the path to weight loss success, sometimes a little extra help is needed. So what is a natural supplement that actually works and is safe to take? Let’s take a look at Hoodia, the popular natural appetite suppressant that’s flooded the market with a deluge of products.

*As always, the decision to take a weight-loss supplement should first be discussed with your physician, so you can minimize the risk of possible side effects and interactions with other meds you may be taking.

This product can be found all over the internet, and many of us know someone who’s tried it or wants to. Here are some facts about hoodia:

What are the origins of Hoodia?

Hoodia Gordonii is a plant native to the semi-desert regions of Southern Africa and has traditionally been used by native bushmen for thousands of years to stave off hunger–hence its modern use as a natural appetite suppressant. Though often described as a cactus, hoodia is actually a succulent plant. Bushmen would simply cut off and eat a stem while on long hunting trips and food was scarce.

Why is there fake hoodia, and how can you tell if your product is pure?

The hoodia plant is not only difficult to cultivate, but also takes up to five years to mature. Trade controls imposed in 2004 have made the supply of it even more scarce and a special permit (CITES Certification) is now required for it to be harvested legally.

Thus there are a lot of “counterfeit” hoodia supplements on the market, and you have to be cautious about what you’re spending your money on. In fact, estimates have shown that as much as 80% of the Hoodia sold on the market is either loaded with additives or is downright fake. So be choosey, make sure it’s CITES certified, and read the manufacturer’s information carefully, to ensure that what you’re buying is authentic and independently tested.

How long has hoodia been used and is it effective?

Hoodia has been used for thousands of years by natives to suppress hunger, but has only been in popular, widespread use by the Western world since about 2002. There have been numerous studies but none are definitive–anecdotal evidence shows that this herb works for numerous dieters, yet official scientific review is slow in coming.

What are the side effects of Hoodia?

The evidence that is available, shows few adverse side effects–no heart palpitations, no GI upset, no effects on blood pressure. One cause of concern is that its effect on the liver is uncertain, and more testing needs to be done. However, hoodia has been in widespread use for over six years now, and unlike ephedra, there has been little evidence to indicate it is unsafe. While the FDA recently declared 72 diet products unsafe, and pulled 14 Hydroxycut products from store shelves, it has not done so for authentic hoodia supplements or for Hydroxycut with hoodia.

How does hoodia work?

Hoodia’s appetite suppressant property is believed to work by tricking the brain into believing blood sugar levels are higher rather than lower. Hence, hoodia supplements should be taken just before meals, so you still eat (you will just eat less!). This is a great tool to cut cravings and curb overeating, but diabetics must consult with their physicians first.

One product that we recommend: UniqueHoodia.

CITES certified.
100% Organic–no pesticides are used for growth, harvest, or manufacture of their product. They offer organics annex certification to prove this.
100% Pure Hoodia. No fillers, no additives, no binders. They offer certification of analysis (COA) on their site.
Contains 460 mg of hoodia per pill, which is one of the highest of any CITES certified hoodia product on the market.
It is formulated for taking one before each meal, which is appropriate for this kind of herb, and the manufacturer offers a 90-pill supply, so you’re not shorted after 2 weeks.
It is simply a natural appetite suppressant–it does not radically alter your metabolism and set you into a dieting tailspin. Therefore it is an excellent adjunct to healthy food choices and moderate exercise, allowing you to ease into your new lifestyle without hunger pangs and cravings.
UniqueHoodia is made by Source Naturals. They have been in the business of natural healing and alternative health since 1982. They have a track record of producing well-tested products including Wellness Formula (the world’s number one immune support supplement) and Proactol, another popular, quality weight loss supplement that is both safe and effective.
Lastly, though it is a bit expensive (1 month supply is $ 54.95) it does come with a clearly outlined money-back guarantee. The only catch is that you must wait for at least three months before applying for it — in order to try their product. Then you will receive a full refund for up to six months, if the product doesn’t work for you.