Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant, which means it has fleshy tissue in its roots, stems, or leaves to conserve water, like a cactus. Hoodia has been used for centuries by the San speaking tribes of the Kalahari Desert. On long hunting trips, the tribesmen chew the stem of the Hoodia to stave off hunger and thirst. The question was, if it could work for the tribesmen in Africa, would Hoodia work for weight loss in a controlled environment?

Scientists from the South African Council for Scientific And Industrial Affairs (CSIR) set to find out. In their study they discovered that animals given Hoodia lost weight without any apparent side effects. According to scientists from CSIR, Hoodia works by mimicking the effect glucose has on the nerve cells in the brain.

Researchers at Brown University in Rhode Island concurred. They found that the steroidal glycosides in Hoodia affect nerve cells in the hypothalamus that monitor blood glucose. This means your brain is "tricked" into thinking there is enough energy (blood glucose) and doesn't need to eat. The result? You don’t feel hungry.

In 2001 Phytopharm completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in overweight, but otherwise healthy volunteers using an extract of Hoodia gordonii. The large doses of extract caused a statistically significant reduction in the average daily calorie intake. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in body fat content was also observed compared to the placebo group after two weeks.

In the Phytopharm study, no serious adverse effects were experienced by any of the subjects, and the safety data are consistent with a satisfactory overall safety profile.

Since it’s been on the market, no Hoodia side effects have been reported. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using Hoodia.

Eat enough lean protein to maintain your muscle mass and keep your metabolism from slowing down. Consume complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables and fruit. Your body uses carbohydrates, not protein, for fuel. So if you try exercising on an empty tank, your performance—and weight loss efforts—will suffer. Hoodia not only curbs appetite for food, but it suppresses thirst as well. Even if you don’t feel like it, drink plenty of water: about eight 8 oz glasses a day.

Keep in mind Hoodia gordonii is no miracle herb. Like all dietary supplements, Hoodia is meant to be used with a sensible, balanced diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise for weight loss. But Hoodia can be an important part of your weight loss program. We recommend In Control with Hoodia. In Control is a high quality Hoodia supplement that includes Glucomannan, a type of fiber that helps you feel fuller so you'll be less likely to snack.

73% of people who can’t lose weight report that late night snacking and the abundance of tempting foods are the reasons their diets fail. A natural appetite suppressant like Hoodia can make the difference between diet failure and weight loss success.

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