Is hoodia a Safe Appetite Suppressant?

Hoodia is an all natural appetite suppressant that is conquering the world. But, is it safe? Unlike some of its predecessors, hoodia is completely free from dangerous or life-threatening side effects.

What is hoodia?

Hoodia is a plant from Africa that resembles a cactus. It is found in some special parts of the African desert. African tribes have been using this natural appetite suppressant for thousands of years. They use it to curb hunger when they must travel for whole weeks to search for food for the members of their tribe. This cactus-like plant suppress both hunger and thirst and lets them walk for days while they hunt and gather food to survive the next months.

How does it work?        

As a natural appetite suppressant, hoodia works by deceiving a person's body into thinking they are already full and don't need to eat. It creates a sense of satiety so a person doesn't eat as much as they would without it. It has been shown that hoodia reduces a person's intake by around 1,000 calories each day.

Hoodia is available for mass expenditure in diverse forms. It can be found as a pill, powder or liquid. It is available as an over-the counter product and can also be acquired at local health stores.

Is it safe to use hoodia to suppress hunger?

To date, there have been no reports of dangerous or life-threatening side effects in people taking hoodia as an appetite suppressant. This is greatly due to the fact that it comes from a plant and does not work as a stimulant on the central nervous system, like the appetite suppressant ephedrine which was taken off the market for its hazardous effects on patients taking it to lose weight.

The San Tribesmen, the people who originally discovered this unique plant, also say it makes the person feel stronger, have more energy, and be more concentrated on their tasks. Therefore, it is an appetite suppressant and much more. If they have been using it for many thousands of years with no reported side effects, it must be effective and safe. No evidence proves otherwise.

Unlike its pharmaceutical counterparts, hoodia has a natural effect on a person's midbrain that sends a message to the hypothalamus saying the person is full. No chemicals. No playing around or tampering with the body's hormones of neurotransmitters. Hoodia is safe because it is natural.

Amphetamines and other synthetic drugs to lose weight have even led to the death of several people in their mission to lose weight. These drugs can produce heart disease, kidney failure and blood circulation problems that could end up in strokes or brain damage. All of these life-threatening side effects are not possible with the use of hoodia.

However this doesn't make hoodia a wonder drug. People thinking of taking hoodia should consult with their physician. And, as with all weight loss supplements, it is important that people taking hoodia eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.