What You MUST Know About Hoodia Before Buying Any Product
by Ann
Hoodia Gordonii
 Are the most effective Hoodia products manufactured from the leaves, roots or the flowers and should dieters’ care about this. Used as an appetite suppressant to assist in weight loss it is important that dieters consume products that provide the active ingredient. Failure to become informed about Hoodia before buying could result in the user being left out of pocket, hungry and stuck with an item devoid of appetite suppressant properties. According to Kew Gardens, London, Hoodia is a cactus like spiny, succulent plant that when fully grown stands at approximately 30 inches, with flesh colored or reddish purple, round flowers, measuring about 4 inches in diameter. Species of Hoodia include H. gordonii, H. pilifera and H. currorii. Hoodia Gordonii provides the appetite suppressant effect. For centuries nomadic San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert would chew the plant stalks to stave off hunger and thirst when hunting in the African bush. While visiting the San Bushmen in 2003 the B.B.C Correspondent Tom Mangold expressed a desire to sample Hoodia. They prepared it for him by cooking its cactus like stalks; they then rubbed off the spikes and outer skin leaving the cooked inner contents for consumption. Upon tasting it, Mangold commented that it was slightly bitter and he later added he experienced no hunger for around 20 hours. Both Kew Gardens’ description of the San peoples’ use of Hoodia along with Tom Mangold’s reported personal account, demonstrate that the hunger inhibiting properties of Hoodia, is to be found within the plant’s stalks, ending the confusion surrounding leaves, roots and flowers. Development of Hoodia for commercial purposes began in the 1960s when the South African Council for Science and Industrial Research (C.S.I.R) became aware of its potential as an appetite suppressant. In 1997 they isolated and patented the active molecule which became known as p57. To ensure the purchase of a genuine Hoodia product containing the p57 molecule check that it has a C.I.T.E.S Certificate (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora); Hoodia is a protected plant, making certification mandatory for manufacturers. The product should also carry an independent laboratory analysis certificate, verifying a minimum content of 0.15% p57 agent. Consequently, weight conscious customers who follow this advice will be assured of receiving value for money in the product purchased, while aiding the San people to improve their daily lives as well as securing stability for future generations. |
