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How Safe Is Hoodia?

It's hard to say how safe hoodia is because a lot is still unknown about the cactus-like plant native to Africa. It is said African hunters would suck on the plant to ward off hunger during long hunts, and now the diet industry has gotten in on the act by selling hoodia through pills, milk chews, lip balm and liquid shots.

  1. Active Ingredient

    • The hoodia industry links the chemical P57 to appetite suppression, although mainstream science has shied away from backing this claim. However, a British pharmaceutical company called Phytopharm is looking into incorporating the chemical into an anti-obesity drug. Phytopharm says the chemical works similar to glucose by letting the brain know that you are full, even if you haven't eaten.

    Side Effects

    • There are no known side effects of hoodia, although the taste is considered to be bitter. Unlike many other herbal weight-loss remedies, hoodia is not a stimulant. However, because little is known about hoodia, there are certain groups who should refrain from using the drug. This includes pregnant women, nursing mothers, diabetics, heart patients and those with blood disease or eating disorders. Because hoodia is a dietary supplement, it is not subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

    Buying Hoodia

    • Hoodia is a rare plant that is hard to cultivate and is in shrinking supply, especially because of this latest weight-loss craze. Many companies claim that their products contain hoodia when in fact it is only present in trace amounts. Because there are so many impostors, it is important to purchase hoodia only from a trusted source.

    Alternatives

    • If you are looking for ways to curb your appetite, drinking plenty of water and loading up on fiber can go a long way. You should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This can help ward off hunger because thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Fiber can be found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

    Weight Loss

    • Any lasting weight loss will occur because of healthy eating and exercise habits, something even hoodia diets encourage. Doctors warn that any weight lost by a pill alone will likely be regained once the patient stops taking that pill.

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