Dieters are eagerly seeking for ways to help them lose weight and when it was discovered that a plant could take away their appetite they went crazy. In about 2004 a news report highlighted the ability of hoodia gordonii to suppress appetite. The plant grows in the Kalahari desert and has been used by the local Bushmen for centuries to help curb their appetites when on long treks through the desert.
The most common side effects from taking hoodia are loss of appetite and thirst. Because of this it is critical that those using hoodia products drink water even though they are not thirsty. While these are the immediate effects of hoodia studies have not been done that show what if any long term effects there may be.
Keep in mind that the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert did not use hoodia week after week. They used it as needed on hunting trips and long journeys. With this in mind it may be advisable to only use products like Desert Burn hoodia for a short period of time then take a break before using the product again.
Long term studies have not been carried out and researchers do not know the effect that hoodia might produce down the road. Hoodia does directly effect the hypothalamus which helps control your brains signals regarding hunger. Basically hoodia tricks your brain into thinking it is full by mimicking how glucose would effect your brain. Diabetics might be the ones that need to be extra careful using these products. While most diabetics need to lose weight hoodia may not be the best product for them to use.
The only real answer that can adequately be given regarding the safety of hoodia is that we simply do not have enough information to know yet. Until there has been more research into the product and its long term effects you might want to avoid using for extended periods. If you do use it remember that the product is really a diet aid not a diet solution.
Tags: hoodia, Hoodia Gordonii, hoodia safety, hoodia side effects, Weight Loss
