THE PROMISE OF HOODIA
"Study says Obesity Causes 90,000 Cancer Death Each Year" Associated press in April 24, 2003.
This is over and above the lives that could be saved from overweight people dying from cardiovascular disease and complications from diabetes and other conditions. The above figure is based on an April 2003 study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study evaluated 900,000 people over a 16 year period as reported by best selling author Harvey Diamond in Living Without Pain (One World Press, 2005). |
Hoodia Gordonii helps us get back to the basic approach to weight control:
a) Lower Caloric Intake = Weight Loss
b) Improved Sugar Metabolism = Reduced Food Cravings
c) Reduced Appetite = Reduced Food intake
"Thousands of people have reported appetite suppression, behavior modification and weight control with Hoodia in dietary supplements . . . " Stephen Holt M.D. While not enough studies have been conducted with Hoodia supplements to support some of the wild claims that are circulating on the Internet, the historical use and available studies provide an impressive legacy.
British human studies suggest that an active ingredient in Hoodia affects the hypothalamus in a way similar to glucose (delivering a brain message that the individual reached sufficient food intake). One mysterious active ingredient of Hoodia is about 10,000 times stronger than glucose in its effect on the brain appetite control center, leading to a decreased intake of 1,000 -2,000 calories per day according to Holt.
How do you control the appetite of Rats?
Even rats with their notorious non-discriminating voracious appetite reduced their food intake when placed on "all you can eat menu" with the addition of Hoodia Gordonii. Such studies were repeated in South Africa, England and the United States. In one controlled human study, when obese people were given the opportunity to eat freely, the group that received the Hoodia supplements ate significantly less than those who received a placebo.
a) Lower Caloric Intake = Weight Loss
b) Improved Sugar Metabolism = Reduced Food Cravings
c) Reduced Appetite = Reduced Food intake
"Thousands of people have reported appetite suppression, behavior modification and weight control with Hoodia in dietary supplements . . . " Stephen Holt M.D. While not enough studies have been conducted with Hoodia supplements to support some of the wild claims that are circulating on the Internet, the historical use and available studies provide an impressive legacy.
British human studies suggest that an active ingredient in Hoodia affects the hypothalamus in a way similar to glucose (delivering a brain message that the individual reached sufficient food intake). One mysterious active ingredient of Hoodia is about 10,000 times stronger than glucose in its effect on the brain appetite control center, leading to a decreased intake of 1,000 -2,000 calories per day according to Holt.
How do you control the appetite of Rats?
Even rats with their notorious non-discriminating voracious appetite reduced their food intake when placed on "all you can eat menu" with the addition of Hoodia Gordonii. Such studies were repeated in South Africa, England and the United States. In one controlled human study, when obese people were given the opportunity to eat freely, the group that received the Hoodia supplements ate significantly less than those who received a placebo.
Historical Use
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus- like succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. It has been used by the natives (the San bushmen of South Africa) for thousands of years. The historical use by native tribes was to suppress appetite during long hunting trips when food was scarce. As the stories go, that feeling of satiety generated by Hoodia was often accompanied by a "feel good" and even mildly aphrodisiac effect. The San bushmen were traditionally lean and fit people, however in recent decades some of the tribesmen adopted western lifestyle with western diets, and like us they started facing the battle of the bulge. At this point they re-discovered Hoodia as a weight loss food. |
There are about 20 species of Hoodia that grow in that region of Africa, but it is the Hoodia Gordonii that is believed to be the most potent one. After a legal battle with the South Africa authorities the San bushmen won the legal right to benefit from the commercial exploitation of their "national treasure." We join Dr. Holt in encouraging you to avoid low quality Hoodia gordonii substitutes and support the authentic South African Hoodia gordonii industry, which also helps support the native tribes in the region Over the last few decades Hoodia products have gained popularity in various parts of the world, but it was not until 2005 that the story broke in various newspaper articles in the western world and on major TV programs like 60 minutes and 20/20. One BBC reporter who traveled to the region to witness the magic of Hoodia gordonii reported that after a long drive into the desert region, the natives helped him sample the hairy,spiky,cactus- like plant. After peeling it he and his camera man ate a banana size portion (the plant does not smell good nor does it taste good) and during the four- hour drive back to Cape town and the rest of the evening they felt satisfied with no desires for food "it was a magnificent deception" (of the brain) said Tom Mangold, the reporter. The next day they skipped breakfast and had lunch with no great appetite. Normal appetite returned gradually after about 24 hours.
Safety Tips
The safety record of Hoodia gordonii as a food and a supplement would rate very high based on records of historical use. While there are reports of feel-good, and aphrodisiac properties, Hoodia does not contain caffeine ephedra, or any other known stimulants. Dr. Holt cautions not to use it with children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. He recommends the whole Hoodia gordonii plant supplement (in the 200 mg.- 400 mg. dose) rather than plant extracts, Currently, standardized steroidal glycoside extracts are being used for pharmacological studies, they are protected by patents and are not available for dietary supplements. As with any herb, allergic reactions are possible therefore it is best to start with a low dose. Be aware that Hoodia can reduce stomach acidify. |
Get The Whole Story For additional information on how to use Hoodia gordonii responsibly, to help fight what has been described as a growing epidemic of overweight and Syndrome X, see the Book Supreme Properties of Hoodia Gordonii, by Stephen Holt, M.D. (Wellness publishing, 2005)
These statements have riot bean evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not Intended to diagnose, treat cure, or prevent ally disease.
Hoodia Gordonii-Helpful Tips
After checking with a major distributor that introduced Hoodia into the health food market in 2004, we wish to share with you the following tips :
People who report good weight-loss benefits either use it an hour before meals, or 2 capsules an hour before diner (the highest calorie meal followed by the most sedentary period of the day). For some individuals a higher does is required. We are hearing of individuals who require as much as 1,000 mg.- 2,000 mg. daily. Keep in mind that the Sam Bushmen used much larger quantities (in whole plant equivalent) during their hunting trips. So far, as Dr. Holt mentioned, reports of low tolerance level are not common.
Hollywood Health Products, Inc. Distilling Nature's Wisdom to Yield Her Secrets of Good Health
These statements have riot bean evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not Intended to diagnose, treat cure, or prevent ally disease.
Hoodia Gordonii-Helpful Tips
After checking with a major distributor that introduced Hoodia into the health food market in 2004, we wish to share with you the following tips :
People who report good weight-loss benefits either use it an hour before meals, or 2 capsules an hour before diner (the highest calorie meal followed by the most sedentary period of the day). For some individuals a higher does is required. We are hearing of individuals who require as much as 1,000 mg.- 2,000 mg. daily. Keep in mind that the Sam Bushmen used much larger quantities (in whole plant equivalent) during their hunting trips. So far, as Dr. Holt mentioned, reports of low tolerance level are not common.
Hollywood Health Products, Inc. Distilling Nature's Wisdom to Yield Her Secrets of Good Health