Is Hoodia Really 100% Safe?


By Jenny Presler
Copyright © 2007 - 2008

Summary: The most important warning that does need to be mentioned about Hoodia is that if you have a previous eating disorder such as anorexia, you should not take Hoodia.  The mix of the two could be harmful to your health.  This is clear as it is on a warning label on each bottle of Hoodia sold.

Hoodia has stepped onto the weight loss market as an instant giant.  Not may products have soared to such instant success as Hoodia Gordonii.  This is partially due to the huge media coverage surrounding the new weight loss product.  Also, the simple fact that it works.  This is a rare side effect in itself in the diet business.

But does Hoodia harm the people who rely so heavily on it for survival and weight loss?

The South African tribes have been using the Hoodia plant for thousands of years to keep hunger away while on long hunting trips.  Hoodia also keeps thirst away and this can lead to dehydration of some liquid is not introduced into the system.

For this reason, Hoodia users have to be extra careful to drink water, even when their bodies tell them they are not thirsty.  This side effect although potentially harmful is simply the product doing what nature intended it to do.  We simply must be careful not to misuse this product and let our own safety become an issue.

But what about effects we cannot stop?

Some reports have come in that their moods have been increases because of the Hoodia plant.  When using Hoodia there is an active ingredient called P-57.  Without the P-57 in your system, the appetite suppression would never occour.  But with the P-57, not only do we not want to eat.  But some have reported mild arousal levels accompanied with the Hoodia product.  This is because Hoodia reacts directly with the hypothalamus.  This part of the body regulates the most primal of needs, eating, sleeping, mood, and arousal are all included in this part of the brain.

The South African bushman who have been using Hoodia for thousands of years report that they receive a large boost of energy when eating the raw Hoodia plant.  This is because of a combination of a few things.  The cactus itself contains nurturance and vitamins that the body needs, and when you go for long periods of time without food… A food high in vitamins and minerals will react with your body almost instantaneously and cause your body to have a large boost of energy.

The same tribesmen also say that it is not good to eat too much Hoodia because it can have a hangover effect.  They also report an increased mood while eating the Hoodia plant and if eaten too much, feel the other side of the mood pendulum the next morning.

Because Hoodia is not a drug and is a natural appetite suppressant, it is difficult to find side effects as it grows naturally and does not require any chemicals and other commonly harmful additives that are usually responsible for side effects and harmful situations when attempting to use pharmaceuticals to improve your body and well being.