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Hoodia Gordonii: Cactus Plants, Fad Diets And Medicinal Use
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Published: August 28, 2007
Since the dawn of time, men and women have wondered how they can shed a few extra pounds quickly and easily. Hence why there will always be a place for trendy fad diets that taut themselves as a surefire way to look and feel as has always been wanted. Yet these fast tracks to thinness seem to be accompanied by both questions about their actual ability, and problems that arise from use.
One such controversy stems from the Hoodia gordonii cactus plants, an appetite suppressant that has split audiences as to whether or not it really works.
The Hoodia gordonii cactus plant is a native of southern Africa, and while they have a resemblance to the cactus, these are not actually cactus plants. While there are several species of Hoodia, it is only this species that has appetite suppressant abilities. Natives of the region have used this plant for hundreds of years to suppress their hunger on long trips, but it was not until recently the plant became such a widespread phenomenon.
In 2003, the BBC first reported on Hoodia gordonii and its possible dieting applications, which was followed by steadily increasing media exposure in the following years. The demand for Hoodia gordonii was so high, many native countries have restricted the harvesting and selling of the plant in order to protect it from extinction.
While the plants are currently under heavy regulation following the burst of popularity fad diets they created, many labs and clinics are looking to isolate the part of the plant that supposedly deters hunger. P57 is the molecule from the Hoodia gordonii cactus plants that effects the hypothalamus, 'tricking' the brain into thinking one has eaten. Supporters of Hoodia gordonii claim this can be an immediate effect for some and may take up to several weeks of regular use.
Proponents also say while Hoodia gordonii is an effective tool, it still must be taken in conjunction with other weight loss methods, such as a healthier diet and exercise, in order to be successful. Most people have heard of Hoodia gordonii producers, though they may not be aware they have. Notable companies such as Unilever and TrimSpa both manufacture Hoodia gordonii based products for medicinal use.
Though this theory is not lacking in its supporters, many doctors and dietitians are hesitant to use the plant. Many cite a lack of clinical evidence as their chief reason not to prescribe Hoodia gordonii for medicinal use. This makes it very difficult for consumers to decide whether or not to try a product such as this; they receive such concise information from one side and vague uncertainties from the other. With no possible side effects or problems reported to be coming from Hoodia gordonii use, there is nothing preventing people from trying it aside from speculation. So while those who would normally stay away from trendy diets and shortcuts in weight loss, now have little to argue against.
Clinical studies may only show minimal effectiveness, but Hoodia gordonii is available, natural and gives the definite appearance of results from medicinal use, however small they might be. Fad diets may be a bad idea as a whole, but every once in a while they are bound to get it right, and perhaps Hoodia gordonii is this instance. As of today, exercise and healthy eating are the only proven ways to truly lose weight and stay fit; but Hoodia gordonii should not hurt efforts and could conceivably help reach those goals.
Sources:
Shomon, Mary. "What You Need To Know About Hoodia Gordonii." About.com:Thyroid Disease. 19 June 2006. About, Inc.. 21 Aug. 2007. http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully /a/hoodia.htm.
"Hoodia." Wikipedia. 6 Aug. 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.. 21 Aug. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodia_gordonii.
Shomon, Mary. "Desert Plant--Hoodia Gordonii--May be An Effective Aid in Weight Loss." Thyroid-info.com. 2007. Mary Shomon. http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/hoodia.htm.
The Hoodia gordonii cactus plant is a native of southern Africa, and while they have a resemblance to the cactus, these are not actually cactus plants. While there are several species of Hoodia, it is only this species that has appetite suppressant abilities. Natives of the region have used this plant for hundreds of years to suppress their hunger on long trips, but it was not until recently the plant became such a widespread phenomenon.
In 2003, the BBC first reported on Hoodia gordonii and its possible dieting applications, which was followed by steadily increasing media exposure in the following years. The demand for Hoodia gordonii was so high, many native countries have restricted the harvesting and selling of the plant in order to protect it from extinction.
While the plants are currently under heavy regulation following the burst of popularity fad diets they created, many labs and clinics are looking to isolate the part of the plant that supposedly deters hunger. P57 is the molecule from the Hoodia gordonii cactus plants that effects the hypothalamus, 'tricking' the brain into thinking one has eaten. Supporters of Hoodia gordonii claim this can be an immediate effect for some and may take up to several weeks of regular use.
Proponents also say while Hoodia gordonii is an effective tool, it still must be taken in conjunction with other weight loss methods, such as a healthier diet and exercise, in order to be successful. Most people have heard of Hoodia gordonii producers, though they may not be aware they have. Notable companies such as Unilever and TrimSpa both manufacture Hoodia gordonii based products for medicinal use.
Though this theory is not lacking in its supporters, many doctors and dietitians are hesitant to use the plant. Many cite a lack of clinical evidence as their chief reason not to prescribe Hoodia gordonii for medicinal use. This makes it very difficult for consumers to decide whether or not to try a product such as this; they receive such concise information from one side and vague uncertainties from the other. With no possible side effects or problems reported to be coming from Hoodia gordonii use, there is nothing preventing people from trying it aside from speculation. So while those who would normally stay away from trendy diets and shortcuts in weight loss, now have little to argue against.
Clinical studies may only show minimal effectiveness, but Hoodia gordonii is available, natural and gives the definite appearance of results from medicinal use, however small they might be. Fad diets may be a bad idea as a whole, but every once in a while they are bound to get it right, and perhaps Hoodia gordonii is this instance. As of today, exercise and healthy eating are the only proven ways to truly lose weight and stay fit; but Hoodia gordonii should not hurt efforts and could conceivably help reach those goals.
Sources:
Shomon, Mary. "What You Need To Know About Hoodia Gordonii." About.com:Thyroid Disease. 19 June 2006. About, Inc.. 21 Aug. 2007. http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully /a/hoodia.htm.
"Hoodia." Wikipedia. 6 Aug. 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.. 21 Aug. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodia_gordonii.
Shomon, Mary. "Desert Plant--Hoodia Gordonii--May be An Effective Aid in Weight Loss." Thyroid-info.com. 2007. Mary Shomon. http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/hoodia.htm.
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