The South African Hoodia Gordonii Cactus is known by many names. It is called xshoba or xhooba by the San Bushmen who have used it to treat indigestion, minor skin infections and as an appetite and thirst suppressant during long hunts. The scientific name is Hoodia Gordonii. It is actually a succulent so the names Hoodia cactus and South African desert cactus are actually misnomers, but they are commonly used. The plant resembles a cactus when seen growing wild in the Kalahari Desert.
There are problems associated with growing the South African Hoodia cactus for commercial purposes. First, logically, is temperature. In order to thrive the Hoodia cactus requires desert like temperatures. Second is time. It takes four or five years for the African Hoodia Gordonii cactus to reach full maturity. Quantities of the wild plant are extremely limited and are protected by the governments of South Africa from harvesting. Phytopharm, the first company to research the properties of the African hoodia cactus, has established plantations in South Africa, but will not begin to sell their patented product for at least a couple of years.
It is important to note that there are more than twenty different varieties of hoodia, but only Hoodia Gordonii is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant. Some companies may be selling products that are purported to contain the African hoodia cactus, but if it is not Hoodia Gordonii, then it may not work. As with all health supplements, it is best to buy hoodia products from a reputable company that sells a complete line of products. In addition, dieters are advised to remember to drink plenty of water since hoodia suppresses thirst, as well as appetite.
By any name, the African hoodia cactus is a beautiful plant. Flowers are pale purple and appear after the plant reaches maturity. Even though dieters would love to have a large immediate supply, it is important to protect the wild African hoodia cactus from over-harvesting, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
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60 Minutes Report on Hoodia
By: Ibrahim Machiwala | 10/11/2007 | Health
Kruiper led 60 Minutes crews out into the desert. Stahl asked him if he ate hoodia. "I really like to eat them when the new rains have come," says Kruiper, speaking through the interpreter. "Then they're really quite delicious."
A Guide to Hoodia Cactus Plant Extract
By: Ibrahim Machiwala | 12/11/2007 | Health
Before choosing a Hoodia product you should know that there are many kinds of Hoodia plant, but only the Hoodia Gordonii type has an astonishing 'appetite suppressing' quality. These properties have been known about for centuries by a primitive tribe known as the 'Sans Bushmen'. During mid 1990s an institute called the C.S.I.R. 'Council for Scientific and Industrial Research' was conducting a study of native plants eaten by the 'Sans Bushmen'. Basically, the study was to see what foods, the 'Sans Bushmen' were taking that protected the toxic compounds. When the C.S.I.R. studied Hoodia Gordonii, they found it was not only non-toxic, but also it helped to suppress the appetite of animals it used to feed to.
A Guide to Hoodia Cactus Plant Extract
By: Ibrahim Machiwala | 13/11/2007 | Health
Before choosing a Hoodia product you should know that there are many kinds of Hoodia plant, but only the Hoodia Gordonii type has an astonishing 'appetite suppressing' quality. These properties have been known about for centuries by a primitive tribe known as the 'Sans Bushmen'. During mid 1990s an institute called the C.S.I.R. 'Council for Scientific and Industrial Research' was conducting a study of native plants eaten by the 'Sans Bushmen'. Basically, the study was to see what foods, the 'Sans Bushmen' were taking that protected the toxic compounds. When the C.S.I.R. studied Hoodia Gordonii, they found it was not only non-toxic, but also it helped to suppress the appetite of animals it used to feed to.
Can Hoodia Gordonii Diet Pill Help you Lose Weight?
By: Ibrahim Machiwala | 16/11/2007 | Health
As with any weight loss product, your doctor should know what you are taking and how you plan to use Hoodia Gordoni in your life. Even though Gordonii Supplement is being depicted as the latest weight-loss wonder, do not let the propaganda get to you. Be realistic! And test the product to verify it's creditworthy.
Hoodia - Some Interesting Facts
By: Ibrahim Machiwala | 06/12/2007 | Health
Here are some facts about Hoodia that one should know: Hoodia gordonii resembles like a cactus, but actually it is a succulent from Kalahari Desert of southern Africa. Hoodia gordonii is not a drug. It is absolutely an herb. Some pharmaceuticals companies are trying to isolate "P57" appetite suppressing molecule to create a pharmaceutical drug in the near future.
By: | 31/12/1969 |
Hoodia Gordonii - a Nonscientific Research
By: robert schuster | 27/03/2007 | Nutrition
A short, nonscientific approach to Hoodia Gordonii. Where it comes from and how it is used.
By: | 31/12/1969 |
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