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Dangers of Hoodia Gordonii Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus like plant grown deep in the heart of South Africa by the Bushmen. They have been using this plant for years to control cravings and lose weight. The Bushmen claim that it is not a bad tasting plant and if eaten will stop all food cravings and will help you lose weight. The only know research to date was performed on lab rats at Brown University. They injected rats with an extract from the Hoodia Gordonii plant and reported no dangers of Hoodia, but that was not the purpose of their research. They were interested in why Hoodia Gordonii could suppress the appetite. They learned that naturally occurring glycosides (chemical substances which when dissolved in water produce a sugar) in Hoodia Gordonii affect the nerve cells in the hypothalamus, which are responsible for monitoring blood glucose levels. Basically what that means is that that the research indicates that substances within the plant triggers a reaction in the brain that mimics the brains response to increases in blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels increase when we eat; the brain reacts to this by sending out a “not hungry” signal. Concerns over the dangers of Hoodia Gordonii probably result from the known dangers associated with other plants and herbs. Ephedra is a species of bushy plant, but when used as an appetite suppressant, it has caused undesirable side effects and even death. Hoodia research continues to ensure that there are no possible dangers of Hoodia use as an appetite suppressant. Research to this time has been promising. Animals that have been fed Hoodia Gordonii lost weight, but not due to any detectable toxic effect. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research was looking for toxicity in desert foods that were commonly consumed by native peoples when they learned that Hoodia Gordonii had been used to ward off hunger and thirst, when food and drink were not available. This led to more Hoodia research, because pharmaceutical companies saw the increasing need for an effective appetite suppressant. The best advice for anyone interested in trying Hoodia as a natural appetite suppressant is to consult your doctor, make sure you are in reasonably good health. Pregnant women, nursing mothers or children, should not use Hoodia Gordonii appetite suppressants. Hoodia seems to suppress the physical urge to eat, but psychological cravings may still be present. Available Hoodia research does not indicate that it has any of the side effects associated with appetite suppressants, which contain stimulants, but not all Hoodia products are stimulant free. Check the label. The final word about the dangers of Hoodia will be left to Phytopharm and the general public. All Text Copyright © dmcrecycling.com |
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