health alternative blog

How Does Hoodia Work?

Hoodia acts as an appetite suppressant. However, unlike other appetite suppressants, it is not a stimulant. It actually seems to have no other effect than to suppress appetite. It does this because it contains a particular molecule, now known as P57, which has the effect of tricking your brain into believing you are full. Your brain determines whether you are hungry depending on your blood sugar level. When you eat, your blood sugar level rises and your brain thinks you are full. With Hoodia, the active molecule in it sends other chemicals to your brain which stimulates the same nerve receptors and the glucose in the blood sugar. This tricks you into thinking you are full. The effect can last for some time, depending on how much Hoodia you have ingested.

Hoodia seems to work best eaten fresh. Drug companies are trying to make synthetic versions, but have not yet been successful. Pills are available which contain some natural Hoodia. The pills contain an unknown amount the active ingredient which suppresses appetite. They seem suppress appetite, but for a shorter period of time than fresh Hoodia. As a weight loss method, Hoodia is most effective when combined with a proper diet and some light exercise. The exercise will help your body use up even more calories, causing it to need to burn fat into sugars in order to give your body the necessary energy.