The plant from which Hoodia diet supplements are extracted is a cactus-like plant native to Namib Desert. It had been used for centuries by the native tribes of the area to control their hunger as they traveled through the desert. This plant came to the attention of the Western world for its special properties when a Dutch anthropologist was studying the native bushmen of the area in the late 1930s. This anthropologist noted that bushmen who chewed the plant did not feel hunger even after walking for miles through the desert on an empty stomach.

Hard scientific evidence in the United States to support the claims of the Hoodia diet to reduce hunger and help people to lose weight is rare, but the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. In Europe, where herbal supplements are more readily accepted, scientists examined how this plant helped the bushmen to travel for miles through a desert without food. They discovered that an ingredient in Hoodia, known as P57 acted on the brain in a similar manner as simple sugar (glucose). This substance would convince the person that they had already consumed a large amount of food and did not need to eat again. For those seeking to lose weight, their desperation leads them to try anything, and using a natural herbal supplement seems safer than taking artificially manufactured drugs. Unlike other herbs which act as stimulants, such as ma huang or guarana, Hoodia does not result in jittery, shaking feelings in the person taking it. Currently there are no known side effects of adding Hoodia to ones diet.

Such positive effects of a Hoodia diet can only be achieved when it is coupled with controlling ones intake of food and adding moderate amounts of exercise. Exercise is not only a means to help maintain weight, but with a sensible diet, it acts to preserve ones health and well being and prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancers.

There are some people who should avoid a Hoodia diet. These include those with thyroid conditions, diabetes, or eating disorders. The hunger suppressing ability of this herb in its purest form could prevent these groups of people from consuming enough calories for their health. As with any herbal supplement, it is important that anyone taking it will need to discuss the matter with his physician.

The purity of a supplement for a Hoodia diet is critical. There are disreputable sources on the Internet which try to sell Hoodia products that have ineffective amounts of Hoodia gordonii. Some of these even use toxic substances to increase their bulk. It is important for anyone seeking Hoodia diet supplements to use that the products come from a trusted source.

While hard evidence for the effectiveness of a Hoodia diet is rare, each person is different. There are such few side effects from taking Hoodia that adding it to healthy eating and exercise could easily help one to shed pounds faster.

For more information on losing weight, visit http://www.diethoodia.com.