| Why is Hoodia Still Popular? |
| Written by Caitlin Ryan | |||
| Thursday, 05 November 2009 14:01 | |||
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It seems like there is always a new supplement in the weight loss industry. Years ago, ephedra was the most popular appetite suppressant, but since its ban after some deaths were linked to its use, the weight loss industry has developed numerous formulas using natural appetite suppressants. Some were simply ineffective, but hoodia remains a popular weight loss aid. Why does hoodia work so well?
It seems like there is always a new supplement in the weight loss industry. Years ago, ephedra was the most popular appetite suppressant, but since its ban after some deaths were linked to its use, the weight loss industry has developed numerous formulas using natural appetite suppressants. Some were simply ineffective, but hoodia remains a popular weight loss aid. Why does hoodia work so well? Used for centuries by native hunters in South Africa, hoodia is a cactus. The hunters chewed on the stems of this cactus while out on lengthy hunts in sparse vegetation. Hoodia seemed to stave off their hunger, which lead researchers to explore the use of hoodia as an appetite suppressant. It was found that hoodia contains a component called p57, which resembles glucose in the body. You feel hungry when blood glucose is low and a signal is sent by the brain to the hypothalamus to trigger hunger. Of course, this is partially what makes dieting difficult; ignoring the hunger. Because our hunger is triggered by low blood glucose levels, p57 is capable of tricking the brain into thinking the blood glucose levels are fine and therefore, hunger is suppressed. For this reason, diabetics should not use hoodia as an appetite suppressant. However, hoodia seems to be a very popular appetite suppressant for those who have been consuming a typical Western diet. Why? Likely, the typical Western diet is probably why hoodia remains a popular appetite suppressant. Our diets are high in sugar ever since the introduction of so many refined carbohydrates. We moved away from whole grains for the ease of preparing processed foods. We grew accustomed to their sweet taste and lack of texture. We have also seen obesity rates go through the roof! The human body attempts to adapt to whatever you are feeding it. The response to increased amounts of sugar consumption has been altered blood glucose levels. Your brain responds to higher than normal levels and triggers hunger sooner than necessary. In other words, you become hungry before you need to eat. Worst of all, you crave more sugar. This is why hoodia remains a popular appetites suppressant in today's world. Think about what ditching the refined carbohydrates would do for your weight loss efforts. All of those empty calories, burned up quickly and converted to fat would be off the menu. In their place could be more healthful choices that promote weight loss. If hoodia can help you achieve that difficult feat, then I can see why it remains a popular appetite suppressant. Hoodia is still popular because it is a relatively harmless weight loss product, yet it tackles one of our biggest Western pitfalls in the path towards healthy weight loss. Make sure you purchase 100% pure hoodia supplements. About the Author:
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