Diet Supplement Blog

Belonging to a flowering plant family, Apocynaceae, Hoodia is one of the 13 species in the family. Often it is mistaken for a cactus because it looks like a cactus but actually it is a stem succulent. It reaches to a meter in height and has large flowers. Its flower has a tan color and has strong smell. They are naturally found in the Namib Desert of Africa spread across the Central Namibia to the southern Angola. Hoodia gordonii, one of the 13 species of Hoodia has been investigated for its use by local inhabitants as an appetite suppressant. Since then Hoodia oodia has been marketed extensively as a weight loss product across the world. The originators of this knowledge are the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. The plant is harvested after it begins to flower which takes five years. The San Bushmen have been using the plant for centuries for various purposes such as indigestion and for the treatment of small infections besides being taken for long hunting trips as an appetite suppressant. 

The use of Hoodia gordonii by San Bushmen was noted by a Dutch anthropologist. The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) commenced studies on the plant in 1977. It was successful in isolating a steroidal glycoside, the principal ingredient responsible for suppressing appetite. This ingredient was named P57. The patent for this discovery was obtained in 1996. CSIR formally recognized the San Bushmen as the originators of the knowledge only in 2002 when this non-recognition issue was raised. This made the San people eligible for getting a share in the royalties from the sales of Hoodia and any other products based on this knowledge. In 1995 Phytopharm received the license for P57 from CSIR. The company spent about $20 million for carrying out research on hoodia. P57 was sub-licensed In 1998 Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to Pfizer for $21 million but returned the rights back to Phytopharm who is collaborating with Unilever.

Hoodia created a sensation when BBC reported on it in 2003 followed by 60 Minutes in 2004. Many products claiming to be Hoodia products began to be marketed. They are marketed in different forms such as capsules, tablets, liquid tinctures, coffee and infusions, syrups, protein shakes and even diet fruit bars. There are products such as Hoodia Supreme who claims pure Hoodia as its ingredient. 74

Recognizing that Hoodia is threatened because of the indiscriminate trade from Africa, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) listed it under its Appendix II identifying it as a plant that should be brought under strict regulation. This certification also is proof of its genuineness.

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Losing weight painlessly and easily is something every over weight person dreams of. People are on the look out for any natural products that can suppress appetite or simply burn away excess fat. Hoodia gordonii has become popular worldwide as a weight lose herb. It is considered as an appetite suppressant dietary supplement.

The cultural and religious life of the African people abounds in traditional remedies. For instance, over 156 medicinal plant species are reported to be used in gynecological complaints. When corporations or other commercial initiatives takes freely the traditional knowledge without the consent of the owners of the knowledge and commercializes them into a product, it is called ‘biopiracy’. The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) developed and subsequently patented Hoodia. CSIR sold the exclusive right to a British Company. After the issue of biopiracy was raised, a small percentage of the royalties was transferred to the trust on behalf of the San people. There is a proliferation of Hoodia products in the market such as Hoodia Pure, Dex L10 Hoodia , HoodiThin Liquid and many more.

The indigenous peoples inhabit a habitat for generations and centuries interacting intensely with nature. They depend on nature for their livelihood as well for survival that they revere nature as the provider of life. From these interactions and observations, they learn about the characteristics of various species and possible uses. These are then verified through repeated experimentation or from repeated similar experiences. This knowledge is then transmitted onward to the next generation. The knowledge covers all aspects of life and living including crops, food, human and animal health and even beauty care.

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All sections in the affluent nations and the affluent sections in the poorer countries have a major health problem of obesity and overweight. This is now recognized as a lifestyle problem with the sedentary nature of work and life as well as the change in the kind of food that are consumed. Processed food has been systematically replacing fresh food in the departmental stores and the supermarkets. It is of course easier to prepare processed food and suits very well the hectic life in the cities.

The major cause of overweight is the consumption of beverages and fast food or junk food as they are called. This is now a well recognized fact. Alongside, the weight loss market is flourishing. A number of solutions have been propounded such as diet food, diet restructuring, medication, herbal appetite suppressant and surgeries. There are many publications and e-books on reducing belly fat and burn away the fat quickly replacing with muscles.

Modern technologies and techniques are used by the processing industry to process the fresh food so that they remain fresh for a longer time and the shelf life is increased. Bacterial infection of the food is also minimized. The techniques commonly used include separation of various components, pasteurization, salting, autoclaving, cooling and drying. These are made available on the shelves in the stores and they require hardly any further preparation or are easy to prepare before they are consumed.

Separation techniques such as centrifugation, pressing and milling are used to extract juices, flour, oils etc as well as minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins. These processes modify the nutrient content of the food. Phytochemicals, vitamins and other substances are often lost when food is heated. The nutritional value of the food is modified and lowered. The need to enrich the processed food with additional important nutrient arises as a result. The processed food is inferior in terms of nutrient value when compared to the fresh wholesome food. Fresh foods have more sodium, GI starches, fiber, potassium, unoxidized essential fatty acids and vitamins. Harmful substances such as oxidized fats and trans fatty acids are often found in processed food.

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A very important health hazard that the world faces today is from obesity and overweight. The overweight population is prone to a variety of health problems such as cholesterol, heart problems, diabetes and high blood pressure. High calorie intake combined with low physical activity is considered as the most common cause of obesity. Obesity and overweight are most common in the rich countries of the world as well as the affluent class in the developing world. It is seen that the poorer sections in the affluent countries too are afflicted with this condition. This fact, amongst others, indicates that the problem is actually a lifestyle problem. The low physical activity and the kind of food that are consumed together cause the problem.

The food that is available and consumed in urban areas have undergone rapid change. Processed food has come to replace fresh food. They have become associated with the urban lifestyle. Processed food is moreover in tune with the busy urban life. Some of them are ready to eat while others need very little preparation. The processed food is cheaper, available and easily accessible. They have also come to be called junk food or fast food. Generally, they are rich in sugar and fat, and also contain additives. While the affluent sections in richer countries eat both high calorie food as well as processed food, the poorer sections consume more of the processed food which is low in nutrition but high in calories. The affluent in the poorer countries also consumes high calorie food as also increasingly the processed food. Combined with sedentary life style precipitates accumulation of fat. Obesity, however, is also known to be caused by eating and genetic disorder.

Increasing number of obese population has also led to the expanding market for weight loss program. The market is abuzz with newer and newer products and programs guaranteeing effective weight loss. But all this can be quite confusing to someone on the look out for effective weight loss program. It will help if you are able to assess the cause of your problem, may be from a specialist, and about the weight loss products and programs. The World Wide Web is indeed a major source for information. There are many books that give you information both on the weight loss programs as well as on the problems of obesity as Lose Your Belly Fat, GI Diet and HCG Diet Guide.

But in the long term it is necessary to make changes to the lifestyle. People are becoming more health conscious. Already the market for organically cultivated food is increasing. The ill effects of fast food are well known. Consumer tastes are swinging towards more nutritious food.

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Over weight and obesity has come to occupy a top slot amongst major threats to health. On the other hand, standard of living has gone up. The Physical Quality of Life Index too is on the upward march. Technological and scientific advancement and their application in our daily lives have contributed to these changes. Quite paradoxically, obesity and overweight have come along with it to occupy our fears. We are threatened with diseases caused due to overweight. They are also life threatening. As a result there is a booming market for weight loss products. Obesity and weight loss has become a specific field of expertise. For most, the well shaped models and bodybuilders become the ideal that are sought after. They become the ideal figure that one seeks out to be. there is a strong urge to find ways of achieving this ideal.

Many have tried out many of these weight loss programs. It is disappointing for them when they notice that they have managed to lose only a little of their excess fat. They have not been able to lose weight significantly. This is a cause of worry for them. But rather than be a cause of worry, they should actually be celebrating. It is now proved that small weight loss is indeed good for significant improvement in health. It is estimated that even a 10 percent loss of weight over a period of a year contributes to significant improvement in health. The task is to ensure that this small weight loss continues for many more years if not the whole life time. This is not a difficult task. Just stick to low calorie and low fat food. Exercise a lot and keep monitoring weight loss.

There are a number of weight loss programs in the market which combines physical exercise with low calorie diet. You will be able to get to know what Brad Pilon, an expert on weight loss has to say in the Eat Stop Eat review. His program promises losing fat and building muscles.

Maintaining long-term weight loss is possible and desirable. There are enough evidence to show that long term weight loss maintenance contributes to better health and lower risk. The point is to maintain weight loss for about two to five years and then you are likely to make it through for a longer time maintaining the same weight. All you need to do then is to continue to adhere to the diet and exercise, along with low levels of stress.

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Losing weight by a combination of healthy diet and weight loss workouts that are easy to do is just the right thing for the overweight and the obese. Overweight and weight loss are subjects that are popular with the well known magazines. A beautiful model or a muscular actor reminisces through these pages how she or he has become what they are with the use of some weight loss workouts or some diet program. Their well groomed shapely bodies are but the result of these great diet recipes and weight loss programs. There are regular features and updates on obesity and weight loss programs. The magazines feature health drinks, weight loss pills, capsules, syrups, weight loss supplements, shakes and many other recipes. Their contribution to weight loss is explained. Websites explain these programs. It is no wonder that these subjects take up so much space. After all obesity has become an epidemic

You may think that weight loss is best achieved by going on a starvation diet. You cannot be more wrong. When you drastically reduce your food intake, the natural survival mechanism of the body begins to operate. Rather than burn away your excess fat, the metabolic rate falls down instead. A calorie intake of 1800 calories is required for the body. If it goes below 1200 calories, then the body reacts negatively. It is better to maintain the normal calorie level, but go for more balanced diets combined with exercise.

Many wonder recipes are touted as the ideal for reducing weight fast. Claims that are difficult to believe about the efficacy of various recipes are made in the market. Fat loss supplements are having good business in the weight loss market. You will first have to check whether the claims are true. You should also check whether there are any side effects that may be harmful. Fat Loss Revealed will give detailed account on these exaggerated and often false claims.

You will be enticed by many health fads and assured quick fat loss programs in the market. The claims can be impressive. It may seem to be just the perfect one that you have been waiting for all along. Do not get carried away by them. Any weight loss program that assures you instant weight loss is anyway not the right choice. Such dramatic weight loss can be harmful. A weight loss program that offers you a slow and steady weight loss which you will be able to maintain life long offer you better prospects for a healthy life.

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Ever checked out why obesity has become a leading global health concern? All you need to do is to have a reality check on the life around you. No longer is food cultivated in your locality. You choose from what you find in the shelf in the store. They already are ready to eat food or semi processed. This suit you very well as you are hard up for time. Most of the work at home such as food preparation, cooking, laundry, washing and cleaning are automated or use various gadgets. You prefer to go up or down the stairs using the lift rather than walk it up. You depend on a transport even for traveling short distances. There is hardly any walking in your life.

The food that we take converts itself into fat and accumulates in our body. There is hardly any physical activity all through the day. No wonder that fat keeps on accumulating even when we take to moderate eating. But then we also get easily tired and sick. No wonder we have to find our self some time for physical workout. Often we have to rely on fitness centers. We are also afraid whether the fat that has accumulated will make us prone to various kinds of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. We worry a lot and add to the stress.

It is a relief to know that there are many Ways to lose weight. Warp Speed Fat Loss system is a diet that promises to reduce weight. There are many more weight loss programs. These can be looked into in the Internet.

Check your food habits. Are you taking what ought to be taken? Are you taking what should not be taken? The metabolic rates are not the same for all of us. The work we do, the way we live and the surroundings in which we live will vary from one person to another. Our body requirements may vary. So too what we consume also varies. It is better that each person analyze all these as you are the best judge to decide what is best for you. It is said that a starvation diet could do a lot. You may even lose weight. But this could lead to other problems. Or your weight begins to increase later. Physical exercise and physical fitness programs too are varied. You will have to decide what you need.

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Ever wondered why people in villages are not putting on weight like those in the cities? They are up early morning. There are many things that have got to be done around the house such as going to the fields and tending to the crops, taking care of the cattle, carrying farm equipments, doing bits of maintenance work of the field and house. All through the day there are a variety of job to be done. It requires a lot of physical movements, carrying weights, bending, stretching and exerting strength. All through the day the calories are burnt. Then there is the quiet rest to recoup. Food is from the home grown vegetable garden or from the local market. Life is indeed a variety of mental and physical activities.

The people in the cities too lead a hectic life. They are up early in the morning. Numerous home appliances take care of the work related to preparation of food to cooking to household chores, which otherwise were to be done manually. Movement are assisted mechanically, be it a lift or vehicle. There is hardly any walking to be done. All around us there are innumerable devices that reduce, if not eliminates, manual or physical labor. But yet life is stressed. Quite often one has to be satisfied with the junk food. There is hardly any time to do any physical exercise. Our diet is also not as healthy as it should be.

There are many diet programs that experts have formulated to make it easy for us to stay fit despite our chaotic and unhealthy lifestyle. Some prescribe what we should eat, how much and when. But then these are hard to follow every day. There are some diets that do not insist on strict diet. Jon Benson’s Every Other Day Diet is one such where we have to eat healthy food one day and the next day eats anything we like and yet stay healthy and lose weight.

We still carry on with life the way we are used to in the way we are. But a modification that can be incorporated effortlessly is just simply too good especially when we still get to lose weight and stay healthy.

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Hoodia Gordonii, one of the hoodia species, has been reported to be traditionally used by the San Bushmen. They use the plant, amongst other things, to suppress hunger. The San Bushmen consume Hoodia when they are on long hunting trips that takes them into the Kalahari desert where food is sparse. The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) isolated the active ingredient and gave it a name, P57. CSIR patented P57 in 1996. With CSIR officially recognizing the San people as the source of this knowledge in 2002, the San Bushmen have become eligible to get a share in the profit from the marketing of Hoodia.

Obesity is a modern day problem. It was almost unknown in ancient times. It is estimated by World Health Organization (WHO) that there are some 400 million adults who are afflicted with obesity. Obesity has become a major public health issue that WHO declared it to be a global epidemic. A sedentary life and bad food habits mostly cause obesity though it is simply preventable in most cases. However, mental illness and often genetic cause too can lead to obesity.  Obesity can be checked in many ways. There is the weight loss program that one takes up to lose excess weight. Diet supplement and medication too are available in the market. There is also a surgical procedure for obesity.

Hoodia Gordonii grows 1 meter high. It is a flowering plant. Khoba, Xhooba and Ghaap are the local names given to it. Hoodia is found to grow naturally in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. Hoodia is available in the form of capsules, tablets, syrup and drinks. There are a number of hoodia drinks such as the Hoodia Gordonii Shake Mix which contains 16 vitamins and minerals besides protein and fat. This is to be taken with milk or water.

The increasing market for Hoodia Gordonii led to its being indiscriminately collected and traded. This led to a situation where the plant might have to be listed as an endangered species if its collection and trade are not strictly regulated and controlled. As required under such a situation, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listed the plant in its list. All export of Hoodia Gordonii from Africa requires CITES certification. It also means that all certified exports are genuine Hoodia Gordonii.

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BBC reported on Hoodia Gordonii plant in 2003. Later 60 Minutes too reporting on this plant in 2004. The plant provoked instant excitement across the world. Until then Hoodia Gordonii was an unknown entity. The exciting news was that consumption of Hoodia could suppress or reduce appetite. This was good news for the obese and those who are desperate to loss weight. Hoodia Gordonii is one amongst the 13 species of Hoodia. It is found in Africa. Hoodia Gordonii is found to be naturally occurring in the Sub-Saharan countries of Namibia and South Africa.

Obesity is a condition where excess body fat accumulates in the body. It affects the health of the person. Whether a person is obese or not is determined by body mass index (BMI). It compares weight with height. When a person has a BMI between 25 kg/m² and 30 kg/m² then the person is considered to be over-weight. If the BMI is over 30 kg/m² then the person is said to be obese. Diseases such as heart disease, breathing difficulties, osteoarthritis and certain types of cancer are associated with obesity. Obesity is normally caused due to excessive calorie intake or overeating, and lack of physical activity. However, sometimes genetic causes or psychiatric illness can also be the cause of obesity.

Many food supplements with Hoodia Gorodonii as one of its ingredients are marketed. They are in many forms such as syrups, protein shakes, capsules, infusions, tea, liquid tinctures, coffee, and tablets. With the rise of popularity of Hoodia, a number of products are in the market with Hoodia Gordonii as one of its constituent. So far there are no side effects reported yet with its use. Hoodia is still sourced from Sub-Saharan African countries. Many of the products used liquid hoodia as its ingredient as the Hoodia Shake by Desert Burn Industries.

Physical exercise and dieting can make a dent to overweight. Appetite reducing anti-obesity drugs are available in the market. A number of weight loss programs are also available to choose from. However, a good result can be achieved only when one makes the necessary changes in life style and strictly follow the practices that were decided upon. A major public health problem is obesity though preventable. This is now official. The sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food habits and lack of physical activities are issues that are required to be addressed.

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