Will Hoodia Be Banned?
Hoodia gordonii is a popular weight loss supplement that has helped many people control their appetite and lose weight. Unfortunately, it is at risk of being banned by the FDA. Is it unsafe? Are we facing another ban such as the ban with ephedra?
Ephedra was banned after its use was connected with the deaths of some young women who habitually used the product. The strong stimulant appetite suppressant caused cardiac complications.
Will the weight loss industry see another loss? If they do, it will not have much to do with safety. In fact, it has far more to do with greed and the popularity of hoodia. Rather than acting as a strong stimulant to control appetite, hoodia works more safely. Hoodia makes the brain believe glucose levels are normal, and since low blood glucose is the cause of the hunger sensation, hunger is not triggered.
Unless you are diabetic, this effect usually helps you surpass an appetite that became out of control over the years. Diabetics need to monitor their blood glucose levels, so hoodia is not advised for diabetic patients. Hoodia is rather innocuous for the rest of us. In fact, some proponents of stimulant type appetite suppressants feel hoodia is too mild.
So, if hoodia is relatively safe and effective, why would the FDA be considering a ban? The problem is with a segment of the weight loss industry that are selling fake hoodia or tricking consumers into signing up for an auto-shipment program.
Why do companies do this? Hoodia is a very popular supplement, so why do not companies just sell pure hoodia supplements legitimately? It has to do with the cost of pure hoodia and the ability to obtain it coupled with the company’s quest to low-ball their competitors.
Low-balling is an age-old revenue tactic that does not really need explanation, but the cost of pure hoodia and its scarcity is a bit more interesting. Hoodia gordonii is a cactus that grows in South Africa. It takes 3 years for the hoodia plants to mature, and they are very difficult to cultivate outside their natural climate. They are subject to fungus infections. They are not very pleasant to grow either because the scent of their blossoms is akin to rotting flesh. This scent draws flies for necessary pollination.
The scarcity versus popular demand lead to black market trade. Eventually, the South African government stepped in to preserve the species and lessen illegal trade. They made it necessary for companies to obtain a C.I.T.E.S. certification in order to legally buy hoodia from South Africa.
Because of this, legitimate hoodia supplements are rather pricey. If hoodia supplements are cheap, chances are they contain a minuscule amount of hoodia, which is not effective in controlling hunger. Pure hoodia is an effective weight loss supplement, but you cannot purchase cheap hoodia and expect the same results.
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