Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Hoodia Diet Max

Very few natural weight loss supplements have received as much hype as hoodia. Hoodia gordonii, a plant native only to the Kalahari Deserts near and in South Africa has been used for centuries as an appetite suppressant by Bushmen preparing themselves for long desert journeys. Pharmacy giant Phytopharm has isolated the key ingredient to the plant's effectiveness, P57.  As a result, manufacturers from all over the world are jumping on the hoodia bandwagon, as claims of effectiveness rise and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey tout the products powers. 
However, one should be wary of certain products, particularly those who use the whole plant.

Why So Much Fraud?

Hoodia is very expensive to manufacture and distribute. It is a rare plant and requires a special permit to be harvested. In addition, a percentage is automatically given to the Sans Tribe, those who introduced the product to the world. 

It takes two to seven years to cultivate a mature plant and plants grown outside of South Africa have proven ineffective. But that hasn't stopped manufacturers from making profits from empty promises.

The Poster Child Of Offenders

Hoodia Diet Max, a supplement widely available on the internet including distribution giant Amazon.com, is one of the best examples of fraud against dieters. Hoodia Diet Max uses all the main scams in its product. 

Hoodia Diet Max offers little pure hoodia. Instead the label says that it contains more fillers than hoodia. For instance, one such filler is Gaurana Seed. This comes in at a hefty 100mg whereas pure hoodia measures out at a measly 25mg. The most laughable claim is that this 25mg is equal to 500mg of whole plant hoodia. Technically, this is probably true, but what the manufacturer fails to mention is that it is only the heart of the plant that produces the necessary ingredient, P57. Roots, which make up the majority of the plant, contain none of the key ingredient nor do skin and spines. It is no wonder Hoodia Diet Max can be priced at a paltry $16.00.

You Get What You Pay For

Hoodia Diet Max is a bogus attempt to part the consumer from his hard earned dollars. While the price appears attractive, the product is inferior. In order to be assured the product is genuine, one must be sure of several things. 

First of all, be sure what you buy is 100% hoodia. This will be much more costly, but gives the most bang for the buck. Also, be sure that the product is one hundred percent South African hoodia. Finally, avoid products that contain whole plants and fillers. Some consumers have shown that it takes as much as 3000mg of hoodia to work. If one takes Hoodia Diet Max, it won't be long before it's time for a refill. Then another, and another...You get the picture.