There have always been new miracle diet supplements that seem to come into favor and disappear as quickly, usually under a cloud of suspicion that they have very bad side effects. Hoodia gordonii 500 is one of the newest in weight loss supplements to show up and so far, proves to be one of the most dependable and safe for achieving permanent weight loss.

Hoodia is only found in the deserts of South Africa and has been used for centuries by the San Bushmen who used it to suppress their appetite and thirst before they headed into the desert. The bushmen claim that the hoodia not only keeps their appetite and thirst in check but that it also gives them higher energy levels.

Hoodia is also called xhooba, khoba, ghaap, and hoodia cactus (though technically the plant is a succulent not a cactus). There are over 20 varieties of hoodia but the only one shown to help decrease appetite is hoodia gordonii. The supplements made from hoodia can vary greatly in their strength, they can start at 250 mg and go all the way up to 1,000 mg though 500 mg seems to be the popular choice since it isn't too strong or too weak... it's just right!

Tip: Use low-calorie versions of the food that you eat and that should help you in losing weight. Some individuals give up on their diet, feeling too hungry and wanting specific foods.

Hoodia has been featured on many news programs such as the BBC and 60 Minutes, it has been proven to be very effective for many people so it's not a scam.

The compound in hoodia that is thought to be the 'magic bullet' of appetite suppressant is called P57 and is only found in the core of the plant, not in the skin or roots. For this reason it's important to know what part of the plant the hoodia comes from when purchasing a supplement. The actual amount of P57 is considerably less in supplements that use the whole plant than in those that only use the core, therefore the price (and effectiveness) will also be less.

Tip: Try to refrain from eating before you go to sleep at night. Do not eat right before going to bed: you will not burn any of these calories and they will be stored as fat.

When purchasing hoodia look for a certification seal on the label stating that it is 100% pure hoodia. There are many unscrupulous vendors out there who will charge a premium for an inferior product, you have to do your homework. Check the label carefully before you buy.

Hoodia is renowned for it's lack of serious side effects, though as always, the longer it's in use the more things that may show up. Since it's been used by the bushmen for centuries it would seem that it is safe, but remember the bushmen don't have the same diet as we do and they don't take it everyday or mix it with other supplements.

Tip: A protein shake can be a good way to appease hunger between meals. Adding a small amount of protein powder into your drink will keep your hunger controlled, and you will not feel guilty about it.

The one potential risk you do have to be on the lookout for is not eating or drinking enough to keep your body healthy and functioning properly. This appetite suppressant can also suppress your thirst so you have to remember to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.

If you feel like you could use a little help with your diet and exercise program, hoodia gordonii may be just the thing. When it comes to choosing the best dosage, many people opt to start in the middle, with hoodia gordonii 500 since they don't want their appetite suppressant to be too powerful. Start there and see if it works best for you, and good luck with your diet program.