This year's biggest star appears to be Hoodia Gordonii. By now you have seen Hoodia on the news, read about Hoodia in popular magazines and more-then-likely have been reading up on Hoodia.

But exactly what is Hoodia and why all the hoopla?

Hoodia, although not actually a cactus, is part of the cactus like family, the succlents. Hoodia in the wild, is found in the arid, southwestern part of Africa and grows from only 2-3 feet tall. It has prickly spikes which must be scraped off to reveal the inner flesh. Hoodia or Xhoba, as it is called by the San people, contains a molecule called P57 that actually tricks the brain into believing that you are full.

Originally used by the San People to help quench thirst and stave off hunger during lean times and food gathering trips, Hoodia now is being used by thousands worldwide to help control their weight by reducing hunger and cravings.

So why is Hoodia so different from previous weight control products?

Other then suppressing hunger, Hoodia currently has no other known side effects. No racing heart, no nausea, no diarrhea, no keeping you up late at night.

Many Hoodia users find that they consume an average of 1,000 calories less per day. That's an average daily calorie savings of 50%. With a pound of fat being 3,500 calories you can see that it only takes approximately 30 days to lose 10 pounds.

No counting carbs, calories or purchasing special foods. You eat the foods you like, only less of them.

Hoodia, is relatively inexpensive. Unlike previous products, Hoodia is affordable.

Hoodia comes in several forms. There are pills, liquids, Coffee with Hoodia, Tea with Hoodia, chewy candy-like products and the list goes on. There is a Hoodia product to fit everyone's personality.

Are all Hoodia products alike? Absolutely not! Absolutely not! Absolutely not! I can't stress that enough.

Here is what you should look for in your Hoodia product.

The Hoodia plant has many cousins, which although can be called Hoodia they do not have the appetite suppressant power of Hoodia Gordonii. Only choose a Hoodia product that is made from Hoodia Gordonii.

Hoodia is now farmed in other areas of the world like China or Mexico. Only South African Hoodia Gordonii is premium Hoodia Gordonii.

Read your product label. Does your Hoodia product contain binders and fillers? If so, you are paying for added ingredients and are getting less Hoodia.

For maximum benefits you should be taking between 1,000 mgs - 3,000 mgs of Hoodia daily (1-3 grams). Check your product label to see how much Hoodia is in your product. If it's only 300 mgs per capsule you will need approximately 10 capsules per day for its full effect. If you choose a capsule, liquid or tea product that has 1,000 mgs per serving you will only need 3 servings per day. Although this product may appear on the surface to be more expensive it is actually less expensive per day.

Most people will feel Hoodia's appetite suppressant qualities the first day but it may take 3-5 days to feel the maximum effect, so give your product time to work.

In closing remember to choose a product that is pure South African Hoodia Gordonii, with no binders or fillers and take 1-3 grams per day for maximum effect. And always check first with your physician or health care practitioner before taking Hoodia or any appetite suppressant product as you may have an underlying health condition or prescription medication that would prohibit its use. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Follow the product label instructions and don't use more then the recommended dosage. Also know that Hoodia products have not been evaluated by the FDA and therefore they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Since Hoodia can drastically curb your appetite be sure to use your calories wisely. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, drink plenty of water and take a good vitamin-mineral product.

As a Hoodia fan, so far I have lost 28 pounds without being hungry or feeling deprived. For me, Hoodia is a weightloss breakthrough.