What's the big deal? Is green tea with Hoodia better than Hoodia alone? Is it a magical combination for weight loss? Here's a brief review of the benefits of each:

#1 Appetite Suppressing Hoodia

Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus of the "succulent" cactus family, which has grown for thousands of years in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa. It's been used for years by the San people of southern Africa as a natural appetite suppressant during their long hunting trips for generations.

When it's appetite-suppressing effects become known several years back, Hoodia practically became the #1 natural diet pill overnight. It was shown in studies to help reduce calorie intake by approximately 1000 calories per day.

How does it work?

Normally when you eat, the glucose in your body rises and eventually signals to your brain (the hypothalamus) that you are full. Hoodia Gordonii mimics the effect that glucose has on your brain, telling the hypothalamus (which is responsible for hunger and fullness feelings) that you feel full. Consequently you have no desire to eat.

It has been reported that Hoodia is actually 10,000 times stronger than glucose at signalling your hypothalamus to stop eating.

#2 Metabolism Boosting Green Tea

Sipping green tea can have several weight loss benefits. For one, it has been proven to boost your metabolism. A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost').

The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols in the tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

Green tea also inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation. Experts tell us that the catechins in the tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells.

It may also act as a glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.

Given their benefits, it's no surprise that manufacturers often add green tea to their Hoodia capsules.

It is important to note however that even though green tea can be a powerful boost to your weight loss plan, it does contain caffeine. So if you find that caffeine makes you jittery or gives you other problems, you should steer clear of any Hoodia product that contains green tea. You might be better off to stick with a product that contains Hoodia only.

Bottom line? On their own, Hoodia and green tea are both great tools to help you lose weight. One helps you regulate your appetite, the other helps to boost your metabolism and aid in blood sugar regulation. Together, they can be a powerful fat-burning combination.

As with everything, make sure you consult your health care practitioner before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.