Like all supplements, however, hoodia diet pills are not regulated. Companies can make virtually any claims about their products so it is very important to be informed and to know what to look for when you are ready to buy hoodia.

Not all hoodia supplements are the same. In order for them to be an effective appetite suppressant, you need to buy hoodia diet pills that contain authentic hoodia gordonii. There are a lot of scams on the Internet with most of the products containing very little hoodia gordonii - if any at all. Here are ten things to look for so that you don't get scammed.

Independent Lab Testing

Reputable companies will allow for ongoing random and anonymous testing of their supplements by an independent lab. They will also provide documentation of their lab test results on their websites. If you can't find any evidence of lab testing, then that's a red flag. You should research the company further before making a purchase of their products.

Contain Only Hoodia Gordonii

Look for hoodia diet pills that contain 100% authentic hoodia gordonii. Read the labels carefully and avoid products that have unnecessary fillers, additives, or stimulants.

Look For the Word None

When you are looking to buy hoodia supplements, none, is an important word. Look carefully at the label when comparing hoodia products and pay close attention to the "other ingredients." The best hoodia weight loss diet pills will have no other ingredients listed. You should only see the word, none.

Origin of the Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii has grown wild in the Kalahari Desert for centuries and it is the most potent hoodia harvested. If it comes from any other place, chances are you are not getting authentic hoodia gordonii.

Know Your Hoodia Varieties

Hoodia is a cactus-like plant, known technically as a succulent, and there are 13 varieties. Only the hoodia gordonii variety has the appetite suppressant qualities. None of the other varieties have an effect on appetite. Do not buy hoodia supplements with any other variety.

How the Hoodia is Processed

Only the peeled stem of the hoodia plant contains the active ingredient, P57, responsible for suppressing appetite. The best diet pills will contain only the biologically active part of the plant, with no fillers or the inactive stems, flowers, and roots. Look for companies whose products only use the peeled stem.

Potency of the Hoodia Used

In order to reach maximum potency, this treasured succulent must be carefully cultivated for at least 3 1/2 years. Immature plants will not be as potent. Try to find out how long the plant is cultivated before it is harvested and processed. Only the best companies will provide details on how their hoodia is cultivated and processed.

Avoid Cheap Hoodia Diet Pills

Authentic hoodia gordonii is scarce because there is a limited supply and a very high demand for it. A kilo of the hoodia plant costs well over $250 compared to just $18 a kilo just a few years ago. It is very expensive and continues to go up in price.

Genuine hoodia gordonii diet pills average around $60 per bottle so if the deal sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. It goes without saying to avoid any company that offers free trials. It is just too expensive to give away for free.

Look for CITES Certificates

A valid CITES certificate is legally required for companies who wish to export hoodia gordonii from South Africa. Only a handful of companies have these certificates. Those that do will display them on their websites. If you can't find a certificate or if you can't clearly read the certificate online (fakes are easy to spot as they are usually blurred), then they don't use authentic hoodia gordonii in their products.

Be Cautious of Consumer Advocate Websites

When you buy hoodia online you'll see numerous websites that proclaim to be "independent hoodia researchers" or "hoodia experts." Most of these sites are often set up with the sole purpose of selling their own products. They'll provide detailed reviews and "research" on all the various hoodia diet pills on the market and then will conveniently recommend their own products.

By following these ten simple tips, you'll be assured to find a hoodia diet pill that works!